Writer Variath Madhavankutty passes away aged 85 in Canada

THRISSUR: Palakkad Nallepilly native Variath Madhavankutty, a famed writer and translator, passed away on Saturday. He was 85. Madhavankutty breathed his last in Canada last morning following age-related illnesses.

Madhavankutty, a former banker in Kuwait, was in Canada enjoying his retirement. His oeuvre includes the translation of Kumaranasan's Chinthavishtayaya Sita (Sita's Musings), which he made into a book titled 'Pensive Sita'. He also translated the Bible (Old Testament) and Muhammad Gebara's ‘Muhammad the World Changer’. Madhavankutty was an avid reader, tennis player, traveller and music lover.

Madhavankutty was supposed to return to Kerala after four years on October 15. Writer Ashtamoorthi paid tributes, saying that Madhavankutty died while reading a book, exactly how the late writer wished to end his chapter.