BHATTATHIRIPAD V T

V. T. Bhattathiripad (1896–1982) was born on March 26, 1896, in Vellithiruthithazhe Illam, Merathur village in the former Ponnani taluk. While still in school, he published a student magazine titled Vidyarthi, printed using a stone lithograph under his own editorship. Even before appearing for his Fifth Form examination, he actively engaged in India’s national freedom movement and later in social reform activities, particularly aimed at reviving and transforming his own community. At the 22nd annual session of the Yogakshema Sabha, he staged the pioneering social reform play Adukkalayilninnu Arangaththakku (“From the Kitchen to the Stage”), which marked a revolutionary step in community reform. He was a bold leader in initiating progressive changes within the Brahmin community.

His autobiography Kanneerum Kinavum won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1972, and he was honoured with the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 1976. V. T. Bhattathiripad passed away on February 12, 1982. His notable works include Rajaneerangam (short stories), Pomvazhi (short stories), Karinchanda (unpublished play), Sathyamennathu Ivide Manushyanaakunnu, Vedivattam, Kaalathinte Saakshi, Ente Mannu (all essays), Kanneerum Kinavum, Dakshinaayanam (autobiographies), Karmavipakam (collection of autobiographical sketches), V. T. yude Theranjedutha Kathakal (Selected Stories), and V. T. yude Sampoorna Krithikal (Complete Works).