ALAPPUZHA: Half a century after his passing, the words of Vayalar Ramavarma continue to echo through Kerala’s cultural landscape. On the 50th death anniversary of the legendary Malayalam poet and lyricist, admirers, artists, and cultural organisations across the state gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of a man whose verses continue to stir emotion and inspire reflection. Vayalar passed away on October 27, 1975.
According to Josy Joseph, retired head of the Malayalam Department at Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara, Vayalar remains one of the most celebrated poets in Kerala, and his verses continue to inspire younger generations. “The large number of people who gathered in Vayalar and other parts of Cherthala taluk to attend the memorial events is clear evidence of his deep connection across generations.Their passion reflects how deeply Vayalar’s words are rooted in the hearts of the common people,” he said.
Speaking at the gathering, Bharathi Thampuratti, widow of Vayalar, recalled how her husband lived a life of simplicity and conviction. “Though he did not amass wealth or property, he lives in the hearts of thousands even today,” she said in a programme organised at Ragavaparambu on last Monday.
Numerous memorial events and poetry gatherings were held at Chandrakalabham in Ragavaparambu, to mark the anniversary of his death. The events formed part of the wider observances commemorating the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising, which had deeply influenced his revolutionary spirit.
Born on March 25, 1928, in Vayalar near Cherthala, Ramavarma developed a passion for writing from a very young age. His first poem appeared in Swaraj, a weekly run by K P Thayyil in Ernakulam. Later, he published Padamudrakal, a collection of eight poems inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, under the pen name Ramavarma G Thirumulpad.
It was Madhava Pai, the owner of Thuravoor Sri Narasimha Vilasam Book Depot, who suggested the name by which he became immortal, Vayalar Ramavarma. Remarkably, when Padamudrakal was published, he was only twenty years old.
The lyricist in Vayalar was born in 1956 through the song “Thumbi Thumbi Vaa Vaa...” rendered by Shanta P Nair in the film Koodappirappu. Before that, he had written a song for the film Vazhivilakku, though it was never filmed. What followed was an extraordinary journey that redefined Malayalam film music.
His lyrics often carried profound reflections on life and society. In the famous line “Manushyan Mathangale Srishttichu...” (Man created religions), he captured timeless truths about human existence and the divisions born of belief. “Through his songs, Vayalar became the voice of rebellion, hope, and love, a poet who could move both the mind and the heart,” Josy said.
