Veteran orator P. Appukuttan Master passes away; leaders pay tribute to progressive icon of Payyannur

PAYYANNUR: P. Appukuttan Master (85), who stood tall behind the microphone in front of a packed stage and delivered progressive ideas in eloquent words, passed away. He had been undergoing treatment for a long time. He passed away at 9 am on Thursday at a private hospital in Payyannur.

Well-known as an excellent orator, he was the Secretary of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy, and General Secretary of the Progressive Arts & Literary Organisation. He was also a member of the Kerala Sahitya Academy and the Sangeetha Nataka Academy. He also served as the Secretary of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy for five years from 1996. There are seldom roads in North Malabar that Appukuttan Master has not crossed with his lectures and plays. He won the hearts of the audience with his clarity of ideas, purity of language and open approach. He also demonstrated his talent on the drama venue.

He was born on August 10, 1939, the son of Kannapothuval and A.P. Parvathy Amma in Karipat, Annur. He was educated at Annur U.P. School, Payyannur Govt Boys High School and Kannur Govt Training School. After SSLC, he completed his teacher training at Kannur Govt Training School. In 1959, he became a teacher at Vellora U.P. School. In 1962, he was appointed by PSC and joined Govt High School. After passing the Vidwan Exam, he was promoted to High School Teacher and became a language teacher at Kasaragod Govt High School.

He retired from Payyannur Govt Boys High School in March 1995. Wife: Late C.P. Vatsala. Children: C.P. Saritha, C.P. Sreeharshan (Chief Correspondent, Mathrubhumi Delhi), C.P. Priyadarshan (Gulf). Daughter-in-laws: Chittaranjan (Kerala Grameen Bank, Kudiyanmala), Sangeetha (Assistant Professor IIM Indore), Honey (Dubai). The funeral will be held at the Moorikoval crematorium at 11 am on Friday morning after a public viewing at the Annur Village Hall.

Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his condolences on the demise of P Appukuttan Master. He said that P Appukuttan's demise is a great loss to the progressive cultural community. P Appukuttan had a unique talent in approaching and analyzing literary works in an original way. He led the Progressive Arts and Literature Movement with excellent organizational skills. He paid special attention to taking the message of the PuKaSa to areas and sections of the population that had not been reached before.

The role he played in bringing the activities down to the village levels under the leadership of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy and the Library Association and in making them popular in a remarkable way cannot be forgotten. Appukuttan also became notable as a speaker and a theatre worker. He has authored many informative papers and works. The Chief Minister also clarified that they will play a great role in leading the society forward with revolutionary content in the future.

Assembly Speaker A. N. Shamseer said that the demise of P. Appukuttan Master is a great loss to the cultural scene of Kerala. P. Appukuttan Master's words were always thought-provoking. He constantly spoke against the evils in the society. He displayed deep knowledge in literature and art.

As the Secretary of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, he provided excellent support to artists. As the State General Secretary of the Progressive Arts and Literature Association, he spread progressive ideas. He was an artist with social commitment, the Speaker added.

Culture Minister Saji Cherian also expressed his condolences on the demise of P. Appukuttan Master. The Minister recalled that he was a colorful presence in the cultural field as a teacher, cultural activist, lecturer, literary critic, and theater activist. The Kerala Sahitya Akademi had honored him with an award for overall contribution. The Minister also said that he shares the pain of his relatives and friends.