India mourns legendary Malayalam writer MT Vasudevan Nair

Ashraf Padanna / AM Abdussalam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi have joined mourners for legendary Malayalam writer MT Vasudevan Nair, who died on Thursday at 91.

“His works, with their profound exploration of human emotions, have shaped generations and will continue to inspire many more. He also gave voice to the silent and marginalised. My thoughts are with his family and admirers,” Modi wrote on X.

Nair, who had won top literary awards including Jnanpit, the highest honour, died in a hospital in Kerala’s Kozhikode city, where he was admitted a few days ago with breathing difficulties, late Thursday night.

Gandhi, a prominent leader of the principal opposition Congress party, said the legend’s passing has left “an irreplaceable void in literature and cinema.” “His masterful stories, deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural heritage and human emotions, touched countless lives across generations,” he wrote on his Facebook wall. “While we mourn his loss, his rich literary legacy and wisdom will continue to inspire. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirers.”

Mourners from across the state flocked to his residence at Nadakkav, in the heart of the city, to bid a tearful goodbye to the literary giant who touched the lives of generations of Malayalis with his writings.

Wrapped in red silk cloth, the literary doyen’s body was taken to the Smrithipadham Crematorium at Mavoor road here around 4.40pm. MT, as he is popularly known, was cremated with full state honours on Thursday evening in the presence of ministers, writers, political leaders, social activists, actors, directors and common people.

Kerala Police performed the customary gun salute to honour the story-teller, who also made a mark as a screenplay writer and moviemaker. Following the official honours, his family, including his daughter, nephew, and grandson, carried out the final rites.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reached MT’s home by around 10:40 am and consoled the family members after paying tributes. Describing MT as a towering figure in the field of short story writing, novel writing, screenplay writing, film direction, journalism, and cultural leadership, Vijayan said through his works, he conveyed the beauty and complexity of Kerala’s life.

“He rose to global prominence while firmly rooting himself in the cultural traditions of Valluvanadu, reflecting the life and ethos of the people,” he said.