Jose Panachippuram

Jose Panachippuram (born 24 August 1951) is an Indian journalist, novelist, short story writer and columnist who writes primarily in Malayalam. He served as the editorial director of Malayala Manorama and the editor in charge of the literary monthly Bhashaposhini.

He is best known for his novels, short stories and long-running newspaper columns. His satirical column Tharangangalil appeared every Wednesday in Malayala Manorama for about 47 years and is regarded as one of the longest-running columns in Malayalam journalism. He has also written the literary humour column Snehapoorvam Panachi in Bhashaposhini for over three decades (33 years) and authored the captions for the newspaper's popular Kunjukkuruppu pocket cartoon for more than 36 years. He retired from Malayala Manorama on June 30,2026.

Early life and career

He was born in Vazhoor in Kottayam district, Kerala, on 24 August 1951. He obtained a postgraduate degree in English Literature and began his professional career as an auditor in the Office of the Accountant General in Thiruvananthapuram before entering journalism.

During his career with Malayala Manorama, he served in several editorial roles and later became Editorial Director. He was also the editor in charge of Bhashaposhini, one of Kerala's leading literary magazines.

Literary career

He has authored more than thirty books, including novels, short story collections, novellas and collections of columns. His work spans fiction, satire and literary journalism. He has also published poetry in English.

His professional book on newspaper design, Pathrakalpana, has been used as a textbook in media studies.

Novels

Swantham Ardram Kattadiyude Geetham Alikhitham Manpedakkunnile Seetha Kannadiyile Mazha Ajnathante Suvishesham E-Roudram Delannoyude Vaal Kadamattam Chitta Methan Mani Irakkam

Short story collections

Ashadham Ezhuthappettirikkunnathupole Dharavi Irupathaaramathe Kathi 7, Jahangir Road Chengannoorinum Thiruvallaykkumidayil Evideyo Chembakakkutty Randamal Archimedes Durantham Amazon Chuttika Monsoon Bathroom Pulikkum Vedikkum Thammil Kumarakom Thottulla Kathakal

Novellas

Kathayil Illatha Oraal Uthama Purushanum Sthreepakshavum

Collections of columns

Tharangangalil Panachi Snehapoorvam Panachi Vada Koduthum Vadi Koduthum Ezhuthum Kuthukalum Shoonyavela Tharangangalil 2.0

Awards and honours

He is among the few Malayalam writers to have received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award twice.

His honours include:

Samastha Kerala Sahithya Parishath Award for Best Short Story (1971) National Award for Best Newspaper Design (1980) Koduppunna Award for Best Columnist (1999) JKV Award for Dharavi (2000) Kerala Kalakendram Award for Best Columnist (2001) American Malayalam Vedhi Award for Literary Journalism (2001) Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Humour Literature for Snehapoorvam Panachi (2003) Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council Media Award (2004) Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for the novel Kannadiyile Mazha (2005) C. H. Mohammed Koya Award for Lifetime Contribution to Journalism (2006) V.K.B. Award for Best Columnist (2007) Kerala Media Academy Award for Best Headline (2008) P. Kesavadev Award for Overall Contribution (2008) Mary Benigna Literary Award (2015) Pandalam Kerala Varma Media Award (2016)

Professional associations

He has served as a member of the governing bodies of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi and the Kerala Media Academy. He served as president of both the Ernakulam Press Club and the Kottayam Press Club.