K. Thayat facts for kids
Thayat Kunjananthan, also known as K. Thayat (born February 17, 1927 – died December 4, 2011), was a famous Indian writer. He wrote many books and plays in the Malayalam language. He was especially known for his children's literature and over a hundred radio plays. K. Thayat was also a school teacher and received many awards for his writing and for being an excellent teacher.
About K. Thayat
K. Thayat was born on February 17, 1927. His birthplace was Panniyannur, a small place near Tellicherry in the Indian state of Kerala. His parents were Chandu Nambiar and Lakshmi Amma. He had two brothers who were also well-known: Thayat Sankaran, a writer, and Thayat Balan, who worked for social causes.
He went to several schools, including Kunnummal Higher Elementary School and BEMP High School. He also studied at Kathirur Govt. High School and Brennen College.
Before becoming a teacher, K. Thayat worked in different jobs. He sold tickets at movie theaters and worked as a clerk in an office. He also worked at a military camp and in a hospital in Madras (now Chennai). Later, he worked at the All India Radio station in Calicut.
In 1952, he started teaching at Panoor UP School. He loved teaching and stayed there until he retired in 1982. By then, he was the headmaster of the school. K. Thayat passed away on December 4, 2011, when he was 85 years old.
His Writing Life
K. Thayat wrote 42 books in total. These books included stories, poems, plays, and essays. Many of his works were written especially for children.
His first collection of stories was called Puthenkani, published in 1951. Two years later, in 1953, he published his first collection of poems, Palpathakal.
One of his exciting books is Naam Changala Potticha Katha. This book tells the stories of brave freedom fighters who gave their lives for India's independence. He also helped write Swathanthrya Samaram Kuttikalkk, which means "History of the Freedom Struggle for Children." This book was published by the State Institute of Children's Literature.
K. Thayat was also a great speaker. He wrote more than a hundred radio plays. His play Thottakkaran was special because it was the first play by someone not working for All India Radio to be broadcast on their Calicut station.
List of Works
- Mela
- Naivedyam
- Palppathakal
- Nadukanichuram
- Mazha Mazha Thenmazha
- Viddiyude Swargam
- Yakshiyum Kathakalum
- Snehamanu Sakthi
- Oru Katha Parayoo Teacher
- Muthassi Parayatha Katha
- Naranathu Bhranthanum Valmikavum
- Tenaliyile Kochuraman
- Puthankani
- Nilakkannukal
- Naam Changala Potticha Katha
- January 30
- Oliver Twist
- Huckleberry Finn
- Velichathilekk
- Oru Kuttiyude Athmakatha
- Thyagaseema
- Bahadur Shah
- Shurpanakha
- Manthara
- Akshatham
- Socrates
- Bhagat Singh
- Janani Janmabhumi
- Aa Vaathil Adaykkaruth
Awards and Recognition
K. Thayat received many awards for his contributions to literature and education. Here are some of them:
- 1982: Cherukad Award for his book Katha Urangunna Vazhiyiloode.
- 2002: Kerala Sahitya Akademi Endowment for Chakravarthiye Urumbu Thinnunnu.
- Kairali Children's Book Trust Award for Nadukanichuram.
- Bombay Natakavedi Award for his play Bahadur Shah.
- Abu Dhabi Shakti Award for Bhagat Singh.
- Kerala State Institute of Children's Literature Award for his version of Oliver Twist.
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his overall work.
- 1975: Kerala State Award for Best Teacher.
- 1976: National Award for Best Teacher.
