‘Writers of Manicheppu’ is a special column that introduces readers to the talented individuals who have contributed a diverse range of literary works-including stories, poems, and articles-to Manicheppu. In this edition, we meet Manoj Parappa, a beloved writer who has won a special place in the hearts of Manicheppu readers through his remarkable writings. Let us explore his deep and enduring love for words, his literary journey, and his creative contributions.
Parappa is a village in the Kinanoor-Karindalam Grama Panchayat of Kasaragod district. It is here that Manoj was born and raised. A teacher who has moved forward in life with equal love for children and the written word, Manoj currently serves as a Malayalam teacher at Kalichanadukkam Government High School in the Kodom-Belur Grama Panchayat. Besides being a dedicated teacher, he is also a notable children’s literature writer.
An Educational Journey Overcoming Challenges
Manoj completed his schooling up to Class 10 at Parappa Government Higher Secondary School. Despite the limitations he faced, his strong desire to pursue education continued to drive him forward. He later completed his Pre-Degree, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees with good marks through parallel college education and the distance education programme of the University of Calicut.
He earned his B.Ed. with First Class from the Chala B.Ed. Centre under Kannur University. Along with completing his HDC from Kanhangad Cooperative Training College, he also successfully passed the important qualifying examinations for a career in teaching-NET, SET, and K-TET.
At an old theatre performance (on the right)
Where Art and Literature Took Root: The School Years
Manoj developed a special interest in art and literature from his early school days. He demonstrated his talents at sub-district and district-level school youth festivals in events such as mono-act, storytelling, poetry writing, story writing, and cartooning. Later, he also had opportunities to act in several plays.
During those days, schools used to set aside the last period of one day every week for nurturing children’s creative abilities under the banner of the ‘Literary Association’. These platforms truly laid the foundation for Manoj’s artistic journey. He would write songs and scripts himself and, with the help of his friends, stage short plays in the classroom. The encouragement he received from teachers and classmates was immense.
While studying in the upper primary classes, he also prepared handwritten magazines every month under names such as Balamassukal and Chembakam. These magazines featured a combination of his own writings and creative works contributed by his friends.
In those days, when mobile phones were not yet part of children’s lives, one of the greatest pastimes for Manoj and his friends was exchanging and reading the storybooks they brought to school.
Dr. Sukumar Azhikode presenting the prize to Manoj after he won first place in a state-level poetry writing competition held during his undergraduate studies.
From His First Published Story to Children’s Literature Today
Manoj’s first story was published in Thathamma, a magazine he read while he was in Class 5. Later, some of his poems and stories were also published in other magazines.
Although there was a long gap in his literary writing afterwards, Manoj returned to the world of writing through children’s poems published in Manicheppu.
Today, his writings regularly appear in several leading Malayalam children’s publications, including Kalikkudukka, Minnaminnni, Balarama, Balabhumi, Thathamma, Thalir, and Balakusumam. The support he receives from colleagues, students, parents, and friends continues to provide energy and inspiration for this creative journey.
Recognition and Family Support
Manoj has won several times in poetry, story writing, cartooning, and other events at Kerala festivals and arts festivals organised by teachers’ associations.
He also received an encouragement prize in the short-story writing competition organised by Malayala Manorama Weekly—another recognition of his literary talent.
Manoj Parappa with his family
His family stands firmly beside him, offering wholehearted support for his journey in literature and teaching. His wife, Deepa, is an Economics teacher at Thayannur Government Higher Secondary School. They have two children: Mizhi, a first-grader, and a one-month-old baby boy. Manoj affectionately says that his daughter Mizhi is the first reader and admirer of his writings.
Although he has not yet published a book of his own, Manoj’s greatest ambition is to continue creating more works for children and publish books in the years to come. May he fulfil these aspirations and continue making valuable contributions to Malayalam children’s literature.
