Body of writer who jumped into Periyar found in Aluva

THRISSUR: The body of a writer who jumped into the Periyar River from the Manappuram footbridge in Aluva has been recovered. The deceased has been identified as Shankara Panicker Thulasidas (59), a writer, publisher, and media advertising agency owner from Poothole, Thrissur.

The body was found on Sunday morning near Kunjunnikkara Kadavu, following a joint search operation by the police and fire force. Police had received information on Saturday night around 7 p.m. that a man had jumped into the river.

Thulasidas wrote under the pen name 'Shapath.' He ran a publishing house named Barn Owl Books and a media advertising agency called Mega Makers. Most of his more than 30 spiritual works were published through his own publishing group.

In November last year, all 31 of his books, including 11 novels, 14 short story collections, one play, and three collections of personal reflections, were released together. Originally from Changanassery, Thulasidas had settled in Thrissur. Father: P. P. Shankara Panicker, mother: P. V. Padmini Amma, wife: Ajitha, children: Shishirdas and Shivani Das.

Some of his notable works are Dad Is God, Chumaram Chithravum Thirichu Edukkunna Daivam, Vann Mathilinullil Daivam Shaapam Vithakkumbol, Sumangaliyodu Onnu Chodikkanam Daivathodum, Daivathinte School, Maranabhayam Nashtappetta Daivaputhran, Daivathinte Thapalpetti, Kadaldaivathinte Kannu, Daivajagratha, and Daivam Snehamulla Kolayali.