Renowned Malayalam writer and critic MK Sanoo dies

Kochi: Renowned Malayalam writer, critic, and former legislator M.K. Sanoo, popularly known as Sanoo Mash, died on Saturday in Kochi. He was 97.

According to Mathrubhumi News, Prof. Sanoo was admitted to hospital on July 25 after suffering a fall at his home, which led to a hip fracture. Though he underwent surgery, his condition worsened due to respiratory issues, pulmonary oedema, and pneumonia. He was moved to the ICU, where he remained under treatment until his passing.

Born on October 27, 1927, in Thumpoly, Alappuzha, Sanoo was an exceptional student, graduating with first rank in MA Malayalam from University College, Thiruvananthapuram. He went on to teach at several government colleges, including Sree Narayana College in Kollam and Maharaja’s College in Ernakulam. He retired from teaching service in 1983.

In 1987, Prof. Sanoo entered politics and won the Ernakulam Assembly seat as an independent candidate backed by the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Known for his progressive ideals, he had already taken charge as president of the Purogamana Sahitya Sangham in 1986. He was widely respected as a humanist and a passionate advocate for social reform.

Over the course of his career, Prof. Sanoo authored more than 80 works spanning literary criticism, biography, and children’s literature. His first book, Anchu Shastra Nayakanmar, was published in 1958, followed by the seminal critical work Kattum Velichavum in 1960.

Among his most celebrated titles are Ekanthaveethiyile Avadhoothan, a biography of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, and Nakshatrangalude Snehabhajanam, centred on poet Changampuzha Krishna Pillai. His autobiography Karmagathi offers an introspective look at his literary and ideological evolution.

Sanoo received several prestigious accolades for his contributions to Malayalam literature, including the Sahitya Akademi Award (both Central and State), the Vayalar Award, the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award.

With inputs from Agencies