K Madhavanar

Koothirezhi Madhavan Nair (1903–1980), popularly known as K. Madhavanar, was an Indian freedom fighter from Kerala and the first Malayalam translator of Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth". He worked as an editor with the Mathrubhumi Daily and was a social reformer. Gandhiji used to write letters to Madhavanar in connection with the freedom movement. He also penned the first Himalaya travelogue in Malayalam titled Oru Himalaya Yathra. Madhavanar was the first secretary of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).

Early life

Madhavanar was born to Korath Velayudha Menon and Koothirezhi Lakshmikutty Amma of Vallikkunnu, Malappuram in 1903. He attended the Ganapath School in Feroke. After earning his BA in chemistry from Madras University, he joined the Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) in Jamshedpur as a scientist. During his stint at TISCO, he travelled to the Himalayas. His travel memories were later published as a travelogue - Oru Himalaya Yathra. First serialised in the Mathrubhumi Weekly, Ente Sathyanweshana Pareekshakal was launched as a book later.

Personal life

Madhavanar was a chronic bachelor. A voracious reader, he devoted his twilight years to books.

Memorial

46 years after his passing, Jwala Libaray of Vallikkunnu has built a memorial building to honour him.