President of Kerala Sahitya Akademi K. Satchidanandan paying floral tributes to KV Ramanathan, author of children’s literature, at Academy Hall in Thrissur on Tuesday. Former minister VS Sunil Kumar and actor Jairaj Warrier are also seen. , photo credit: KK Najeeb
Hundreds of people from different walks of life on Tuesday paid tributes to noted children’s writer KV Ramanathan, who passed away at a private hospital here on Monday night. He was 91 years old.
Author of nearly 20 children’s books, Mr. Ramanathan ignited the imagination of a generation of children and taught them to dream. His books used to entertain not only children but also adults. atbutha monkey killer, Atbutha Neerali, Amayoun muyaloum orikkal kudi,Senapati Gopi And Madhika Poocha are among his popular books.
A winner of several literary awards including the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award for overall contribution to children’s literature and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for children’s literature, Sri Ramanathan was a teacher at the National High School, Irinjalakuda for 36 years. He retired as the headmaster of the school.
Shri Ramanathan always considered the huge number of his disciples as his great achievement in his teaching career of 36 years. His famous students include oncologist VP Gangadharan, former ISRO chairman K.K. Radhakrishnan, playback singer P. Jayachandran and late actor Innocent.
The mortal remains of Mr. Ramanathan were kept at the Kerala Sahitya Akademi, National Higher Secondary School, Irinjalakuda, and at his residence for the public to pay homage before being cremated with full state honors at Muktisthan in Irinjalakuda.
Higher Education Minister R.K. A large number of people including Bindu attended. “Ramanathan Master was an iconic presence in the cultural sphere of Irinjalakuda. His contribution to children’s literature will always be remembered. His death will create a void in the literary field,” Ms. Bindu said.
Karivallur Murali, secretary, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, said: “The works of the Ramanathan master gave wings to the dreams of a generation. Children of the 1960s grew up reading his books. He also wrote novels and short stories.
Shri Ramanathan is survived by his wife KK Radha, retired Principal, Government Vocational HSS, Irinjalakuda; and their children Renu Ramnath, former journalist Hindu and Executive Member of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi; and Indulekha, Govt Girls HSS, Irinjalakuda.