Kerala government declares two days of mourning on MT’s demise

Kerala mourns the loss of literary giant M.T. Vasudevan Nair, hailed for his universal literary contributions and modernist works.

The Kerala government has declared a state of mourning on December 26 and 27 as a mark of respect to the deceased writer, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, popularly known as MT, who put his indelible stamp on Malayalam literature and perhaps changed its course through his critically acclaimed novels, insightful film scripts, short stories and journalistic pieces. 

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also cancelled government functions, including the Cabinet’s meeting scheduled on Wednesday. The government will accord Nair a funeral with full State honours. 

Also read | M.T. Vasudevan Nair, a colossus of screenwriting

In his condolence message, Mr. Vijayan said Nair had taken Malayalam to the pinnacle of world literature. Although his works depicted a sense of identification with Valluvanadu, present-day Central Kerala, his writing transcended parochialism and took on a universal literary character. 

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan condoled the passing of the noted writer and Jnanpith laureate.

Mr. Khan remembered Nair as a multifaceted genius who influenced Malayalam and Indian literature, film, theatre, and journalism. He championed modernism in his works, Mr. Khan said. 

Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, said Nair was a stylist in Malayalam literature. His words had an intense quality. It flowed as quickly as the currents of the Nila river. The Congress leader said Nair had achieved immortality through his writing. He was fearless in his social and political outlook, and was a fierce truth-teller. Mr. Satheesan said Nair was adamant that he had a public duty to speak on social and political issues. His views were strongly secular and humanist. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president K. Sudhakaran and BJP State president K. Surendran also condoled Nair’s demise.