Joseph Edamaruku

Joseph Edamaruku (7 September 1934 – 29 June 2006), often known simply as Edamaruku, was an Indian journalist, author and rationalist activist from Kerala. He was associated with the Malayalam magazine Kerala Sabdam for more than two decades and later served as its Delhi bureau chief. He was also a founder-editor of the Malayalam rationalist periodical Therali and served as president of the Indian Rationalist Association from 1995 to 2005.

Early life and background Edamaruku was born on 7 September 1934 in what is now Idukki district, Kerala.

Journalism Edamaruku worked as a Malayalam journalist and was associated with the Kerala Sabdam group of publications after moving to Delhi in 1977.

Edamaruku was also publicly critical of astrology and of the introduction of astrology courses into Indian universities. In 2004, while president of the Indian Rationalists, he was quoted by UCANews criticising a court decision that allowed astrology courses in universities.

Writing Edamaruku wrote in Malayalam and English on religion, philosophy, rationalism, magic and claims of miracles. His obituary in DNA India stated that he authored 168 books and more than 2,000 essays. His major works included Christ and Krishna Never Lived, Quran: A Critical Study, and Bhagavad Gita: A Critical Study. He also translated and published works by Abraham Kovoor in Malayalam.

His autobiography, Kodumkattuyarthiya Kaalam (The Times that Raised the Tempest), received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Biography and Autobiography in 1999.

Death Edamaruku died on 29 June 2006 at his residence in Mayur Vihar, New Delhi. In accordance with his wishes, his body was donated to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences for medical research.

Personal life Edamaruku was married to Soley Edamaruku. Their son, Sanal Edamaruku, became a rationalist writer and activist and later president of the Indian Rationalist Association and Rationalist International.

Selected works Christ and Krishna Never Lived Quran: A Critical Study Bhagavad Gita: A Critical Study Upanishathukal: Oru Vimarsana Padanam Yukthivada Rashtram Kodumkattuyarthiya Kaalam Kovoorinte Sampoorna Krithikal

Awards Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Biography and Autobiography, 1999, for Kodumkattuyarthiya Kaalam. International Atheist Award, 1979.