Renowned Scholar and Former MLA Prof. M.K. Sanu Passes Away at 98
Literary Critic, Teacher, and Thinker Succumbs to Age-Related Ailments
Prof. M.K. Sanu, a distinguished teacher, prolific writer, and renowned literary critic, passed away at the age of 98. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Kochi, where he was undergoing treatment for age-related health issues. He had been admitted to the hospital last week following a fall, which resulted in a fracture to his right thigh bone. A medical bulletin from the hospital indicated that he had also been suffering from heart-related problems, pneumonia, and diabetes.
Prof. M.K. Sanu was a prominent literary critic in Malayalam. He was also widely recognized as an educator, orator, writer, and thinker. Beyond his academic and literary pursuits, he also served as a former MLA for Ernakulam. In 1987, M.K. Sanu entered the legislative assembly as a Left-backed independent candidate from the Ernakulam constituency, defeating Congress leader A.L. Jacob.
Born on October 27, 1928, in Thumpoly, Alappuzha, M.K. Sanu began his career as a school teacher before becoming a college professor. He taught at various colleges across Kerala and retired from teaching in 1983. He authored over forty works spanning various literary genres, including criticism, commentary, children’s literature, and biography. His first book, “Anju Sasthra Nayakanmar” (Five Science Heroes), was published in 1958. His autobiography is titled “Karmagathi.” In 1960, his critical work “Kattum Velichavum” (Wind and Light) was released. He also held the position of President of the Progressive Literature Organization.
Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. M.K. Sanu received numerous accolades, including:
- Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (for “Avadharanam” – 1985)
- Vayalar Award (for “Changampuzha Krishna Pillai: Nakshathrangalude Snehabaajanam” – 1992)
- Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Overall Contribution (2002)
- Padmaprabha Award
- Central Sahitya Akademi Award (for “Basheer: Ekanta Veethiyile Avadhoothan” – 2011)
- Ezhuthachan Puraskaram (2013)
His passing marks the end of an era for Malayalam literature and intellectual discourse, leaving behind a rich legacy of critical thought and profound writing.