Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai (1912–1999) was born on April 17, 1912. His first novel, Thyagathinu Prathiphalam, was published in 1934. From 1936 to 1957, he practiced as a lawyer in Ambalapuzha. He authored more than twenty-five novels and around two hundred short stories, including notable works like Randidangazhi, Thottiyude Makan, and Anubhavangal Paalichakal. Most of his works have been translated into various Indian and foreign languages. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958 for Chemmeen, the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1965 for Enippadikal, and the Vayalar Award in 1980 for Kayar. He was also honored with the Soviet Land Nehru Award in 1974 and the prestigious Jnanpith Award in 1984. Thakazhi served as President of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi in 1978 and again in 1981. In 1985, he was conferred the Padma Bhushan. He passed away on April 10, 1999.
