Writer U.K. Kumaran has described Malayath Appunni as a writer who maintains integrity and simplicity in both life and writings.
Speaking at a function held here on Monday to felicitate Mr. Appunni on his winning the Central Sahitya Akademi Award for children’s literature, Mr. Kumaran said artificiality had no place in his works.
“It is a belated honour for Appunni. He has had more rejections than awards,” Mr. Kumaran said, adding that the writer had a comprehensive knowledge of children’s mindset that enabled him to come up with good works.
Writer P. Valsala said Appunni was a poet rather than a writer of children’s literature. “He is an ardent observer of nature who keeps track of every little feature,” she added. Mr. Appunni, a winner of several awards, including those of the State Institute for Children’s Literature and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi, is known for his simple writing. He bagged the Central Sahitya Akademi Award for his overall contribution to children’s literature. His major works for children include Kazhcha Bungalow , Nirangal , Thenthullikal , Velicham , Panchara Mittayi , Panchavarnakkilikal , Kunhikkuttanum Koottukaranum , Kunhan Kurukkan , and Kittuppanikker , besides several anthologies of poems. N.E. Balakrishna Marar of Poorna Publications and Ms. Valsala honoured Mr. Appunni with a memento and shawl.
Eight books were released on the occasion. The books were Njanoru Bhashayanu by K. Satchidanandan, Nadu Nashtapettavante Ormakkurippukal by K.V. Thomas, Nattunanmakal Kettutheerumo by C.V. Ananda Bose, Cherppukaala by Rajiv G., Adayalasila by Husain Kaaradi, Adityante Yatra by Lakshmanan Paruthikkad, and Chettinad Muthal Thurki Vare by Varghese Angamaly.
