Author and civic rights activist K. Panoor died here on Tuesday. He was 91.
Kunhiraman Panoor, who assumed K. Panoor as his pen name, died at a hospital here where he had been admitted owing to age-related ailments. A native of Panur here, he had been active in the literary, cultural and social fields in the region. Cremation would take place near his house at Thekke Panur on Wednesday morning.
The author of Keralathile Africa that narrated the poverty-stricken life of Adivasis, he also wrote the books Ha Naxalbari and Keralathile America . He had won the Kerala Sahithya Akademi award for comprehensive contribution in 2006. Mr. Panoor had been in government service in the Revenue Department. He had volunteered to work in the Adivasi Welfare Department. His book on Adivasis exposed what he had seen during his years in government service.
He retired from service as a Deputy Collector. After his retirement, he served as Registrar of the Malayala Kalagramam, a centre of art and culture, in New Mahe here. He had been in the forefront of human rights causes as well.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the death of Mr. Panoor. In a condolence message he said that Mr. Panoor as a writer and devoted social activist presented before the public the real life of Adivasis in the State.
His book Keralathile Africa turned out to be a basic document of those who studied and researched on the life of Adivasis, he said adding that Mr. Panoor had also worked with dedication for the welfare of Adivasis during his tenure as a government officer in the Revenue Department.
