THRISSUR: Ekalavyan, one of the most prolific writers of contemporary Malayalam literature, passed away in a private hospital here on Sunday night after prolonged illness. The 78-year-old writer breathed his last at the Amala hospital, where he was admitted about two months ago following renal failure.
KM Mathew, who wrote under the pseudonym Ekalavyan, was known for his versatility in writing. A retired army man, his lucid prose played a significant role in imparting information on army life to the common man. Novel like Trench was purely based on his experience in the army.
With his engaging style he attracted readers cutting across class and caste boundaries. He wrote 38 novels, three short stories and screenplay for a television serial.
Born in Kunnamkulam, Thrissur, Mathew joined the Indian Army in 1953 as a soldier. He chose the penname Ekalavyan as he found it difficult to use own name while being in the service. Trench, Kayam, Sarppavisham, Chakravuham, Anali and Neerali are some of his main novels.
He is survived by wife Leelamani and sons Saleel Mathew (Pune) Sunil Mathew (US).