Biography
Kunjunni, popularly known as Kunjunni Mash, was a noted Indian Malayalam poet. He was considered as the children's poet and his poems were short like him.
Early Life and Career
Kunjunni was born in the village of Valapad in Thrissur to Njayapilly Illathu Neelakantan Moosath and Athiyarathu Narayani Amma in May 10, 1927. Kunjunni started his career as a teacher at the Chelari school. He joined Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama High School in Kozhikode in 1953. He was an inmate of the Ashrama and taught, looked after and interacted with the hostel boys there. He retired from teaching in 1982 but continued to live in the Ashrama which he had found to be most suitable for his un-ostentatious life and writings known for its simplicity, till he retired to his district for health reasons Kunjunni died in his ancestral house at Valapad on March 26, 2006.
Poems
He was known for writing small poems which appeared to be childlike in form, but conveyed a message. Kunjunni handled the column for children in the Mathrubhumi weekly under the pseudonym "Kuttettan". He initiated three or four generations of aspiring writers into writing. Kunjunni returned to his native village in 1987 and became involved in social and cultural activities in the Thrissur area. He appeared in Bhoomigeetham, a film directed by Kamal. His autobiography, Enniloode, is noted for its candour, humour and simplicity.
Awards
Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (1974, 1984).
State Institute of Children's Literature Award (1982).
The Kerala Sahitya Akademi lifetime achievement award (1988).
State Institute of Children's Literature lifetime achievement award (2002).
Vazhakunnuam Award (2002).
V.A. Kesavan Nair Award (2003).
Tomyas Award. ..
