Kochi: Noted Malayalam poet S Ramesan, a prominent figure in the socio-political arena of the state and a campaigner of progressive movement, collapsed and died at his residence in Ernakulam district on Thursday morning. He was 69.

Ramesan was popular in the Malayalam literary world as an orator, poet and editor.

He worked as an additional private secretary in charge of Cultural Department between 1996 and 2001 under Cultural Affairs Minister T K Ramakrishnan.

He had also served as vice-president of Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham, board member of Sahithya Pravarthaka Co-Operative Society, Ernakulam Public Library president and Executive Committee member of Kerala State Library Council. He also served at the helm of 'Grandhalokam', a literary magazine of Kerala State Library Council.

Born on February 16, 1952 in Vaikom in Kottayam district, Ramesan began his poetic life during his childhood. He finished his schooling in St Joseph LP School and Govt Boys High School in Vaikom.

After completing Pre-degree at St Michael's College, Cherthala, he studied Bachelor of Arts and Masters at Maharaja's College in Ernakulam. He was selected as College Union chairman twice during the time. He had also finished Law degree from Govt Law College in Ernakulam.

'Shidhila Chitrangal', 'Mala Kayarunnavar', 'Enikkarodum Pakayilla', Asthi Shayya', 'Kalushitha Kalam' and 'Karutha Kurippukal' are some of his popular works. Ramesan had won many accolades including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Cherukad Award, Shakthi Award, A P Kalakkad Award, Muloor Award, Asan Memorial Poetry Prize and an award constituted by Federation of Kerala Associations in North America (Fokana).

Ramesan, who started his professional career as a Block Development Officer in Kerala State Service in 1981, retired from the service as Additional Development Commissioner in 2007. Before the stint, he had also worked in State Bank of Travancore (SBT). SBT was a subsidiary of the State Bank Group.

Condoling his death, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Ramesan's demise has caused great loss to the progressive, political and social arena of the state in general and the "Purogamana Kala Sahita Sangham" in particular.

He is survived by wife Dr T P Leela, daughters Dr Soumya Ramesh and Sandhya Ramesh.