‘Writers of Manicheppu’ is a column that introduces readers to the writers who journey alongside Manicheppu through a diverse range of literary works, including stories, poems and articles. This time, we introduce Radhakrishnan Unnikulam, who has won a special place in the hearts of Manicheppu readers through his notable works. In this edition, readers can discover his deep connection with words, his literary journey and his creative contributions.
Radhakrishnan Unnikulam entered the world of children’s literature only about twelve years ago. However, his close relationship with reading began long before that. He started reading books outside his school curriculum when he was in the sixth grade. He remembers Sujathayum Kattaanayum, a children’s novel, as the first book he ever read. Later, stories of Vikramaditya, tales from the Panchatantra and One Thousand and One Nights, among many other works, drew him deeper into the world of reading.
As his passion for reading grew, he explored numerous works by renowned Malayalam writers as well as foreign authors. Perhaps it was his childhood fascination with children’s literature that eventually inspired him to turn to writing for young readers.
Even before entering the field of children’s literature, his stories had appeared in various periodicals and publications, including the Chandrika weekend supplement, Chandrika weekly, Pradeepam daily newspaper and Mathrubhumi weekend supplement. However, he discovered a special joy in writing stories for children.
Near the cut-out of M.T. Vasudevan Nair, the pride of Malayalam literature, at Thunchanparamba, Tirur.
He also has a habit of telling stories to his grandchildren. Many of these are stories he creates himself. Even the little mischiefs of his grandchildren often become the inspiration for his tales. On one occasion, an incident in which a pipe broke and water began gushing out after a cat was thrown at became the basis for a story. On another occasion, when his grandchild approached a centipede with a stick, intending to kill it, the incident inspired another story built around the idea of saving the creature instead. The innocent world of children and their natural curiosity often serve as inspiration for his writing.
His first children’s story was published in Balabhumi. Many more of his stories subsequently appeared in the same publication. His works also found a place in other magazines, including Kuttikalude Deepika, Thathamma, Mayilpeeli, Kurunnukal and Manicheppu. Although he has written only a few children’s poems, stories remain the mainstay of his literary contributions.
He had to end his formal education after completing his Pre-Degree course, as circumstances did not allow him to continue his studies. Although he had to take up manual labour to make ends meet, he never abandoned his connection with the written word. He later secured a job in the Panchayat Department and retired in 2015. Despite the many difficulties he faced in life, reading remained a source of comfort and healing for him.
Interacting with children at the library on Reading Day.
During the early years of his writing journey, he received little encouragement. There were very few writers in his village, and some of those who were there had moved to cities. As a result, many people did not take reading and writing seriously. He received encouragement from only a handful of people and often had to face ridicule from others. However, times have changed. Radhakrishnan Unnikulam says he is delighted that many people now come forward to read, appreciate and acknowledge his works.
Three books by him have been published so far: Aswathi Karayukayaanu (Aswathi Is Crying), a collection of short stories; Ezhuthappedathaval (The Woman Who Was Never Written About), a novel; and Sunandhayude Poochakal (Sunanda’s Cats), a novel written for children. In 2023, Sunandhayude Poochakal was selected by the Kerala State Library Council for a reading competition for upper-primary school students in Kozhikode district.
In addition to these, he has submitted three more books for publication, including Kannan Kuttiyude Yathrakal (Kannan Kutty’s Travels), a novel published in Manicheppu. Two of these forthcoming works belong to children’s literature: a short-story collection and a novel.
He is also an active member of the Balasahithyavedi WhatsApp group, a community of children’s writers. He considers the encouragement he receives from this group, which includes many accomplished writers, a valuable source of support for his literary pursuits.
He has already received several honours in recognition of his work, including the Mundoor Krishnankutty Memorial Story Award, the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Sahithyashree Award and the Kerala Children’s Literature Academy Award.
With family – Radhakrishnan Unnikulam
His wife is Ajitha, and his children are Jinosh and Ashwini P.K. His sons-in-law and daughters-in-law are Sharath Lal and Ashwini V.V. He is also a proud grandfather of three grandchildren.
Today, Radhakrishnan Unnikulam continues to pursue writing, reading and cultural activities in his hometown. His journey-from reading to writing and eventually into the world of children’s literature, without ever letting go of the written word despite life’s hardships-is also a story of his profound love for literature.
Manicheppu extends its heartfelt wishes to Radhakrishnan Unnikulam for a successful and fulfilling literary journey ahead. May his enduring love for words continue to inspire many more wonderful creations.
