This is the journey of a village boy who went on to become a profound poet. His contribution to literature is summed up beautifully in the statement that was issued with the Jnanpith award 2019: 'A poet of rare integrity, a creator of many works, all considered as classics, Akkitham's poetry reflects unfathomable compassion and imprints of Indian philosophical and moral values, delving deep into human emotions in a fast changing social space.
Akkitham's life story is also the story of Nambudiri renaissance, in which he was a major player. Writers, social activists and politicians abound in this book. While Akkitham wanted the feudal social order to go, he was also disenchanted with communism; the book narrates the profound philosophical objections and the intensely personal reasons of his disenchantment.
The detailed sketches by Akkitham Vasudevan, renowned artist and elder son of the poet, make this book a rare collectible. One of Akkitham's deeply philosophical poems has been illustrated by Akkitham Narayanan, octogenarian artist of repute and Akkitham's younger brother. Several translations of Akkitham's Malayalam poems have been included in part or full.
Akkitham Vasudevan, elder son of the poet, has been teaching art at M.S. University, Baroda for over thirty years. A student of Gulammohammed Sheikh, Vasudevan is an active member of the Baroda art community. Exhibited widely, Vasudevan's works are displayed in several museums in India and Abroad.
I had mooted the idea of a pictorial biography to Akkitham sometime in 2006. He did not disapprove of it; nor did he give his consent. He only commented that howsoever you try, certain projects may not come to fruition if their time has not come.
By the time the request was renewed in 2017, I had garnered the support of his immediate family; in particular, his two sons. The elder of the two, Akkitham Vasudevan, agreed to supply sketches; the younger one, Narayanan, enthusiastically took up the job of gathering 'institutional' support.
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