Malayalam writer Kovilan passes away

Noted Malayalam novelist Kovilan died at a private hospital at Kunnamkulam near here early today.

He was suffering from some respiratory problems, his family said.

Kovilan (87) is survived by two daughters and a son.

A freedom fighter, Kovilan, whose real name was V. V. Ayyappan, worked in the Royal Indian Navy from 1943 to 1946 and from 1948 to 1968 in the Corps of Signals.

Born on July 9, 1923 at Kandanassery in Guruvayur, Thrissur District, Kovilan was a recipient of the Kerala government’s highest literary honour Ezhuthachan Puraskarom in 2006 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Malaylam literature.

He won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award in 1972 and 1977 and the Kendra Sahitya Akademi award in 1998 besides Vayalar award in 1999. He was also a member of the Kendra Sahitha Akademi.

Kovilan had written 11 novels 12 collections of short stories besides articles and a play. His novels includes, Thakarnna Haridayangal (1946), A minus B(1959), Tharavadu (1963), Ezhamedangal (1965), Thazhvarakal (1969), Thottangal (1970) and Thattakam (1995) among others.