Malayalam writer Dr Punathil Kunjabdulla a glowing memorial stone' passes away
Smaraka Silakal, written on the basis of myths from his own village Karakkad, was the most talked-about work of Punathil.
Kozhikode: Writer Dr Punathil Kunjabdulla, 77, fondly called Punathil, passed away at a private hospital here on Friday morning after prolonged illness. Punathil was admitted to the hospital on Monday when his condition worsened.
He was laid to rest at Karakkad Juma Masjid mosque burial ground. Earlier, the body was placed at the house of daughter Naseema in Chevarambalam and Town Hall for the public to pay their last respects.
Smaraka Silakal, written on the basis of myths from his own village Karakkad, was the most talked-about work of Punathil.
He won the Kerala Sahithya Akademi award for it in 1980. A doctor by profession, his novel Marunnu unravelled the life of physicians in Malayalam literature. His other prominent works are Paralokam, Punathilinte Novellakal, Kanyavanangal, Navagrahangalude Thadavara, Agnikinavukal and Ammaye Kaanan.
Son of Mammu and Saina, Punathil was born at Vadakara on April 3, 1940. After completing his graduation from Brennen College, Thalassery, he took his MBBS degree from Aligarh Muslim University. Aligarh campus was the backdrop for his Marunnu.
He was a writer free from the stereotypes and never compromising with the set norms. Punathil served in government sector from 1970 to 1973 and at Vadakara from 1974 to 1996. He was a member of Kendra Sahitya Akademi from 1980 to 1983. He contested as BJP candidate from Beypore Assembly constituency in 2011.
He is survived by his wife Haleema, daughter Naseema, sons Dr Nawab and Azad, daughters-in-law Bindu, Dr Shaly and son-in- law Jaleel.