Kadammanitta Ramakrishnan

M. R. Ramakrishna Panikkar (22 March 1935 – 31 March 2008), popularly known as Kadammanitta Ramakrishnan or Kadammanitta, was an Indian poet. He was born in Kadammanitta province of Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. His childhood experiences, especially the Patayani songs, had a strong influence on his literary work.

Early life Ramakrishnan was born on 22 March 1935 to Meletharayil Raman Nair and Kuttiyamma. He completed schooling at his home village of Kadammanitta and at the nearby town of Pathanamthitta.

Other activities A communist, he was involved with the student federation as well as communist party during his college days. In 1992, he became the vice president of CPI-M's cultural wing, Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham (Progressive Association for Art and Letters), and in 2002 its president. In 1996, he was elected to Kerala state legislative assembly from Aranmula constituency in Pathanamthitta district. He was still continuing as the President of Purogamana Kala Sahithya Sangham when he died.

Death Ramakrishnan died at 9 o'clock in the morning of 31 March 2008 at M.G.M. Memorial Medical Centre in Pathanamthitta, nine days after celebrating his 73rd birthday. He had been undergoing treatment for myeloid leukaemia for the past three months. He was survived by his wife, Santha, daughter, Geetha Devi, and son, Geetha Krishnan. He was cremated with full state honours at the premises of his home in his birth village.

Major works

Kurathi Kadinjool Pottan Misrathalam Mazha Peyyunnu Maddhalam Kottunnu Kadammanittayude Kavithakal Vellivelicham Sooryasila Shantha Asan Prize 1995 (Kadammanittayude Kavithakal) Abu Dhabi Malayalam Samajam Award Muscat Kerala Samskarika Kendram Award Basheer Puraskaram (2004) Mahakavi Pandalam Keralavarma Poetry Award(2006)