CELEBRITY - Kunjunni Mash

Kunjunni Mash

Kunjunni, popularly known as Kunjunni Mash, was a noted Indian Malayalam poet. He was known for writing small poems which appeared to be childlike in form but conveyed a message. Kunjunni handled the column for children in the Mathrubhumi weekly under the pseudonym "Kuttettan". He initiated three or four generations of aspiring writers into writing. Born in the village of Valapad to Njayapilly Illathu Neelakantan Moosath and Athiyarathu Narayani Amma, Kunjunni started a career as a teacher at the Chelari school. He joined Sree Ramakrishna Ashram High School in Kozhikode in 1953 and retired from teaching in 1982. Kunjunni returned to his native village in 1987 and became involved in social and cultural activities in the Thrissur area. He appeared in Bhoomigeetham, a film directed by Kamal.

Awards

Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (1974, 1984)

State Institute of Children's Literature Award (1982)

The Kerala Sahitya Akademi lifetime achievement award (1988)

State Institute of Children's Literature lifetime achievement award (2002)

Vazhakunnuam Award (2002)

V.A. Kesavan Nair Award (2003)