Presented here under the title “Writers of Manicheppu” is a series of articles about the writers who have contributed stories, poems, and other works to Manicheppu over the past three and a half decades of significant writing for children. Today’s featured writer is Chandirur Thaha, who has written numerous works for children in many issues of Manicheppu.
Children’s writer Chandirur Thaha has completed three and a half decades in the field of meaningful writing for young readers. He is a writer who spreads light and joy among children through his works.
He began writing for children at the age of fifteen when his first story was published in Thathamma. Since then, he has written regularly for almost every children’s magazine published in Kerala.
The works that flow from Thaha’s pen are delightful creations that help children read with enjoyment, learn, dance, and play happily.
He continues to write for children’s sections in newspapers and magazines such as Balarama, Balabhumi, Thalir, Eureka, Kuttikalude Deepika, Thathamma, Mayilpeeli, Balakusumam, Kurunnukal, Manicheppu, Minnaminni, Kalikkudukka, and Magic State.
Various publishers in Kerala have published 25 of his books. Malayalam children’s literature today is rich, but only a few writers truly understand the minds of children while creating their works.
According to Thaha, modern times and changing childhoods present many challenges to writers today. He firmly believes that themes such as nature and children, their relationship, love, compassion, goodness, the importance of the environment, and changes in family life must reach children through fresh and creative writings.
Thaha says, “Where there are children, there is heaven. Being able to write for them is both a blessing and an achievement.”
Many small and major awards have come his way. His children’s novel Appunni Rajavu is considered a notable work. Through this novel, he tells the story of a childhood filled with innocence, love, and compassion.
This writer has also enriched his literary journey by regularly writing letters to All India Radio and presenting programs with children in children’s forums.
He is a native of Chandirur in Cherthala Taluk of Alappuzha district. Besides writing, he works as a supervisor in the seafood industry.
He is the son of Kunjumuhammed and Hawwa Umma. His wife is Raihanath, and they have one daughter, Hana Fathima.
