Writer M. Sukumaran passed away here on Friday.
The 75-year-old writer was admitted to hospital a few days ago and died of heart-related ailments. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
One of the most significant writers in Malayalam language, he won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award in 1976 for his book Marichittillathavarude Smarakangal .
An active presence in the literary scene since the 1960s with his short stories, his writings dealt with the plight of the dispossessed. He questioned the political climate, and shone the light on negative tendencies in the political arena. He walked his own path, refusing to take the popular route in his works.
A native of Chittur, he was employed with the Accountant General’s office here when he got involved with the Left trade union movement. He was the first Central government employee post-Independence whose services were terminated by the President himself.
Sukumaran would be remembered for the positions he took in his writings and politics.
He was quite prolific as a writer from 1965 to 1982, bringing out several works. From 1982, he did not write for a decade till Pithratharpanam came out. After a small gap, he wrote Janithakam , and did not take up the pen thereafter.
Among his novels are Para , Azhimugham , Sheshakriya , and Shuddhavayu . Thookumarangal Njangalkku , Charitragatha , and Asurasankeerthanam are his stories.
