Renowned Malayalam Writer P Valsala Passes Away at 84
P. Valsala, an acclaimed Malayalam writer, social worker, and teacher, passed away at the age of 84. She breathed her last at the Kozhikode Mukkam KMCT Medical College around 11 PM on Tuesday. Known for her impactful work, especially as the narrator of “Thirunelli” (Tirunelliyude kathakaari), Valsala actively contributed to Malayalam literature since the 1960s.
Born on August 28, 1939, in Kanhangad, Valsala had a distinguished career as a teacher, serving at the Koduvalli Government High School for 32 years until her retirement in 1993. She received various accolades, including the Ezhuthachan Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, and Padma Prabha Award. Her literary contributions, such as ‘Nellu’ (1972), ‘Anupamayude Kavalkkaran’ (1980), and ‘Suvarna Kadhakal’ (2008), reflected her deep understanding of the lives of tribal communities in Wayanad.
Throughout her career, Valsala held significant positions, serving as the President and Vice President of Sahitya Akademi and holding the presidency of Sahitya Samithi for 17 years. She is survived by her husband, Murali M Appukutty, and her children, Dr. M.A Mini and M.A Arun, along with son/daughter-in-law Dr. K Ninakumar and Gayathri.
