Padmashri P Narayana Kurup, doyen of Malayalam poetry and criticism, passes away at 92

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Celebrated Malayalam poet, literary critic, and Padma Shri recipient P. Narayana Kurup passed away at his residence in Indira Nagar, Peroorkada, due to age-related ailments. He was 92.

The funeral is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 21, at 3:30 PM at the Santhikavadam crematorium in Thycaud.

Born on September 5, 1934, in Haripad, Alappuzha district, Narayana Kurup pursued his higher education in English Literature, earning his Master’s degree alongside a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.). He began his professional journey as a teacher in 1956 before entering the Central Secretariat Service in 1957.

Over a distinguished career spanning decades, he served in various editorial and research capacities, notably as an Editor and Research Officer for both the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Kerala Bhasha Institute. His scholarly expertise was also sought after as a guest editor for the Vishwavijnanakosham and Sarvavijnanakosham encyclopedic institutes. He also served as the Vice President of Sanskar Bharati in Agra and spent many years heading the Thapasya Kala Sahitya Vedhi as its president.

In 2022, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian award, recognising his monumental contributions to literature. His vast body of work earned him almost every major literary honour in the state, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, the Odakkuzhal Award, the Vallathol Award, and the Kerala Panini Award.

Narayana Kurup leaves behind a rich and versatile bibliography that seamlessly bridged creative poetry and rigorous academic criticism.

• Notable Poetry Collections: Astramalyam, Hamsadhwani, Apoornathayude Soundaryam, Naranathu Kavitha, Kurumkavitha, Bhoopalam, Nishagandhi, Ammathottam, Samam Sangharsham, Shyamasundaram, and Aayarkulathile Venna.
• Celebrated Critical Works: Kaviyum Kavithayum, Vrittapadanam, Kavyabimbam, Bhashavrittapadanam, Thanathukavitha, Thanathunadakam, and Kavithayile Realism.

Bereaved family

He is survived by his wife, Vijayalakshmi, and three children:

• Dr. Vrinda Jayakumar (Retired Professor, D.B. College, Sasthamcotta)
• Viju Narayan (Deputy Director, Lok Sabha Secretariat)
• Vivek Narayan (Managing Editor, Network18)