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S. K. Pottekkatt

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S. K. Pottekkatt
Born(1913-03-14)14 March 1913
Calicut, Madras Presidency, British India
Died6 August 1982(1982-08-06) (aged 69)
Calicut, Kerala, India
Occupation
  • Teacher
  • writer
  • politician
GenreNovel, travelogue, short story, plays, essay, poetry
Notable works
Notable awards
Spouse
Jayavalli
​
(m. 1950)​
[1]
Children4[1]
Relatives
  • Kunjiraman (father)
  • Kittuli (mother)

Sankarankutty Kunjiraman Pottekkatt (14 March 1913 – 6 August 1982) was an Indian writer of Malayalam literature, traveller, and politician from Kerala. Best known for his travelogues, he has authored nearly 60 books, which include 10 novels, 24 collections of short stories, three anthologies of poems, 18 travelogues, four plays, a collection of essays and a couple of books based on personal reminiscences.

He is a recipient of Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Novel, Sahitya Akademi Award and the Jnanpith Award. His works have been translated into English, Italian, Russian, German and Czech, besides all major Indian languages.

Early life

[edit]
A bust of Pottekkatt facing S. M. Street in Kozhikode (Calicut).

S. K. Pottekkatt was born on 14 March 1913, in Calicut (Kozhikode) to Kunjiraman Pottekkat, an English school teacher and his wife, Kittuli.[2] After early schooling at Ganapath School, he matriculated from Zamorin's High School in Calicut in 1929 and passed the intermediate examination from Zamorin's Guruvayurappan College, Calicut in 1934 but could not find a job for three years, a period which he utilised for studying classics from Indian and western literature. In 1937, he joined Calicut Gujarati School as a teacher where he taught for almost three years.[3] He was involved with activities of the Indian National Congress and attended the Tripuri session of 1939 for which he resigned from the job as the school authorities did not allow him to leave of absence. Subsequently, he moved to Bombay and Lucknow where he stayed until 1945, doing many jobs.[2]

After returning to Kerala in 1945, he travelled to many parts of India and went on his first overseas tour in 1949 when he visited Africa, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, France and England. In 1952, he again went overseas to visit Ceylon, Malaya, and Indonesia.[3]

Literary career and travels

[edit]

Pottekkatt published his first story, "Rajaneethi", in the college magazine of Zamorin's Guruvayurappan College in 1928.[4] "Makane Konna Madyam" (poem published in Athmavidya Kahalam) and "Hindu Muslim Maithri" (story published in Deepam) were some of his notable early works. The story "Vydyutha Shakthi" came in the February 1934 issue of Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly. He wrote his first novel, Naadanpremam, a romantic story set in Mukkam, a small hamlet in Kozhikode district,[5] in 1939 while he was in Bombay and the novel was eventually published in 1941.[3][6] This was followed by Yavanikakku Pinnil, a short story anthology, and the second novel Vishakanyaka; the latter would receive a prize from the Madras government in 1949.[3] Two travelogues were the next two publications, Kappirikalude Naattil (In the Land of the Negroes) and Innathe Europe (The Europe Today), both based on his first overseas tour.[7] He published Oru Theruvinte Katha in 1960 and his magnum opus, Oru Desathinte Katha, in 1971.[8][9]

Pottekkatt was a writer of strong social commitment and ideals, possessing an individualistic vision.[3] He is reported to be the pioneer of the genre of travelogues in India[10] and its most notable practitioner in Malayalam literature[11] which earned him the moniker, the John Gunther of Malayalam.[12] Poetry anthologies like Sanchariyude Geethangal and Premashilpi, Achan (play), novels like Premashiksha and Moodupadam, short story anthologies such as Nishagandhi, Pulliman and Chandrakatham, travelogues viz. Simhabhoomi, Nile Diary and Pathira Sooryante Nattil as well as memoirs like Ponthakkadukal and Samsarikkunna Diarykurippukal are some of his other major works.[13]

His works have been translated into English, Italian, Russian, German and Czech, besides all major Indian languages.[2] An Italian anthology of The Best Short Stories of the World published from Milan in 1971 included his Braanthan Naaya (Mad Dog). A collection of eleven of his short stories in Russian had a sensational sales of one hundred thousand copies in two weeks.[1] His stories have made into feature films in Malayalam; Naadan Premam,[14] Moodupadam,[15] Pulliman[16] and Njavalppazhangal are some of them.[17] Kadavu, a 1991 film written directed by M. T. Vasudevan Nair based on his short story "Kadathuthoni", received prizes at several international film festivals.[18] The 2015 film Manikyam was an adaptation of the novel Prema Shiksha.[19][20]

Political career

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Pottekkatt on a 2003 India Post stamp

Pottekkatt contested twice as independent candidate in elections to Indian Parliament from Thalassery under the banner of the Communist Party of India,[21] the first in 1957 to the 2nd Lok Sabha when he lost to M. K. Jinachandran by 1000 votes and the next in 1962 to the 3rd Lok Sabha when he defeated Sukumar Azhikode by a margin of 66,000 votes; he served out his term until 1967.[2]

Personal life

[edit]

Pottekkatt married Jayavalli in 1950 and the couple had two sons and two daughters. His wife died in 1980 and two years later, he suffered a paralytic stroke in July 1982, and he died on 6 August 1982, in a private hospital in Calicut.[1]

Awards and honours

[edit]

Oru Theruvinte Katha (The Story of a Street), a novel based on Mittai Theruvu, a popular street in Kozhikode known for sweetmeat and halvah stalls, received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Novel in 1961.[22] His biographical novel, Oru Desathinte Katha was selected for the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1972.[23] Eight years later, in 1980, the novel earned Pottekkatt the Jnanpith Award, the highest literary honour in India.[24][25] In 1982, the University of Calicut honoured him with the honoris causa degree of the Doctor of Letters.[26] India Post issued a commemorative postal stamp on him in 2003, as a part of their Jnanpith Award Winners.[27] Malayala Manorama and Madhyamam issued festschrifts on Pottekkatt on the occasion of his birth centenary.[28][29]

Bibliography

[edit]

Novels

[edit]
Year Title Publisher Notes Ref.
1937 Vallikadevi
1941 Naadan Premam Calicut: Mathrubhumi
1945 Prema Shiksha Calicut: P. K. Brothers
1948 Moodupadam Calicut: Mathrubhumi
[30]
1948 Vishakanyaka Kottayam: S.P.C.S.
[31]
1958 Karamboo Calicut: Kerala
[32]
1960 Oru Theruvinte Katha Kottayam: S.P.C.S. Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Novel
1971 Oru Desathinte Katha Kottayam: S.P.C.S. Jnanpith Award, Sahitya Akademi Award
1976 Kurumulaku Kottayam: S.P.C.S.
[33]
1979 Kabeena Trivandrum: Upasana ISBN 9788182656215
[34]
1988 Bharathappuzhayude Makkal Kottayam: S.P.C.S. Described as Novatakam, a combination of novel and play
[35]
—
 North Avenue — Incomplete work

Short stories

[edit]
Year Title Publisher Notes Ref.
1945 Manimalika Thrissur: Mangalodayam Collection of 5 stories
1945 Rajamalli Kottayam: S.P.C.S. Collection of 13 stories
1945 Nisshagandhi Thrissur: Mangalodayam Collection of 9 stories
1945 Pulliman Thrissur: Sundarayyar & Sons Collection of 6 stories
[36]
1945 Meghamala Kottayam: S.P.C.S. Collection of 8 stories
1946 Chandrakantham Wadakkancherry: Arunodayam Collection of 5 stories
1946 Jalatharangam Calicut: P. K. Brothers Collection of 7 stories
1946 Vaijayanthi Thrissur: Mangalodayam Collection of 7 stories
[37]
1947 Pournami Calicut: P. K. Brothers Collection of 5 stories
ISBN 9788130006345
[38]
1947 Padmaragam Kottayam: S.P.C.S. Collection of 6 stories
1947 Indraneelam Calicut: K. R. Brothers Collection of 6 stories
1948 Rangamandapam Thrissur: Mangalodayam Collection of 7 stories
1948 Himavahini Thrissur: Mangalodayam Collection of 5 stories
1949 Prethabhoomi Calicut: K. R. Brothers Collection of 5 stories
[39]
1952 Yavanikkakku Pinnil Calicut: P. K. Brothers Collection of 6 stories and a radio drama
1954 Kallippookkal Thrissur: Mangalodayam Collection of 6 stories and a radio drama
[40]
1954 Vanakaumudi Thrissur: Mangalodayam Collection of 4 stories and a radio drama
1955 Kanakaambaram Calicut: P. K. Brothers Collection of 7 stories
1960 Antharvahini Calicut: Kerala Collection of 5 stories
ISBN 9788182654877
[41]
1962 Ezhilam Pala Kottayam: S.P.C.S. Collection of 7 stories
[42]
1967 Thiranjedutha Kathakal Kottayam: S.P.C.S. Collection of 36 stories; With an introduction by M. R. Chandrasekharan
1968 Vrindavanam Calicut: Poorna Collection of 8 stories
1970 Kattuchembakam
[43]
1978 S. K. Pottekkattinte Cherukathakal Calicut: Jaya
[44]
1981 S. K. Pottekkattinte Cherukathakal Calicut: Mathrubhumi
[45]
1999 Katha: Pottekkatt
[46]
2004 Sthree Calicut: Mathrubhumi ISBN 9788182640948
[47]
2006 S. K. Pottekkattinte Kathakal Sampoornam Calicut: Poorna Complete short stories in three volumes
2010 Ottakavum Mattu Pradhana Kathakalum Kottayam: DC Books
[48]
2014 S. K. Pottekkattinte Kathakal Sampoornam Kottayam: DC Books Complete short stories in two volumes
ISBN 9788126440184
[49]
2014 Sthree: Sthreekale Kurichu Kure Kathakal Calicut: Poorna ISBN 9788130018003
[50]

Travelogues

[edit]
Year Title Publisher Notes Ref.
1947 Kashmir Thrissur: Mangalodayam
1948 Yathrasmaranakal Calicut: P. K. Brothers Based on the journeys to historical places in India
[51]
1951 Kappirikalude Nattil Thrissur: Mangalodayam ISBN 9788171307937
[52]
1954 Simhabhoomi Calicut: K. R. Brothers 1949 journey to Bagamoyo, Tanga, Kenya and Uganda
[53]
1954 Nile Diary Thrissur: Mangalodayam ISBN 9788171803149
[54]
1954 Malaya Nadukalil Thrissur: Mangalodayam
[55]
1955 Innathe Europe Kottayam: S.P.C.S. 1950 journey to Europe and Britain; Later editions titled Europiloode
ISBN 9788126403547
1955 Indonesian Diary Kottayam: S.P.C.S. 1953 journey to Indonesia; originally published in two volumes; combined volume first published by S.P.C.S. in 1964
1955 Soviet Diary Thrissur: Mangalodayam
[56]
1956 Pathira Sooryante Nattil Calicut: P. K. Brothers 1955 journey to Finland
[57]
1958 Bali Dweep Kottayam: S.P.C.S. 1953 journey to Bali
ISBN 9788171309047
[58]
1959 Simhabhoomi Cochin: Parishath Expanded version of the 1954 book and published in two volumes; combined volume first published by S.P.C.S. in 1968
[53]
1960 Bohemian Chithrangal Thrissur: Current Books
[59]
1967 Himalaya Samrajyathil Thrissur: Mangalodayam Based on the journey to Haridwar and Badrinath in May 1966
ISBN 9788171803576
[60]
1969 Nepal Yathra Kottayam: S.P.C.S.
[61]
1970 London Notebook Kottayam: S.P.C.S.
[62]
1974 Cairo Kathukal Kottayam: S.P.C.S.
1976 Sanchara Sahithyam: Vol. 1 – Africa Irinjalakuda: Vivekodayam Kappirikalude Nattil, Simhabhoomi, Nile Diary, Cairo Kathukal, Cleopatrayude Nattil
[63]
1977 Sanchara Sahithyam: Vol. 2 – Europe Irinjalakuda: Vivekodayam Europiloode (Innathe Europe), London Notebook, Pathira Sooryante Nattil, Soviet Diary, Bohemian Chithrangal
[64]
1977 Sanchara Sahithyam: Vol. 3 – Asia Irinjalakuda: Vivekodayam Yathrasmaranakal, Kashmir, Himalaya Samrajyathil, Nepal Yathra, Malaya Nadukalil, Indonesian Diary, Bali Dweep
[65]
1977 Cleopatrayude Nattil Irinjalakuda: Vivekodayam
[66]

Poetry

[edit]
Year Title Publisher Notes Ref.
1936 Prabhatha Kanthi Calicut: K. R. Brothers 14 poems
1946 Sanchariyude Geethangal Calicut: P. K. Brothers 14 poems; with an introduction by G. Sankara Kurup
[67]
1958 Prema Shilpi Thrissur: Current Books 5 poems
2015 S. K. Pottekkattinte Kavithakal Calicut: Lipi ISBN 9788188017935
[68]

Drama

[edit]
Year Title Publisher Notes Ref.
1945 Achan Alleppey: T. K. Varghese Vaidyan
1948 Achanum Makanum — Included in Himavahini
1954 Althara — A radio play included in Vanakaumudi
1954 Theevandi Odunnu — A radio play included in Kallipookkal

Others

[edit]
Year Title Publisher Notes Ref.
1947 Ponthakkadukal Calicut: Mathrubhumi Collection of humour essays published in various newspapers and magazines under the name Arunan
ISBN 9788182656239
1949 Gadhyamekhala Calicut: P. K. Brothers Collection of 8 essays
1975 Ente Vazhiyambalangal Kottayam: N.B.S. Memoirs
1978 Muhammed Abdurahiman Calicut: Mathrubhumi Political biography of Muhammed Abdurahiman
Co-authored with P. P. Ummer Koya, N. P. Mohammed and K. A. Kodungallur
1981 Samsarikkunna Diarykurrippukal Calicut: Mathrubhumi Diary
1995 Pottekkattinte Kathukal Calicut: P. K. Brothers Letters
2013 Paryadanam Calicut: Mathrubhumi Diary

Translations into other languages

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Films

[edit]
  • Moodupadam (1963) (based on the novel Moodupadam)
  • Naadan Premam (1972) (based on the novel Naadan Premam)
  • Pulliman (1972) (based on the story "Pulliman")
  • Njavalppazhangal (1976) (based on the story "Njavalppazhangal")
  • Ottakam (1978) (based on the story "Ottakam")
  • Thaala (1988)
  • Kadavu (1991) (based on the story "Kadathuthoni")
  • Manikyam (2015) (based on the novel Prema Shiksha)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "സഞ്ചാരിയായ എഴുത്തുകാരന്‍!" Archived 6 March 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Mathrubhumi. Retrieved 4 March 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d "Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal". Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal. 28 February 2019. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  3. ^ a b c d e "S K Pottekkatt - Centenary of a World Traveler". specials.manoramaonline.com. 1 March 2019. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  4. ^ "സഞ്ചാര സാഹിത്യത്തിലെ 'എമ്പയര്‍ സ്റ്റേറ്റ് ബില്‍ഡിങ്'". Mathrubhumi. Archived from the original on 17 August 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  5. ^ "Telling the tale of Mukkom". The Hindu. 30 December 2007. Archived from the original on 9 December 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  6. ^ "Mukkom's tribute to a litterateur". The Hindu. 20 September 2005. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 9 December 2019. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  7. ^ Viswanathan, R. (1988). Pottekkatt. Sahitya Akademi. Archived from the original on 1 September 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  8. ^ അജിത്കുമാര്‍, കെ കെ. "'ഒരു തെരുവിന്റെ കഥ' അരങ്ങിലെത്തിയപ്പോള്‍". Mathrubhumi. Archived from the original on 7 March 2017. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  9. ^ G. S. Jayasree (3 August 2008). "Decolonising the land". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 12 August 2008. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  10. ^ Sisir Kumar Das (2005). History of Indian Literature: 1911-1956, struggle for freedom : triumph and tragedy. Sahitya Akademi. pp. 253–. ISBN 978-81-7201-798-9. Archived from the original on 1 September 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  11. ^ K. M. George (1992). Modern Indian Literature, an Anthology: Surveys and poems. Sahitya Akademi. pp. 255–. ISBN 978-81-7201-324-0. Archived from the original on 1 September 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  12. ^ ഹരികൃഷ്ണന്‍, എച്ച്. "അനുസ്മരിക്കാം ഈ മാന്ത്രികസഞ്ചാരിയെ". Mathrubhumi. Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  13. ^ "List of works". Kerala Sahitya Akademi. 1 March 2019. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  14. ^ "Nadan Premam". IMDb. 1 March 2019. Archived from the original on 1 September 2021. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  15. ^ "Moodupadam". IMDb. 1 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  16. ^ "Pullimaan". IMDb. 1 March 2019. Archived from the original on 1 September 2021. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  17. ^ "Njaaval Pazhangal". IMDb. 1 March 2019. Archived from the original on 9 February 2017. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  18. ^ "Pottekkatt’s tryst with cinema". The Hindu. 14 December 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  19. ^ "മാണിക്യം". Deshabhimani. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  20. ^ "Manikyam Malayalam Movie". Nowrunning.com. 1 March 2015. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  21. ^ Thomas Welbourne Clark (1970). The Novel in India: Its Birth and Development. University of California Press. pp. 218–. ISBN 978-0-520-01725-2.
  22. ^ "Kerala Sahitya Academy- Awards". Archived from the original on 9 November 2013. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  23. ^ "Kendra Sahitya Academy Awards (Malayalam)". Public Relations Department, Government of Kerala. Archived from the original on 24 May 2007. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
  24. ^ "Jnanpith Award winners in Malayalam". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2008.
  25. ^ "Jnanpith Laureates Official listings". Jnanpith Website. Archived from the original on 13 October 2007.
  26. ^ "Honorary degree by Calicut University" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 November 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  27. ^ "Postage Stamps:: Postage Stamps, Stamp issue calendar 2014, Paper postage, Commemorative and definitive stamps, Service Postage Stamps, Philately Offices, Philatelic Bureaux and counters, Mint stamps (unused stamps)". postagestamps.gov.in. 1 March 2019. Archived from the original on 3 April 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  28. ^ "S K Pottekkatt Centenary Special". specials.manoramaonline.com. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  29. ^ "മഹാസഞ്ചാരി - Madhyamam Weekly". archive.is. 29 June 2013. Archived from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  30. ^ Moodupadam. University of Calicut Library. Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  31. ^ Vishakanyaka. University of Calicut Library.
  32. ^ Karamboo. University of Calicut Library.
  33. ^ Kurumulaku. University of Calicut Library.
  34. ^ Kabeena. University of Calicut Library.
  35. ^ Bharathappuzhayude Makkal: Novatakam. University of Calicut Library.
  36. ^ Pulliman. University of Calicut Library.
  37. ^ Vaijayanthi. University of Calicut Library. Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  38. ^ Pournami. University of Calicut Library.
  39. ^ Prethabhoomi. University of Calicut Library.
  40. ^ Kallippokkal. University of Calicut Library.
  41. ^ Antharvahini. University of Calicut Library.
  42. ^ Ezhilam Pala. University of Calicut Library.
  43. ^ Kattuchembakam. University of Calicut Library.
  44. ^ S K Pottekkatinte Cherukadhakal. University of Calicut Library.
  45. ^ S.K. Pottekkattinte Cherukathakal. University of Calicut Library. Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  46. ^ Kadha-Pottekkatt. University of Calicut Library.
  47. ^ Sthree. University of Calicut Library. Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  48. ^ 'Ottaka'vum Mattu Pradhana Kathakalum. University of Calicut Library.
  49. ^ S. K. Pottekkattinte Kathakal Sampoornam. University of Calicut Library.
  50. ^ Sthree: Sthreekale Kurichu Kure Kathakal. University of Calicut Library. Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  51. ^ Yathrasmaranakal. University of Calicut Library.
  52. ^ Kappirikalute nattil. University of Calicut Library.
  53. ^ a b Simhabhoomi. University of Calicut Library. Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  54. ^ Nile Diary. University of Calicut Library.
  55. ^ Malaya Nadukalil. University of Calicut Library.
  56. ^ Soviet Diary. University of Calicut Library. Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  57. ^ Pathiraa Suryante Nattil. University of Calicut Library.
  58. ^ Baalidweep. University of Calicut Library.
  59. ^ Bohemian Chithrangal. University of Calicut Library.
  60. ^ Himaalaya Saamraajyathil. University of Calicut Library.
  61. ^ Nepal Yathra. University of Calicut Library.
  62. ^ London Note Book. University of Calicut Library.
  63. ^ Sanchara Sahithyam: Vol 1 Africa. University of Calicut Library.
  64. ^ Sanchara Sahithyam: Vol 2 Europe. University of Calicut Library.
  65. ^ Sanchara Sahithyam: Vol 3 Asia. University of Calicut Library.
  66. ^ Cleopatrayude Nattil. University of Calicut Library. Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  67. ^ Sanchariyude Geethangal. University of Calicut Library.
  68. ^ S K Pottekkattinte Kavithakal. University of Calicut Library.
  69. ^ "'Pottekkatt was a born writer'". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 1 September 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2021.

Further reading

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[edit]
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