2. About the author

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer was born in Thalayolaparambu (near Vaikom), Kottayam District, on January \(21\), \(1908\). Kayi Abdurahman, a timber merchant, and Kunjathumma, were his parents. He was his parents' eldest son. His wife's name was Fabi Basheer.

 

 

Basheer was a Malayalam writer and an independence activist in India. He was a novelist, short story writer, and humanist who was recognised for his path-breaking, down-to-earth manner of writing, which made him famous among literary critics and the common people.

 

Basheer's works were translated into various languages, which earned him fame worldwide. Love, hunger, and poverty and life in prison are recurring themes in his works. His participation in India's freedom movement, his long travels, and the conditions in Kerala, particularly in his neighbourhood and among the Muslim population, all had a significant influence on his writing. He died on July \(5\), \(1994\).

 

Notable works:

 

Balyakalasakhi (\(1944\), Romantic tragedy novel)

Janmadinam (\(1945\), An autobiography)

Anargha Nimisham (\(1946\), Collection of short stories)

Shabdangal (\(1947\), A novel about war, orphanhood, hunger, and disease)

Pathummayude Aadu (\(1959\), humorous novel)

Mathilukal (\(1965\), Novel)

 

 

Awards and Honours:

 

Padma Shri (\(1982\))

Kerala State Film Award for Best Story (\(1989\))

Lalithambika Antharjanam Award and Prem Nazir (\(1992\))

The Muttathu Varkey Award and the Vallathol Award (\(1993\))

Jeddah Arangu Award (\(1994\))