Parappurathu

Paarappurathu K E Mathai, was born on 24th November 1924 in Kunnam village, near Mavelikkara. After his education, he joined the Indian Army's Pioneer Corps as a clerk.
Published his first short story, 'Puthriyude Vyaapaaram' in 1948. He has around 20 novels to his credits which starts from 'Ninamaninja Kaalppaadukal' to 'Kaanaapponnu' and around 12 collection of stories which include 'Prakashadhaara' to 'Vazhiyariyaathe' to his credit. He has also written a drama, 'Velicham Kuranja Vazhikal' and also boasts of 'Marikkaatha Ormakal' a memoir.

His novels, Aranaazhika neram, Akaashathile Paravakal, Panitheeraatha Veedu, Ninamaninja Kaalppaadukal and Anweshichu Kandethiyilla became movies. These are regarded as the milestones in the history of Malayalam Cinema. He himself wrote the screen plays of these movies.

He received the Sahithya Academy Award for Aranaazhika neram in 1968. He also got the award for the best screen play award from the state govt in 1971 for Aranaazhika neram. His collection of stories, Naalaal naaluvazhi received the Sahithya Academy Award in 1966. He was the President of the Sahithya Pravarthaka Sahakarana Sangham (SPSS). He was known as the 'story teller of Onaattukara' Onaattukara is a name given to all the places in Mavelikara, Karthikappalli Talukas in Alleppy Dt, Kerala.
He breathed his last on 30 December, 1981.

His village Kunnam, established the 'Paarappurathu Study Centre' in memory of its own prolific story teller.

Prepared by: Sreedevi Pillai