Omana and Moscow Gopalakrishnan

Who is Omana and Moscow Gopalakrishnan?

Omana Gopalakrishnan and Moscow Gopalakrishnan was a husband and wife duo noted for their translation of Russian books into Malayalam language. These translations are sometimes regarded as the finest specimen of children's literature in Malayalam during the later half of the 20th century. The couple, introducing Russian literature to Kerala, translated nearly 200 books into Malayalam with simple prose and diction.

Both Omana and K. Gopalakrishnan were employees of the Soviet Information Centre in Delhi. K. Gopalakrishnan, native of Aluva, was a member of the Communist Party of India in the late 1950s. He was active in local elections and was the secretary of the local taluk committee for a short period. He travelled to Delhi for employment and joined "USSR News and Views" at the Soviet Information Centre. Gopalakrishnan eventually became the joint editor of the ‘'Soviet Review'’ digest at the USSR Information Department. In 1966, the Soviets decided to publish translations of Russian writings in Malayalam and the couple was invited to Progress Printers in Moscow for a two year project. A Malayalam division was being set up and Progress needed people to translate Russian works into Malayalam. They, with their two children, arrived at Moscow and started by translating Russian works that had been translated into English. The first of the Russian works translated by the couple were rolled off at a press that was imported from England. Progress was very particular about bringing out books that were attractive to children during this period.