Fifty years after his passing, the powerful verses of Vayalar Ramavarma continue to resonate deeply across Kerala’s vibrant cultural landscape. On this significant 50th death anniversary, a multitude of admirers and artists convened to pay homage to the legendary poet, whose unforgettable Malayalam songs beautifully articulated the dreams, struggles, and romantic aspirations of an entire generation.
Born on March 25, 1928, Vayalar Ramavarma’s passion for writing blossomed early in life. His inaugural poem graced the pages of Swaraj, a weekly publication based in Ernakulam, edited by K.P. Thayyil. Initially, he adopted the pseudonym Ramavarma G. Thirumulpad for his poetry collection, Padamudrakal. It was Madhava Pai, the proprietor of Thuravoor Sri Narasimha Vilasam Book Depot, who ultimately bestowed upon him the iconic name, Vayalar Ramavarma.
Remarkably, when Padamudrakal, a poignant collection of eight poems dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, was released, the prodigious poet was merely twenty years old.
Vayalar’s journey as a celebrated lyricist began in 1956 with the enchanting song Thumbi Thumbi Vaa Vaa…, beautifully rendered by Shanta P. Nair for the film Koodappirappu. Interestingly, he had previously penned a song for the movie Vazhivilakku, though it regrettably never made it to the screen.
Throughout his illustrious career, Vayalar consistently strived to articulate profound life philosophies. His iconic declaration, Manushan mathangale srishttichu (meaning ‘man created religions’), profoundly captured deep truths about human existence. Through his stirring and evocative compositions, he ignited a revolutionary spirit that profoundly influenced and inspired countless generations.
Vayalar passed away on October 27, 1975. To mark this solemn occasion, Vayalar memorial events and heartfelt poetry gatherings were held on Monday at Chandrakalabham in Raghavaparambu, a place imbued with his enduring memory. Concurrently, as a tribute to the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising, the Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Literary Conference was also meticulously organized.
Among those who gathered to honor the literary giant were his wife, Bharathi Thampuratti, and his son, Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma. Bharathi Thampuratti shared her profound grief, noting that while Vayalar did not accumulate material wealth, his spirit lives eternally in the hearts of thousands, a testament to his immeasurable legacy.
These commemorative programs were a collaborative effort, jointly organized by the Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham, the Indian People’s Theatre Association, and the Yuvakala Sahithi, uniting various cultural and literary organizations in celebration of his life and work.