P. Kesava Dev

P. Kesava Pillai (20 July 1904 – 1 July 1983), better known by his pen-name P. Kesavadev, was a novelist and social reformer of Kerala. He is remembered for his speeches, autobiographies, novels, dramas, short stories, and films.

Odayil Ninnu, Nadhi, Bhrandalayam, Ayalkar (Central Academi Award winning novel), Ethirppu (autobiography) and Oru Sundariyude Athmakadha are some among his 128 literary works. Kesavadev along with Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and Vaikom Muhammad Basheer are considered the exponents of progressive Malayalam Literature

Personal life

Born Kesava Pillai, he adopted the name Kesava Dev to get rid of the suffix "Pillai" which signified his caste. It was a time when caste system was practiced rigorously. A number of retrograde customs and taboos were prevalent. The condition of the toiling section of the community was precarious. Even as a child Kesava Dev was exposed to all the maladies prevailing in the society in general and in the institution of the joint family in particular. A middle school drop out, Kesava Dev, at the age of 13 began his long fight against social evils and every form of injustice. From then on, his life was one of continuous rebellion, and constant revolt against every evil. His son Jothydev Kesavadev is a diabetologist and a pioneer in telemedicine in diabetes care. His wife Seethalekshmi Dev is also a known novelist.

The other major novels are: Nadi (1951) Ulakka (1951) Kannadi (1961) Sakhavu Karottu Karanavar (1961)

short stories are: 1)Annathe Nadakam (1956) (11 stories) 2)Thiranjedutha Kathakal 1 (1965) (38 stories)

The notable plays are:

Pradhanamanthri (1940) Munnottu (1947) Manthriyaakkalle (1949)