Kalpetta: The literary and social activism communities are mourning the loss of KJ Baby, also known as Kanav Baby, who passed away at the age of 70. He was discovered lifeless in the Kalari near his residence in Nadavayal Cheengode, Wayanad, earlier this morning. KJ Baby, a recipient of the prestigious Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, had been battling health issues for an extended period.
KJ Baby was widely recognized for his unwavering commitment to the betterment of the tribal population in Wayanad. Through his vocational education program, Kanav, he dedicated his life to integrating the children of this marginalized community into mainstream society. A passionate human rights advocate, KJ Baby’s efforts went beyond education; he was a social activist who worked tirelessly to uplift the underprivileged classes in Wayanad.
In addition to his activism, KJ Baby was a distinguished writer and dramatist. His contributions to literature and theatre include notable plays such as Apoorna, Nadugaddika, Kunjappante Kurishu Maranam, Keyulokathth Ninnu, Uyirpp, and Kunjimain Enthayirikkum Paranjath, as well as the film Guda, which he directed. His literary works include Mavelimantam, Bespurkana, and Goodbye Malabar. His play Nadugaddika and the novel Mavelimantam have been incorporated into university curricula. In 1994, he was honored with the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel Mavelimantam.
KJ Baby’s contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the Muttathu Varkey Award, T.V. Kochubava Award, Akam Award, Joseph Mundassery Award, and the Kerala Government’s Bharat Bhavan Gramina Nataka Samagra Sambhavana Award.
Born on February 27, 1954, in Mavilayi, Kannur, KJ Baby’s family relocated to Wayanad in 1973. In 1994, he established the school called Kanav, which became a cornerstone of his educational efforts. He is survived by his wife, Shirley.
