Jnanpith Award winner MT Vasudevan Nair dies at the age of 91, two days of state mourning declared

Thiruvananthapuram (The Uttam Hindu): Renowned Malayalam writer and Jnanpith Award winner M.T. Vasudevan Nair passed away on Wednesday at a private hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala. He was 91. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed profound grief over the loss, calling him a towering figure in Malayalam literature who elevated the language to global prominence. The state government has declared two days of official mourning on December 26 and 27. Sharing a tribute on social media, the Chief Minister highlighted MT's unwavering commitment to secularism and humanity, describing his legacy as a source of inspiration for future generations.

M.T. Vasudevan Nair, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in Malayalam literature, was also the editor of the prestigious Mathrubhumi Weekly magazine. A Padma Bhushan awardee, he made significant contributions to literature and cinema, earning accolades in both fields. MT won four National Film Awards for screenwriting, directed seven films, and scripted about 54 others. In 2013, he was honored with the J.C. Daniel Award for lifetime achievement in Malayalam cinema, and in 2022, he received the Kerala Jyothi Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Kerala government.

In 1995, MT was awarded the Jnanpith, India's most prestigious literary honor, for his outstanding contributions to literature. Despite his celebrated career, he made headlines in October this year when gold jewelry was stolen from his house while he and his wife were away. MT Vasudevan Nair leaves behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire both the literary and cultural communities.