TRIBUTE TO MT

From his solitary world, MT weaved images of rural life into his writing

"For me, the greatest thing is writing itself. Layering one word on top of another. And then another on top of that. That way, I write a sentence that is worth the effort. No wealth equals the joy a writer experiences at that moment." MT was a glorious chapter in the history of Malayalam literature. He steered a distinct literary advancement by conveying a world of experience he knew, experienced, and understood.

MT has said that his literary life began with the stories his mother and grandmother told him. "I was born and raised in a rural atmosphere. The images and archetypes of that rural life are what you see in my works. My roots are in my village,” he once said.

In his essay on the art of storytelling, titled 'Kathikane Panippurayil', he pictures the writer in his solitary world. "The writer, sitting in his small, solitary world, tries to create something. He makes mistakes. He tries again. He constantly strives to conquer the mirage of perfection, knowing full well that he will never achieve it."

MT, who aspired to be a poet in his youth and began writing poems, later nurtured his creative talent by writing short stories. His method of presenting the sorrows of the human heart resonated with the Malayali readers. MT wrote as a representative of northern Kerala during the post-independence era.

That was when the matrilineal joint family system had collapsed in Kerala, and a new economic structure, social order, and national socio-cultural consciousness had emerged. MT handled powerful themes like caste purity, aristocracy, nobility, and financial security, drawing stories from his surroundings and employing a style of language that incorporated the local flavour.

His characters were ordinary people, but their joys, sorrows, hopes, and disappointments were universal experiences. MT's works reflect a keen observation of life and a deep human atmosphere. MT used simple yet unique language to paint pictures and reveal emotions.

MT made significant contributions to Malayalam literature as a novelist, short story writer, screenwriter, and director. His novels played a crucial role in the renaissance of Malayalam literature and are considered milestones.

MT's works have received numerous awards, including the Jnanpith and Sahitya Akademi awards. His contributions are an invaluable treasure to Malayalam literature.