S. K. Nayar
| S. K. Nayar | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 26, 1917 Aluva, India |
| 💀Died | January 2, 1984 Chennai, IndiaJanuary 2, 1984 |
| 💼 Occupation | Prof. Head of the Dept. in Malayalam |
| 👩 Spouse(s) | C. L. Meenakshi Amma |
| 👶 Children | 8 |
| 👴 👵 Parent(s) | Elanjikoduthu Narayana Pilla, Kunnathu Lakshmi Amma |
| Twitter= | |
S. K. Nayar (March 1917–January 1984) was an Indian novelist, researcher, translator, orator, art critic and scholar who was responsible for publishing the first Malayalam weekly in Madras called Jayakeralam.[1]. He was a literary critic, poet, dramatist, literature and language expert in Sanskrit, Malayalam and Tamil with over 70 literary creations to his credit[2]. He won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award in 1973 for his autobiography titled Marakatha Kathakal[3].
Biography[edit]
S.K. Nayar, also popularly known as S.K., was noted for his contribution to folk art forms[4] and literature[5] that spanned Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the Dravidian culture at large. Many performing artists sought research guidance from him. One such example is Padma Subrahmanyam, who during her thesis work on Natya Shastra received his guidance and support. He was a Kathakali exponent and wrote books on Kathakali[6]. while he was also an advocate for reviving ancient dance forms, such as, Koodiyattam, Chakyar Koothu, Thullal etc.
As a language expert, he researched the history of Indian Prose, Poetry, Drama and Fiction[7] in Malayalam in context with other Indian languages and Sanskrit as the source. He authored books on comparative grammar[8] in Sanskrit, Tamil and Malayalam; drew phonetic and linguistic associations between ancient and modern languages from its derivatives[9]. His research touched upon Western language influences[10] on Indian art forms and was invited as a cultural ambassador and offered University chairs in various regions of the world, including Russia and the US. S.K. translated Kambaramayanam[11] into Malayalam, which won him the title "Malayala Kambar." Delhi, Kolkatta, Andhra, Bangalore, Mysore and many other Universities invited him as a visiting professor, board examiner/question paper-setter, Ph.D and honors‘ evaluator and his books were incorporated into the syllabi of Schools and Colleges.
S.K. was instrumental in establishing educational institutions in Chennai and promoting Malayalee cultural institutions. Asan Memorial[12] group of schools is the brainchild of S.K. and he was one of its founder members.
Film, television, and radio[edit]
S.K. authored radio plays[13] wrote and delivered speeches on a continual basis at All India Radio; produced and directed television plays in Sanskrit and Malayalam during the early advent of DD Chennai[14] and had a slot for Indian Bank promotional radio plays[15] for a few years between 1980-83. Many of these efforts also involved acting, lyric writing, voice overs and included noted film actors such as, Mohan and playback singers such as, P Leela and P. Jayachandran.
S.K. wrote screenplays for movies that included Mayor Nair (translation of Thomas Hardy’s Mayor of Casterbridge) S.K. also served as a member of the Film Censor Board between 1952 and 1962.
Early life and education[edit]
S.K. was born in Aluva on March 26, 1917. His parents were Elanjikoduthu Narayana Pilla and Kunnath Lakshmi Amma. He was the fifth child in a family of six children and rose from a struggling financial background. However, no obstacles stood in the way of his thirst for education and for imparting that knowledge because the teacher in him formed the centerpiece of his life journey. While in middle school, he tutored his classmates, seniors, and students young and old.
There is an amusing anecdote about him as a child tutoring a student much older than himself and was called upon by the father of the student. Apparently, the student had failed in every other subject except Malayalam. The father of the student was both perplexed and surprised on seeing this young lad who stood before him but in minutes, he fell under the spell of young S.K.'s knowledge and magnetism, saying "no wonder my son only likes Malayalam now. Thanks to you!"[16].
In his ninth grade, he wrote guides for his school syllabus and later at his U.C. College, Aluva where he completed his Intermediate in History and authored literary guides, much like Cliff Notes, for complex literary works that assisted his own teachers.[17] His popularity spread and he began writing prefaces, analysis and literary criticism for noted books and authors[18]. His stage acting, public speaking and interest in Kathakali grew. Noted literary figures such as, Changampuzha, Edappally Raghavan and many others were added to his friends circle. SK.'s education and career is traced below:
| Milestone | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| Completed High School from St. Mary's School, Aluva | 1933 |
| Graduated from U.C. College, Aluva | 1938 |
| Passed Vidvan exam, securing the first rank from the University of Madras, Chennai | 1939 |
| Worked as a High School teacher in various schools, such as St.Anne's High School, Kottayam | 1938-'40 |
| Appointed as a Malayalam teacher at Chingavanam High School, a suburb of Kottayam | 1941-'43 |
| Received his M.A and B.O.L. degrees, securing the first rank from the University of Madras, Chennai | 1943 |
| Commenced his Ph.D. research at the University of Madras, Chennai | 1944 |
| Appointed as a Malayalam teacher at the Madras Theosophical Society (Rukmini Arundale Foundation) and Kalakshetra | 1945 |
| Appointed as a Malayalam lecturer at the Presidency College, Chennai | 1946 |
| Appointed as a Malayalam lecturer at the University of Madras, Chennai | 1947 |
| Received his Doctorate in Malayalam (The first recipient of a Doctorate degree in Malayalam), University of Madras, Chennai | 1951 |
| Appointed as the Head of the Dept. in Malayalam and served in the position for over a decade University of Madras, Chennai | 1952-'67 |
| Continued as a Professor in the University of Madras, Chennai | 1967-'78 |
| Received the prestigious Kerala Sahitya Akademi award | 1973 |
| Held several visiting professorships and UGC positions in various Universities across India | 1978-'84 |
Marriage and children[edit]
Spouse[edit]
CL. Meenakshi Amma (April 1926-Novemeber 2008)
How S.K. met Meenakshi his life partner and his marriage to her form a romantic and inspiring part of his autobiography. It was uncommon for the times, not just by virtue of it being a love marriage but also because it was a teacher-student union.[19] Their marriage took place in 1943 when S.K. returned to teach in the Chingavanam school. Eventually, they moved to Madras where S.K. pursued his Masters and began working at the University. S.K. encouraged his wife to continue her academics and she completed her Vidvan, secured a Master's Degree in English Literature and became an ayurvedic Doctor. C.L. Meenakshi Amma authored a book Learn Malayalam in 30 Days[20]
Children[edit]
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C.K. Suresh
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C.K. Mohan
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C.K. Sarath, Vasanthi Rajkumar, Lakshmi Nayar and C.K. Nandakumar with other family members
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Valsala Velayudhan and family
Another novelty was that his wife and children called S.K. "Saar" (teacher) based on the fact that he was his wife's teacher and what started as a fun reference soon became the norm. In fact, everyone who knew him closely called or referred to him as Saar. His eight children in the order of birth is shown below:
- C.K.Mani (February 1, 1944)
- C.K. Mohan (February 2, 1945 – December 11, 2017)
- Valsala Velayudhan Nair (January 8, 1948)
- Vasanthi Rajkumar (September, 1950)
- C.K.Sarath (June 26, 1952)
- C.K.Suresh (June 5, 1957 ‐ July 23, 2012)
- C.K.Nandakumar (December 28, 1959)
- Lakshmi Nayar (February 8, 1962)
Philosophical views[edit]
Nayar was born a Hindu and deeply knowledgeable in the Advaitha philosophy of Adi Shankara, as Kalady was part of his hometown and entrenched in his childhood. While he embraced and respected all religions, S.K. was mostly agnostic in his religious beliefs and Hinduism was more a sentiment than a faith. His book on Ayyapan is an example of S.K.'s stance as a pure historian above all else, and he traced Ayyapan's family and heritage as a human and a Keralite.
Published works[edit]
Nayar's writing chunked down hard-to-comprehend concepts in a concise, lucid style that a layman could digest. In the fabric of his own writing and presentation, he built ambiguity that challenged scholars to unravel its hidden connotations.
Nayar's literary works transcend the realm of prose, poetry, drama, novel, biography, essays, dissertations, treatises etc., and is not limited to the published hard copy books that are available in libraries and publishing houses. His contributions to Malayalam language and literature, mapping of etymological associations[21], condensed the time-to-deliver quality work for many aspiring research students[22], and increased the bandwidth for universal acceptance of Malayalam as a primary Dravidian language; a sister to Tamil, rather than a progeny of it. A list of his noted books is shown below:
| Genre | Title | First Published | Notes/Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autobiography | Marakatha Kathakal (Unforgettable Stories) Vol.1 | 1971, Sahithya Pravrthaka Sahakarana Sangham, Kottayam | Won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award |
| Marakatha Kathakal (Unforgettable Stories) Vol.2 | 1981 | ||
| Marakatha Kathakal (Unforgettable Stories) Vol.3 | 1984 | ||
| Contributions | The History and Culture of the Indian People Vol-7: The Mughal Empire | 1974 | Author: R.C. Majumdar Contribution by S.K.Nayar |
| Discussions/Studies | Dravida Chalugal (Dravidian Cognates) | 1957, Narasimha Vilasam Book Depot, Tirupur | A collective study of proverbs in Malayalam, Tamil, Telegu and Kannada. |
| Kalathinte Kavithagal (Poems of the Time) | 1957, Southern Languages Book Trust, Chennai | A collection 66 modern poems | |
| Kathakali Manjari (A collection of Kathakali art and literature) | 1957, Oriental Manuscript Library, Chennai | Includes “Art and Literature of Kathakali” | |
| Mattoru Nalacharitam Aatakatha (Another story of Nala in Dance form) | 1955, University of Madras, Chennai | A work distinct from Unnayi Varrar’s Nalacharitam Aatakatha. | |
| Pracheena Sudha (Ancient Purity) | 1957, Southern Languages Book Trust, Chennai | A collective study of 103 South Indian poems | |
| Vadakkan Paatugal (Malayalam Ballads of Medieval Origin), Vol.1 | 1935, University of Madras, Chennai | Volumes 1 and 2 were co-authored by Chelnatu Achutha Menon | |
| Vadakkan Paatugal, (Malayalam Ballads of Medieval Origin), Vol.2 | 1955, University of Madras, Chennai | ||
| Vadakkan Paatugal, (Malayalam Ballads of Medieval Origin), Vol.3 | 1957, University of Madras, Chennai | ||
| Drama | Malayavathiyum Mattu Natakangallum (Malayavathi and other plays) | 1957, P.K. Brothers, Kozhikode | 12 radio/television plays |
| Purana Veedhi (Ancient Passageway) | 1960, Bhavanandi Publishers, Ernakulam | Nine radio plays | |
| Tharanga Rangam (Stage of Waves) | 1951, K.R. Brothers, Kozhikode | Six radio plays: Atma Bali, Shappamo Varammo?, Veera Prathikaram, Divya Darshanam, Manasthappam, Esther | |
| Veera Rangam (Scene of Victory) | 1963, Sahithya Pravrthaka Sahakarana Sangham | 12 radio/television plays | |
| Zebunnisa | 1951, Mangalodayam, Thrissur | A light historic play on Aurangazeb’s daughter Zebunnisa, a gifted poet. | |
| Educational | Learn Malayalam in 30 Days | Conceived, guided, and edited by SK. Nayar (authored by his wife, C.L. Meenakshi Amma.) | |
| Essays | Gnan Kanda Sahithyakaranmaar (The Literary Figures I Saw/Met) | 1949, Janatha Printing and Publishing Company, Chennai | Glimpses of prominent literary figures (short narrative sketches) such as, Vallathol, Ulloor, K.K.Raja, Kuttipuzha Krishnapilla, Changampuzha, D.P. Unni, Chelnat Achyuthamenon, G. Shankara Kurup, Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, Joseph, M.P. Paul, M. Balakrishna Pilla, Karoor etc. |
| Kala Chintakal (Thoughts about Art) | 1951, Lokavani Press, Chennai | A collection of ten essays | |
| Narma Salappam (Pleasantry-filled Humorous Chit-Chat) | 1951, Mangalodayam, Thrissur | A collection of 19 essays | |
| Samskara Kedharam (The Breeding Ground of Culture) | 1951, Sahithya Pravrthaka Sahakarana Sangham, Kottayam | Surrealism, mysticism, symbolism, etc. | |
| Samskara Sourabham (The Fragrance of Culture) | 1981, Independent Publishing | Essays on six epic works from Malayalam, Tamil and Sanskrit. | |
| Sheriyum Thettum (Right and Wrong) | 1961, Parishath Book Stall, Ernakulam | A collection of 12 descriptive texts/analysis of various literary works of notable writers. | |
| Vichara Manjari (A Collection of Deliberations) | 1951, P.K.Brothers, Kozhikode | Essays on ten literary works | |
| Novel | Ayyapan | 1960, Mathrubhumi, Kozhikode | Ayyapan is portrayed in a realistic light as a human. The ancestry and history of Ayyapan's family heritage is traced. |
| Kalla Nannayam (Fake Currency) | 1960, Janatha Printing and Publishing Company, Chennai | A light-hearted novel | |
| Mayor Nayar | 1965, Sahithya Pravrthaka Sahakarana Sangham | Novelette translation of Mayor of Casterbridge and its screenplay for the movie Mayor Nair. | |
| Poetry | 101 Attakathakal, Vol.1 | 101 Attakathakal for Kathakali performances in various topics | |
| 101 Attakathakal, Vol.2 | |||
| Manikanta Vijayam | 1963, Oriental Publications, Punnalur | A thullal book based on the magnificence of Manikantan, the prince (Ayyappan) | |
| Research | Annals of Oriental Research | 1957, University of Madras, Chennai | Koodiyattam contribution by S.K.Nayar |
| Keralathile Nadodi Nadakanangal (Folk Dramas of Kerala) | 1955, University of Madras, Chennai | Ph.D. thesis | |
| Translation | Dravida Bhasha Vyakarnam (A Comparative Grammar of the Dravidian Languages) | 1973-‘76, Kerala Bhasha Institute, Thiruvanthapuram | |
| Chandi Das | 1979, Sahitya Academy New Delhi | Source: Autobiography of Sukumar Sen. Belongs to the family of Indian Literary creations. | |
| Ente Katha (My Story) | 1961, Sahitya Akademi, Delhi | Source: U.V. Swaminatha Iyer's autobiography in Tamil | |
| Ghalib | 1989, Sahitya Acadamy | Source: Biography of Ghalib | |
| India Swathanthram Nedunnu (India wins Freedom) | 1962, Orient Longmans, Chennai | Source: Moulana Abul Kalam Azad’s poetry “India Wins Freedom” | |
| Kambaramayanam (Kambar's Ramayanam) | 1967-1974, University of Madras | Published four volumes and was working on the fifth volume when he passed. Source: Kambaramayanam | |
| Mullapoomala (Garland of Jasmine Flowers) | 1953, Mangalodayam, Thrissur | Source: Kundamala of Dinnaga | |
| Paschathyarum Pourasthyarumaya Punyavathikal (Women Saints from the East and West) | 1978, National Book Stall, New Delhi | Source: Women Saints from East and West, a publication on Sarada Devi's Centenary celebrations | |
| Pathidevatha (Husband, the Divine) | 1959, Mangalodayam, Thrissur | Source: Alcestis, a Greek tragedy by Euripedes | |
| Prometheus | 1957 | Source: Prometheus Bound, Greek Tragedy by Aeschylus | |
| Sacheeva Prathigna (Minister's Oath) | 1975, Sahithya Pravrthaka Sahakarana Sangham | Source: Prathigyagandharayanam, Sanskrit play by Bhasa | |
| Soviet Kavitha (Soviet Poetry) | 1967, Janatha Printing and Publishing Company, Chennai | Source: 19 Russian poems |
Honors and awards[edit]
S.K.Nayar received several awards and recognitions during the course of his lifetime but the most notable are as follows:
- Won the Kerala Sahitya Acadamy award for his autobiography in 1973.
- Received the title Malayala Kambar from the Chief Minister of Madras Karunanidhi in 1969 in the presence of other dignitaries such as, MGR. He received a gold pendant as well during this felicitation.
- Inaugurated the World Conference of Malayalam in July at New York in 1983 with K.R. Narayanan and other dignitaries.
- Received an honorary Justice of Peace (J.P) title from Madras City and served as the Honorary Magistrate between 1970-'78.
- Offered a chair as a Malayalam Professor at Texas University in 1983.
Centenary celebrations[edit]
S.K. leaves a legacy that will remain indelible in the Malayalam footprint as long as the education system continues upholding the heritage of Malayalam.
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Centenary celebrations brochure
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C.K. Mani at the Centenary dais with dignitaries
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K.J. Jesudas, Dhananjayan and Padma Subrahmanyan
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K.J. Jesudas being honored at the Centenary celebrations.
S.K.Nayar's Centenary celebration was orchestrated by his children under the leadership of his oldest son Mani. A celebration was held at his home town Aluva that was attended by his colleagues, such as M.Leelavathy with the support of several family members and friends. An event was organized in conjunction with the University of Madras, Chennai on April 7th, 2017. Several dignitaries attended and honored S.K., including K.J.Jesudas, Padma Subrahmanyam, Dhananjayan, the registrar, Girish, the Head of the Malayalam Dept., and several past and present members of the Malayalam Dept. etc.
Endowment[edit]
The University of Madras, Chennai in conjunction with S.K.'s children established an endowment in S.K.Nayar's name in 2017, with a scholarship for deserving candidates, which was kicked off by a series of Endowment lectures.
Sources[edit]
The following sources were used to create this Wiki page:
- Kalakeli by K.M. Prabhakara Variar [Published by D.C. Bookstore, Kottayam (1985)]
- Marakatha Kathakal by S.K. Nayar
- Centenary Celebrations video created by the University of Madras, Chennai
References[edit]
- ↑ K., Pradeep (31 March 2017). "Scholar nonpareil". Hindu National Newspaper. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
- ↑ "Biography of Eminent Nairs". Biography of Eminent Nairs. Nair Acadamy of Information Research and Services. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
- ↑ "Page 5 of Awards pdf (name of book, author and year)" (PDF). Kerala Sahitya Akademi. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
- ↑ Foundations of Kerala Education: An Investigation Into Selected Historical Roots (PDF). Loyola University, Chicago. 1981. p. 107. Retrieved 2 November 2020. Search this book on
- ↑ Folk-drama of Kerala. University of Madras. 1955. OCLC 30091908. Search this book on
- ↑ Kathakali, its history, present position and future. University of Madras. Search this book on
- ↑ Indian Literature of the Past Fifty Years (PDF). pp. 8–18. Retrieved 1 November 2020. Search this book on
- ↑ Dravida Bhasha Vyakarnam (Comparitive Grammar). Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala Bhasha Institute. 1993. Search this book on
- ↑ G.H., Tarlekar (1991). Studies in Natyashastra. ISBN 9788120806603. Search this book on
- ↑ George, K. M. (1972). Western Influence on Malayalam Language & Literature. pp. 205–6. ISBN 9788126004133. Retrieved 1 November 2020. Search this book on
- ↑ Kambaramayam (PDF). University of Madras. 1969–1973. p. 7. Retrieved 1 November 2020. Search this book on
- ↑ "About Asan Memorial". Asan Memorial Association, Regd. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ↑ Puranaveethi, 9 radio plays. Bhavanandi Publishers. 1961. Search this book on
- ↑ Veerarangam, 12 television plays. Sahitya Pravarthaka Sahakarna Sangham. 1953. Search this book on
- ↑ Tharanga Rangam, radio plays. K,R. Brothers, Kozhikode. 1951. Search this book on
- ↑ Marakkatha Kathakal, Volume 1, Chapter 8. Sahitya Pravarthaka Sahakarna Sangham. 1972. pp. 59–60. Retrieved 2 November 2020. Search this book on
- ↑ Marakkatha Kathakal, Volume 1, Chapter 9. Sahitya Pravarthaka Sahakarna Sangham. 1972. pp. 61–68. Retrieved 2 November 2020. Search this book on
- ↑ "The Classic Poet". Ulloor.S.Paramesvara Ayyer. Vol. 22, No. 3, Aspects of Modern Poetry: 138–147. May–June 1979. JSTOR 23329994. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ↑ Excerpts from Marakkatha Kathakal, Volumes 1 and 2. Sahitya Pravarthaka Sahakarna Sangham. Retrieved 2 November 2020. Search this book on
- ↑ Learn Malayalam in 30 Days (25th ed.). ISBN 1553940458. Search this book on
- ↑ Lexicography in India Part 1:Dictionary Making in Indian Languages: Survery and Prospects. Retrieved 2 November 2020. Search this book on
- ↑ "Ayyapan family: research guidance". An Ancient Kalari in South Kerala:Cheerappanchira. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
External links[edit]
- Annals: Oriental Research
- Dravida Bhasha (Comparitive Grammar)
- Western Influence on India . K.M George refers to S.K. Nayar's research on Western Influence.
- The History and Culture of the Indian People Vol 7-The Mughal Empire by R.C. Majumdar.
- Karaṇapaddhati of Putumana Somayājī. Page 39:references to S.K.Nayar's invaluable contributions to the topic.
- University of Madras Catalog
- Several references to Nayar community and Folk drama from S.K. Nayar's research.
- Digital catalog in Tamil language with references to S.K. Nayar's works.
- Reference to Kalari from S.K. Nayar's research.
- Natyashasthra reference, Acknowledgement of S.K. Nayar's contribution.
- Grammar and dictionary-based contribution
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