Omchery N. N. Pillai

Omchery Narayana Pillai Narayana Pillai (1 February 1924 – 22 November 2024) was an Indian Malayalam–language playwright, novelist and poet from Kerala. He wrote nine full-length plays, more than 80 one-act plays and a few novels. His plays are noted for their bold experiments in form and technique as well as the uncommon vision inherent in many of the themes. Pillai won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award twice: in 1972 for the play Pralayam and in 2010 for his overall contribution to Malayalam literature. In 2022, he was honoured with Kerala Prabha Award, second highest civilian award given by the Kerala Government.

Life and career Pillai was born in Vaikom in Travancore, on 1 February 1924, as the son of Omchery Narayanan Pillai, Sr., and Pappikkutty Amma. He started writing poems at a very young age. After completing his education from University College, Thiruvananthapuram, he joined the news department of Delhi All India Radio in 1951 and later promoted as Editor in their publication department. He pursued his higher studies in Mass Communication from Pennsylvania University, Watten school and New Mexico State University and worked in the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Leela Omcheri was from the Mankoyikkal Nair Tharavadu in Thiruvattar, near the Aadhikeshava Permual Temple. The couple had a son, S. D. Omchery and a daughter, famous classical dancer, Deepti Omchery Bhalla.

Pillai died in New Delhi on 22 November 2024, aged 100.

Works

Plays Ee Velicham Ningaludethakunnu Pralayam Cherippu Kadikkilla

Novels Pralayam Thevarude Aana Kallan Kayariya Veedu Daivam Veendum Thettiddharikkappedunnu

Awards 1972: Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Pralayam 2010: Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for his overall contribution to Malayalam literature 2013: Pravasi Kalaratna Award 2020: Sahitya Akademi Award, for Aakasmikam 2022: Kerala Prabha, second highest civilian award of Kerala