Ala. Valliyappa

Azha Valliappa or A. Valliyappa (7 November 1922 – 16 March 1989), popularly known as Kuzhandai Kavignar, was an Indian poet recognized for his contributions to children's literature in Tamil.

Biography Valliappa was born on 7 November 1922 in Rayavaram, Pudukkottai district (then part of Madras Presidency), to Alagappa Chettiar and Umaiyal Aachi. At the age of five, he was adopted. Financial constraints prevented him from pursuing higher education.

In 1940, Valliappa began working as a cashier at the Sakthi newspaper in Madras. His first published story was Aalukku Paathi. Notably, this association was formed nine months before the establishment of a Tamil writers’ association. He held various leadership roles within the organization, including secretary and president. From 1951 to 1954, he served as the editor of Pooncholai. His birthday, 7 November, is celebrated annually as Children's Literature Day.