Esteemed Malayalam author P Valsala passed away at the age of 85 due to heart failure in Mukkom, where she had been admitted to KMCT Medical College. She resided with her husband Maroli Appukkutty in the home of their daughter Dr. MA Mini near Mukkom, while her son, Arun Maroli, worked in the US.
Valsala’s literary legacy was adorned with accolades such as the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, Muttathu Varkey Award, and the CV Kunhiraman Memorial Sahitya Award. A former chairperson of the Sahitya Akademi, she was also associated with the left-aligned cultural organization, Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangam.
Some of her renowned works include “Nizhalurangunna Vazhikal,” “Nellu,” and “Kolli,” encompassing over 25 anthologies of short stories and 17 novels.
Born on August 28, 1939, at Vellimaukunnu, Valsala’s literary journey began after studying at Kanjirathinkal LP School and Nadakavu Girls High School, where she later worked. Her marriage to Appukkutty led them to Wayanad, setting the stage for her acclaimed work ‘Nellu,’ depicting the tribal communities. The novel was adapted into a movie by Ramu Kariat, with Valsala contributing to the screenplay.
In Wayanad, she crossed paths with naxalite leader Varghese, whose later murder left an indelible mark on her. Valsala’s characters breathed life, drawing inspiration from village life and nature. She resisted categorizing her writing into specific genres, eschewing labels like Dalit literature and feminism.
For Valsala, writing was more than a vocation; it was a hobby she pursued after fulfilling her daily responsibilities at home and school. Her legacy endures through the vibrant characters and narratives that transcended conventional literary boundaries.
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