Kamala Suraiyya: A Journey Through Words
Exploring the Life and Legacy of a Literary Icon
Introduction
Kamala Suraiyya, also known as Suraiyya or Madhavikutty, was a noteworthy Indian English poet and litterateur, and a leading Malayalam novelist from Kerala, India. Her candid portrayal of female sexuality, devoid of shame, earned her widespread acclaim.
Early Life
| Birthdate | Birthplace | Family |
|---|---|---|
| March 31, 1934 | Punnayurkulam, Thrissur District, Kerala | |
| Father – V. M. Nair | ||
| Mother – Nalappatt Balamani Amma | ||
| Siblings – Sulochana Nalapat, Shyam Sunder |
Kamala Suraiyya’s passion for poetry was ignited at a young age, influenced by her family’s literary background.
Education & Career
| Education | Career |
|---|---|
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) | Poetess, Writer |
Kamala Suraiyya embarked on her literary journey after her marriage, showcasing her talents in both English and Malayalam literature.
Achievements & Awards
| Awards |
|---|
| PEN Asian Poetry Prize |
| Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Story – Thanuppu |
| Shortlisted for the Nobel Prize in Literature |
| Kendra Sahitya Academy Award (English) – Collected Poems |
| Vayalar Award – Neermathalam Pootha Kalam |
| Asian Poetry Prize |
| Honorary D.Litt by University of Calicut |
| Muttathu Varkey Award |
| Ezhuthachan Award |
Kamala Suraiyya’s contributions to literature were recognized with numerous prestigious awards and accolades throughout her illustrious career.
Personal Life
| Spouse | Children |
|---|---|
| Madhav Das | M D Nalapat, Chinnen Das, Jayasurya Das |
Married at the age of 15 to Madhav Das, Kamala Suraiyya’s literary journey was supported by her husband. Together, they raised three sons.
Legacy
Kamala Suraiyya’s legacy lives on through her timeless works, which continue to inspire readers worldwide. A biopic titled Aami, directed by Kamal, immortalized her life and contributions to literature.
Conclusion
Kamala Suraiyya, known by various names such as Madhavikutty and Kamala Das, remains an indelible figure in Indian literature. Her fearless exploration of themes like female sexuality and identity has left an indelible mark on literary discourse.
Unknown Facts
- She passed away on May 31, 2009, at the age of 75, due to pneumonia.
- In 2009, The Times referred to her as “the mother of modern English Indian poetry.”
- After her demise, Kamala Suraiyya was laid to rest with full state honors at the Palayam Juma Masjid in Thiruvananthapuram.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When did Kamala Suraiyya die? | Kamala Suraiyya passed away on May 31, 2009, at the age of 75, in a Pune hospital. |
| Why is Kamala Das famous? | Kamala Das is renowned for her candid autobiography, My Story, which fearlessly explores themes of female sexuality and identity. |
| Who was Kamala Suraiyya’s lover? | Sadiq Ali, a younger Islamic professor, was in a relationship with Kamala Suraiyya. |
| When did Kamala Suraiyya convert to Islam? | Kamala Suraiyya embraced Islam in 1999 at the age of 65, adopting the name Kamala Surayya. |
| Who are Kamala Suraiyya’s sons? | Kamala Suraiyya was the mother of three sons: M D Nalapat, Chinnen Das, and Jayasurya Das. |
| Who were Kamala Suraiyya’s siblings? | Kamala Suraiyya’s siblings were Sulochana Nalapat and Shyam Sunder. |
| What was the cause of Kamala Suraiyya’s death? | Kamala Suraiyya succumbed to pneumonia. |
| What are some of Kamala Suraiyya’s notable poems? | Some of Kamala Suraiyya’s famous poems include Summer in Calcutta, An Introduction, My Grandmother’s House, and My Mother at Sixty-Six. |
| Who was Kamala Suraiyya’s mother? | Kamala Suraiyya’s mother was the renowned Malayali poetess Nalappatt Balamani Amma. |
| When and at what age did Kamala Suraiyya die? | Kamala Suraiyya passed away on May 31, 2009, at the age of 75. |
Kamala Suraiyya’s literary contributions continue to resonate with readers, transcending generations and boundaries.