Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri, the eminent poet and academic whose verses reflected a serene blend of tradition and modernity, passed away here on Thursday. He was 81.
Noted for the depth of his scholarship in the literature and philosophy of India and the west, Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri was highly respected as a teacher and orator and represented the finest traditions of contemporary Malayalam poetry.
For some time now, the poet had been confined to 'Sreevalli' - his home on a narrow by-lane at Thycaud in Thiruvananthapuram city - owing to failing health. The end came at his residence on Thursday afternoon.
As an insightful poet who enriched Malayalam poetry, Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri was noted for his progressive and philosophical convictions, which, at the same time, were deeply rooted in the Indian ethos. In this, he stood apart from his contemporaries.
His important poetical works include Swathantryathe Kurichoru Geetham , Pranaya Geethangal , India Enna Vikaram , 'Ujjayiniyile Raappakalukal,' 'Aranyakam,' Parikramam,' 'Aparajitha,' ''Bhoomigeethangal,' and 'Mukhamevide.' Other works include 'Asaahitheeyam,' 'Kavithayude DNA,' and 'Alakadalum Neyyambalukalum,' 'Rithu Samharam' and 'Kuttikalude Shakespeare.'
Born at Iringolil, Thiruvalla, on June 2, 1939, Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri taught English at government colleges at Kozhikode, Pattambi, Kollam, Ernakulam, Tripunithura, Chittoor and Thalassery before retiring from service as head of the department at the University College, Thiruvananthapuram.
A recipient of the coveted literary prizes in Malayalam literature including the Odakuzhal Award, Vallathol Prize, Vayalar Award and the Ezhuthachchan Award, Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri received the Kerala Sahithya Akademi Award in 1979 for 'Bhoomigeethangal' and the Central Sahitya Akademi Award in 1994 'Ujjayiniyile Raappakalukal.' The nation honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2014.
Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri leaves behind wife Savitri Antharjanam and daughters Aditi and Aparna.
The cremation will be held on Friday. The mortal remains will be kept at the Bharat Bhavan from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. The cremation will be held at the Santhi Kavadam at 2 p.m.