Vayalar Ramavarma remembered on his 50th death anniversary

Half a century after his passing, the words of Vayalar Ramavarma still echo through Kerala’s cultural landscape. On his 50th death anniversary, admirers and artists gathered to remember the poet who gave voice to a generation’s dreams, struggles and romantic yearnings through his unforgettable Malayalam songs.

Born on March 25, 1928, Vayalar Ramavarma developed a love for writing from a young age. His first poem was published in Swaraj, a weekly run by K.P. Thayyil in Ernakulam. Later, in his poetry collection Padamudrakal, he used the pen name Ramavarma G. Thirumulpad. It was Madhava Pai, the owner of Thuravoor Sri Narasimha Vilasam Book Depot, who gave him the name Vayalar Ramavarma.

When Padamudrakal, a collection of eight poems on Mahatma Gandhi, was published, he was only 20 years old.

The lyricist Vayalar was born in 1956 through the song Thumbi Thumbi Vaa Vaa… sung by Shanta P. Nair in the film Koodappirappu. Before that, he had written a song for the movie Vazhivilakku, but it was never filmed.

Vayalar always sought to express profound philosophies of life. His song declaring that Manushan mathangale srishttichu (man created religions) reflected deep truths about human existence. He kindled the spirit of revolution through stirring songs that inspired generations.

Vayalar passed away on October 27, 1975. At Chandrakalabham in Raghavaparambu—where his memories rest, Vayalar memorial events and poetry gatherings were held on Monday. As part of the anniversary of the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising, the Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Literary conference was also organised.

Vayalar’s wife Bharathi Thampuratti, his son Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma and others remembered the great poet. According to Bharathi Thampuratti, Vayalar’s death caused the family great sorrow. Though he did not amass wealth or property, he is still alive in the hearts of thousands even today, she adds.

The programmes were jointly organised by the Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham, Indian People’s Theatre Association and the Yuvakala Sahithi.