“Perunna Thomas kathakal”,a great writer retrieved from oblivion

“Perunna Thomas kathakal”,a collection of short stories by the late Perunna Thomas, one of the great short story writers in Malayalam, forgotten since half a century , was released recently in Kochi by former Defence Minister A.K.Antony by handing over the first copy to Prof M.K Sanu,noted critic.This book was compiled by D.Pradeep Kumar, writer and Assistant Director Programme,All India Radio,Manjeri,Kerala.

Prominent journalist and trade unionist Perunna Thomas,a close associate of the iconoclastic story writer Vaikkom Muhammed Basheer, was one of the most read and criticised writers for about three decades since 1945.He abruptly abandoned writing due to the demise of his only daughter in 1965,at the peak of his literary career and died unsung in 1980.He started writing short stories laying bare the moral turpitude of the clergy,nuns and priests in the monasteries and churches. Known for its denigrating , deconstructive and acid tongued style,his short stories were lauded by some prominent critics as a ‘rebel’s gospels’,while the orthodox termed them as ‘Satanic verses’.Running in to several editions,his short stories are noted for their poetic prose and stream of consciousness narrative style,which has surpassed time.Aval(1945), Karutha edukal(1949), Patelum Chiruthayum(1953) Ente cheethakkathakal(1954), Mishihathampurante valarthappan (1955),Pazhamayute prethangal(1955), Karthavinte aliyan(1955), Daahikkunna rosappoov(1957),Enikku dahikkunnu(1958) Karthavinte aliyan, Daahikkunna rosappoov(1957),Bhranthumoshanam(1968) are his books.

The book releasing function was presided over by Prof K.V Thomas M.P.Former Governor of Maharashtra K.Sankara Narayanan,former M.P Tampan Thomas ,veteran CPM leader M.M Lawrence,P.T.Thomas M L A and others spoke.D.Pradeep Kumar welcomed the gathering. This 728 pages voluminous book was compiled after a 5 year long research. Except some opening pages f his first short story collection “Aval” published in 1945,all of his writings were retrieved.A study on his writings along with a lengthy biographical sketch too were included.The forward note was written by noted critic Prof M.Thomas Mathew.

This book has created a history of sorts in Malayalam literature ,as a complete collection of a short-story writer,relegated to oblivion,is brought out after about 50 years of his last publication.He has been retrieved and reinstated in to Malayalam literature from the dust bin.