Vayalar Ramavarma

Vayalar Ramavarma often known as Vayalar, was a modern Malayalam poet and lyricist. He was born in March 28, 1928 in the village of Vayalar, in Alappuzha district, Kerala.  Vayalar belonged to an aristocratic family but became a poet of the proletariat inspired by revolutionary ideals. His parents were Vellarappally Kerala Varma and Vayalar Raghavaparambil Ambalika Thamburatty.He was awarded Kerala Sahithya Academy Award (Kerala literary academy award) in 1961 for Sargasangeetham, the President's gold medal for best lyricist in 1974, and the Kerala state film award for best lyricist three times. Vayalar wrote about 2000 songs for 223 Malayalam movies and for several plays. Decades past his death, the movie songs he wrote are still popular among Malayalis. Among his most popular songs is the one he wrote for theatre, the KPAC naatakagaanam, "Balikudeerangalae" Many of his poems contain romantic notions about "revolution" and about the triumph of science over religion. He was associated with the leftist political movement in Kerala. The "Vayalar-Devarajan" was a prolific lyricist-composer combination which lasted till the death of Vayalar. He died in October 27, 1975. His wife Bharathy Thamburatty wrote a controversial  biography about the poet, Indradhanussin Theerathu. Vayalar has dedicated his life to music and now his son Vayalar Sharath Chandravarma is also thought to a very talented lyricist.

Major Works Of Vayalar

1.Poetry collections: Paadamudrakal, Konthayum Poonoolum, Enikku Maranamilla, Mulankaadu, Oru Judas Janikkunnu, Ente Maattolikkavithakal, Sargasangeetham, Khandakaavyam: Aayisha

2. Collected songs: Ente Chalachitragaanangal in 6 parts

3. Stories collection: Raktham Kalarnna Mannu, Vettum Thiruthum

4. Essays: Purushaantharangaliloode

5. Collected works: Vayalar Krithikal, Vayalar Kavithakal

Vayalar Smarakam in Vayalar

The Vayalar award was instituted in his memory. This Award is given for the best literary work in Malayalam, on October 27 each year, the death anniversary of Vayalar. Vayalar award was instituted in 1977 by the Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Trust in memory of the poet and lyricist Vayalar Ramavarma. A sum of Rs.25,000/-, a silver plate and certificate constitutes the award. It is presented each year on October 27, the death anniversary of Vayalar.

List of Award winners since 1977

(Year - Name of Writer - Book)

1977 -Lalithambika Antharjanam -Agnisakshi

1978 -P. K. Balakrishnan -Ini njanurangatte

1979 -Malayattoor Ramakrishnan -Yanthram

1980 -Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai -Kayar

1981 -Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon -Makarakoythu

1982 -O. N. V. Kurup -Uppu

1983 -M.K.Menon (Vilasini) -Avakasikal

1984 -Sugathakumari Ambalamani

1985 -M. T. Vasudevan Nair -Randamoozham

1986 -N. N. Kakkadu -Sabhalameeyathra

1987 -Prof.N.Krishna Pillai -Prathipathram Bhashanabhedam

1988 -Thirunalloor Karunakaran -Thirunalloor Karunakarante Kavithakal

1989 -Sukumar Azhikode -Tathwamasi

1990 -C. Radhakrishnan -Munpe Parakkunna Pakshikal

1991 -O. V. Vijayan -Gurusagaram

1992 Prof. M. K. Sanu -Changambuzha - Nakshathrangalude Snehabhajanam

1993 -Anand -Marubhoomikal Undakunnathu

1994 -K. Surendran -Guru

1995 -Thikkodiyan -Arangau Kaanatha Natan

1996 -Perumbadavam Sreedharan -Oru Sankeerthanam Pole

1997 -Madhavikutti -Neermaathalam Pootha Kaalam

1998 -S. Guptan Nair -Srishtiyum Srashtavum

1999 -Kovilan -Thattakam

2000 -M. V. Devan -Devaspandanam

2001 -T. Padmanabhan -Puzha Kadannu Marangalude Idayilekku

2002 -K. Ayyappapanicker -Ayyappapanickkarude Kavithakal

2003 -M. Mukundan -Kesavante Vilapam

2004 -Sarah Joseph -Aalahayude Penmakkal

2005 -K. Sachidanandan -Sakshyangal

2006 -Sethu -Adayalangal

2007 -M. Leelavathy -Appuvinte Anweshanam

2008 -M. P. Veerendrakumar -Haimavathabhoovil

2009 -Thomas Mathew Marar -Lavanyabhavathinte Yukthi Silpam

2010 -Vishnunarayanan Namboothiri -Charulatha
2011 - K.P.Ramanunni - Jeevithathinte Psthakam