VAIKOM MUHAMMAD BASHEER

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer (1908–1994) was born on January 21, 1908, in Thalayolaparambu in the Vaikom taluk. He received his early education at a Malayalam school in his village and later at the English school in Vaikom. He joined the Indian National Congress and actively participated in the Salt Satyagraha held in Kozhikode as part of the Indian independence movement. For this, he endured police brutality and was imprisoned. He spent nearly ten years travelling across India, and later journeyed to countries like Africa and Arabia.

Basheer is renowned for his literary works such as Balyakalasakhi, Pathummayude Aadu, and Ntuppuppakkoranendarnnu!, which have been translated and published in all major Indian languages. Other notable works include Mathilukal, Shabdangal, and Premalekhanam. A collection of 16 short stories, including Poovan Pazham, was published in English by Orient Longman. He was honored with fellowships from both the Sahitya Akademi and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri for his contributions to literature. Vaikom Muhammad Basheer passed away on July 5, 1994.