Google Celebrates Balamani Amma, Grandmother of Malayalam Literature

Tap to Read ➤ Google today is celebrating Balamani Amma, an eminent Indian poet, fondly known as the grandmother of Malayalam literature with a Doodle illustrated by Kerala-based artist Devika Ramachandran as a mark of Amma’s 113th birth commemoration. Mohammed Tahsin

Balamani Amma Balamani Amma was born on this day i.e. July 19, 1909 in Nalapat, located in the Thrissur district which is celebrated today by Google with a Doodle.

Balamani Amma won several awards for her poetry including Saraswati Samman - the nation’s most esteemed literary award & Padma Vibhushan - India's 2nd highest civilian award.

Balamani Education Balamani Amma never received any formal education, but was trained at home by her uncle Nalappat Narayana Menon, who was also a popular Malayali poet.

Balamani Marriage Balamani Amma married V.M. Nair, the managing director and managing editor of Mathrubhumi, a Malayalam newspaper at the age of 19.

At the age of 21 in 1930 Balamani Amma published her first poem titled “Kooppukai”.

Balamani Amma was first recognised as a gifted poet by Parikshith Thampuran - the former ruler of the Kingdom of Cochin, who awarded her with the Sahithya Nipuna Puraskaram.

Poetry On Women Balamani Amma’s poetry transformed the traditional understanding of women and glorified motherhood in a new light, for which she came to be known as the “poetess of motherhood”.

Her works were based on the ideas and stories of mythological characters, but depicted women as powerful figures.

Balamani's Works Amma (1934), Muthassi (1962) and Mazhuvinte Katha (1966) are some of Balamani Amma’s famous works

Balamani Amma published more than 20 anthologies of poetry, prose and translations. She was also the mother of Kamala Das, who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature in 1984.

Amma's Titles Balamani Amma poems depicted her love for children and grandchildren which earned her the titles Amma (Mother) and Muthassi.

Balamani Amma passed away in 2004 and her cremation was attended with full state honors.

Careerindian recalls and wishes Balamani Amma on her 113 birth anniversary.