Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon

* * * *

• Illustration — Vyloppilli Samskrithi Bhavan Menon started writing under the pen name Sree and his first poetry anthology, Kannikkoythu (The Maiden Harvest) was published in 1947; Kuttikrishna Marar opined that the poems signify a strong sprouting of Malayalam poetry that deviated from the romantic tradition prevalent during those times. He is considered by literary historians as one of the major voices in Malayalam poetry who marked the transition from the Romantic to the modern era. A scientific insight into the historical roots of social evolution and a deeper understanding of the psychological undercurrents of the human mind characterise his poetry. His mastery of the medium is evident in all his poems both lyrical and narrative. Menon published around 20 books, composed of poems, plays and biographies. Many critics consider the long poem Kudiyozhikkal (Eviction of the tenant) as his magnum opus. M. Leelavathy wrote that the poem is a ruthless self-examination of a middle class land owner who realises that the future belongs not to himself but to his poor tenant whom he despises at heart. The poem has been translated into English by P. K. N. Panicker and is included in the book, Selected Poems of Valoppilli Sreedhara Menon. Vida, Kannikkoythu, Makarakoythu and Kaipavallari are among his other major works, all of which have won awards. Kanneerpadam, a poem he wrote soon after his separation from his wife, is reported to be autobiographical. Sahyante Makan, a Malayalam film released in 1982, is based on a poem of the same name written by Menon. One of his poems titled, Madathakkili, was used as a song in the movie, Vajrram. Krishnashtami: the book of dry leaves, based on the poem 'Krishnashtami' by Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon which appeared in the 1958 collection 'Kadalkkakkakal', directed by Abhilash Babu is a 2025 Malayalam still image film.

Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon received the Soviet Land Nehru Award in 1964, the same year as the Kerala Sahitya Akademi awarded him their annual award for poetry for his anthology, Kaipavallari. He received the Odakkuzhal Award in 1971 for Vida and the anthology was awarded the Kendra Sahithya Academy Award, the same year. His work, Makarakoythu, was selected for the Vayalar Award in 1981. He was also a recipient of the Madras State Government Award, Kalyani Krishna Menon Prize and M. P. Paul Prize. An annual literary award, Vyloppilli Poetry Award, has been instituted in his honour. The Department of Cultural Affairs of the Government of Kerala have built a multi-purpose cultural complex housing an open air auditorium, art gallery and museum block in Nanthancode, Thiruvananthapuram and the complex has been named Vailoppilly Samskrithi Bhavan in honour of the poet. The museum block also holds the personal belongings of Menon. Another institution that holds Menon's name is Government Vocational Higher Secondary School, Ollur, the institution where he served as the head master at the time of his retirement which is known as Vailoppilli Sreedhara Menon Memorial Government Vocational Higher Secondary School.