In the Memoirs of MT translated by Gita Krishnankutty, MT reflected on the frivolity of celebrating birthdays. Ageing, a natural phenomenon didn’t need celebration according to MT. But we as readers look up to the luminary as a perennial fountain, the gentle Nila. Not only his birthday but even his passing, though leaving a void, must be commemorated. For the Malyalees, MT is nostalgia. The external reality of Valluvanad became readers internal reality. The geography of Valluvanad is distinct.  Bordering the chief districts of Kerala, it is a language in itself. It’s a landscape where stories are written. The characters tug the strings of our heart. Transcending the geographical, cultural and linguistic barriers: our struggles, existential crisis and longings of our heart are turned into characters, inked to life by MT. 

MT entered the Malayali literary scene when social realists like Basheer, Thakazhi and Pillai had established themselves as writers of change and impact. The shift began in the 1950s, when social realism turned into inner reality. OV Vijayan and MT were pioneers in bringing the cool breeze over fire  and fury channeled through the works of yesteryear’s social realists. Imbued with local color, Kaalam, The Demon Seed and such others welcomed the readers into the familiarity and monotony of human existence. The daily grind- spoken in the dialect of a common man- with its own trials and tribulations set the tone of his works. Kudallur, MT’s birthplace and the river Nila are strong motifs in the wide of array of works cementing his literary genius. 

The awestruck readers while turning the pages of Randamoozham translated as both Bhima and Second Turn, is his way of paying homage to his childhood roots where he grew up listening stories from epics and folk tales. The novel is the retelling of Mahabharata from the point of view of Bhima. MT’s world has brought the native readers closer to their roots and childhood home. The Jnanpith laureate’s richness in the pages of the novels were like the lush paddy fields. MT’s appreciation of the unfiltered and raw in his works was projected outside too. His conservation efforts have been widely recognised and so is his secular and inclusive vision. Like the bountiful Nila, his rich creative life is a source of inspiration for many. Not only his literary creations, but his contribution to the Malayalam film industry and journalism will nurture the generations to come. 

PIC COURTESY: FRONTLINE