Noted poet Pala Narayanan Nair dead at 97

Kottayam, Jun 11 (UNI) Noted poet Pala Narayanan Nair died at a private nursing home following an age-related illness, today.

He was 97. He is survived by his two sons and as many daughters.

He was taken to a hospital at Kaduthuruthy and the end came at 1030 hrs.

The funeral would be held on his house premises at Vaikom tomorrow with State honours.

Maha Kavi Nair had played a major role in the formation of the Kerala Sahitya Academy. He had served as Secretary of the Academy.

He was the recipient of various awards, including Vallathol Puraskaram, Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, Asan Award and Sahitya Academy award. Kerala Valarunnu, Amruthakala, Anthiyapooja and Alipazham were among his noted creations.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, in a condolence message, said he poets death was a great loss to Malayalam literature and cultural Kerala. Education Minister M A Baby, K M Mani, MLA, and other leaders also expressed their condolences.

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