S. Guptan Nair

Who was S. Guptan Nair?

S. Guptan Nair was a well known Malayalam writer, critic, scholar and educationist. He had authored more than 35 books. He also won popularity as an orator. He served as University Grants Commission professor in several Government colleges and retired as Head of the Department of Malayalam from Calicut University. He was chairman of the Kerala Sahithya Akademi and the Sahithya Pravarthaka Cooperative Society. He had won several awards including Kendra Sahithya Academy Award, Kerala Sahithya Academy Award, Vallathol Puraskaram, Ezhuthachan Award, Lalithambika Antharjanam Award, Shankara Narayanan Thampi Award.He is known for his simple and lucid writing style even when he dealt with abstruse literary topics. A multi-faceted personality, his interests included music, acting and sports.His important works include `Isangalkappuram,' `Kranthadarsikal,' Srishtiyum Srishtavum', `Tagore,' and `Asthiyude Pookkal: Changampuzha — Kaviyum Kavithayum.' His last work was an autobiography, `Manasasmarami.' . His essays are still favored by many in academic circles even now.

Guptan Nair Award was established and endowed in 2007 in honor of S. Guptan Nair by S. Guptan Nair Foundation. The first award was presented to critic and writer M. Leelavathi. The 2009 award was won by social critic Sukumar Azhikode.