CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOgGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI ■ ■ MT THIRUVANANTHAPURAM l friday l december 27, 2024 l `9.00 l PAGES 18 l late city EDITION feeling Kerala bids tearful adieu to its master storyteller; MT leaves behind an eternal void in the state’s cultural realm An i l S @ T’Puram Death gave him no pain; coz life never enamoured him! Thus wrote MT in ‘Shathru’. Yet he cherished each moment, endowed with a profound gaze that penetrated deep into the innermost recesses of the Malayali psyche, pouring out a slew of timeless creations. With Malayalam left bereaved of its two most precious letters — MT — that enriched its literary aesthetics for over seven decades, cultural Kerala stands orphaned. Never in its history had Kerala witnessed such a legendary writer, auteur par excellence and the most celebrated literary editor. The passing of M T Vasudevan Nair, who over the decades had attained iconic status among Keralites across the globe with his wide canvas of literary works and a brilliant bouquet of films, leaves behind an eternal void in the state’s sociocultural, literary and political spheres. A colossal, irreparable loss indeed! On Thursday, Kerala bade adieu to the doyen of Malayalam literature and cinema, who breathed his last at a private hospital in Kozhikode on Wednesday night. The 91-year-old was under treatment for severe respiratory issues. Thousands gathered at MT’s house ‘Sithara’ on Kottaram Road and the Smrithipatham crematorium in Kozhikode to catch a final glimpse of their favourite writer-filmmaker. How best would one describe MT? A writer who defied norms, choosing to portray castaways; a literary editor who paved the way for the onset of modernism in Malayalam literature; one of the most acclaimed filmographers who transformed screenplays into literary masterpieces in Malayalam; a sort of misanthrope who preferred to elude mainstream society, yet rose to be the ‘cultural editor’ of Kerala, a role that Communist patriarch EMS had once assumed with elan? Perhaps, there’s no one else who influenced Kerala’s sociocultural sensibilities like MT. Contrary to the ways of the contemporary world, here was a man who chose silence as an oft-sought companion. Rarely did he speak. But when he did, the whole of Kerala listened with rapt attention, be it his interventions to put an end to the Marad riots, genuine concern over the thousands who lost their livelihoods post demonetisation, or his recent remarks denouncing totalitarianism and cult worship of political leaders. MT was never one to mince words. More often than not, his silences too were subject to widespread misinterpretation. No other literary editor, in all likelihood, nurtured the modernist movement in Malayalam literature the way MT did, with a slew of writers — M Mukundan, Sethu, Paul Zachariah, Madhavan and Narayana Pillai, among others — being handpicked by MT the editor.  ● More on P7 mandar pardikar in a league of his own His works, with their profound exploration of human emotions, have shaped generations and will continue to inspire many more. He also gave voice to the silent and marginalised FORMER prime minister and renowned economist Dr Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night. He was 92. Singh was rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi around 8 pm in a critical condition after “sudden loss of consciousness”. A hospital statement said he died due to age-related medical conditions. “Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to medical emergency at AIIMS Delhi at 8.06 pm. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51 pm,” said the bulletin. He is survived by wife Gurcharan EXPRESS READ EC unveils ‘world’s largest datasets’ on elections New Delhi: The Election Commission on Thursday released the world’s largest electoral dataset unveiling 42 statistical reports on the 2024 LS elections and 14 reports each on four state assembly elections. 02 REW ND kottayam friday REligiON vS 5 days to go 27 12 2024 l l RigHTS February 28 HElP gOES WRONg P ramdas T P Chandrasekh aran murder: Shafi’s monthly family getting from CPM sympathisers While the CPM F5,000 leadership remains , says report of RMP leader steadfast in its T P Chandrasekharan assertion that member of the , the social investigation the party had no involvement killer gang, stated in the report concerning were providing that his mother Muhammed Shafi murder monthly financial disclosed to authorities K K, a assistance of I5,000 trouble in the that sympathisers CPM during the to their family. of the CPM hearing of appeals An filed by the accused exclusive story that caused in the murder, their conviction. challenging ‘smart’ exit December Waqf board laid claim on 600 unlawful families’ land in Munambam 5 anu kuruvilla Dubai Holdingowned TECOM exit 84% staketo in SmartCity Kochi The story led to the matter being taken Opposition parties up by and the government coming out with an explanation on whether TECOM will be compensated or will be given the value of their shares. affordable grandeur September 25 anu kuruvilla TNIE was the first to Munambam issue break the story regarding the at a time when houses dared to. Following the none of the media publication of others started this story, to pick it up and the along with the rest of the politicalstate government, taking notice. parties, began MaNual SayS October 16 Sovi Vidyadharan January NO, gOvT SayS TNIE In 2024, issues in out crucial s on crime, brought debate , and sparking the state, social welfare year is at governance, s. As the new at the concern back community p, we take a look an impact ws, made the doorste raised eyebro of pride in us stories that a sense and evoked 20 gO Biju Paul Kerala govt removes kick-start selection NSS coordinator, to as per manual Marriage on the cards? TNIE reported you can’t that the continuance ‘afford’ to miss coordinator of of the state National Service green Park Secondary wing Scheme (NSS) constituted a Higher violation of the conditions laid The story helped down in the NSS affect the Union manual and would brides and grooms many government’s assistance to the get their scheme. In the wedding clothes wake of without removed the official this report, the government spending a fortune. According extensions illegally who had been given repeated to the firm, after since 2017 and carry out a regular decided to appeared on TNIE the report appointment to through a proper Koratty in Thrissur , many rushed to the selection process. post wedding purchases. to finalise their lEaSE Of lifE January 7 P ramdas TalENT MaTTERS Kerala HC orders mitigation probe of 8 convicts on death row March 01 Shan a S Special talent Kerala proud: makes govt turns a but blind to their victories eye blOT ON STaTE engaged 100 Malayalis scammers cyber abroad as An exclusive story covered how the High Court decided to conduct a mitigation investigation for eight death row convicts before determining their fate. The move, considered rare, sparked widespread discussion the following day. Many welcomed the decision. Later, the Court commuted High the death sentence of some of the accused. June 9 m S Vidyanandan TNIE reports exposed the lack of support by the government to the Cerebral Palsy Sports Association of Kerala. Based on TNIE reports, Kochi-based Buimerc India granted a sponsorship to the team. Currently, it sponsors the training of 300 cerebral palsy sports persons under CPSAK. time the agencies It’s for the first figure of the prepared a rough a life being on made Keralites, who of law and swindled the wrong side home. The readers back compatriots of how a miniscule were made aware population was the section of the rest of name to the bringing bad Another eventful year is nearing its end. Beginning today, TNIE takes a look at key happenings, personalities and debates as part of its year-ender series | P2 g liES ExPOSiN October 2 toby antony countrymen. ARIES P E T E R v i Da l 27 december: Pisces day. on those days, is my sign of the like today, when Pisces is strong, we dose of inspiration, can expect a healthy but of periodic confusion. also a possibility If plans go awry we can blame the stars! But we can also take appropriate action by paying close attention to all essential details. th ram fourth in Kerala Malappu a narrative done following capital of story was is the crime parties This front-page Malappuram the out, oppostition built up that the report came reveal data about to Kerala. After the government in the district. approached cases registered number of Crime rate: (Mar 21 - Apr. 20) TAURUS (Apr. 21 - May 21) GEMINI NaME gaME December 10 MEC 7 MazE m P Prashanth or fitness fad? Communal agenda controversy Exercise routine stirs against Multi-Exercise The story on the CPM allegations platform gaining traction in an exercise Combination 7 (MEC 7), TNIE broke it. by other media houses after Malabar, was picked up its allegations and row, the party withdrew As the issue kicked up a routine. no qualms with the exercise maintained that it had The story resonated doctors and others widely, prompting their social media to share it across platforms. The comment sections media posts abouton TNIE’s social the story were flooded with discussions and perspectives on men’s mental health—a subject that is often overlooked. CANCER (May 22 - June 21) Mercury is a LEO (June 22 - July 23) If there’s one VIRGO planet that has (July 24 - Aug. 23) The Sun has LIBRA sort of person (Aug. 24 - Sept. 23) evaded The Moon has SCORPIO been, and is, (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) you can’t stand, Something at work consideration so far SAGITTARIUS been offering this (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) shedding new Continue with it’s those who go around is making you very week, yet it is now very (Nov. 23 - Dec. 22) you its Have you ever light on your professional a course of spouting their dogmatic emotional. Those There’s a high gently beginning to work protection throughout noticed how and worldly ambitions. of you with partners who the action that is opinions at you. I’m A new cycle risk of travel are its peculiar magic. Allow week. You only the characters deeply immersed in straight, decent, honest saying this because there’s Your idealistic aspirations enough know well began in your delays this week. in television soap operas your imagination to that the only way professional struggles may are being stimulated, If you haven’t already a high probability that domestic and find and practical. This is one spend their entire lives wander and be sure to proceed is in line with that your home life is starting your deep-rooted feeling to pay time when your classic experienced hold-ups family affairs last someone is about to first of all having or attention to your dreams. what you instinctively try to be affected, perhaps that you would like lost directions, you must Virgoan qualities are weekend. The reason feel pointless arguments and convert you to their to to Even at work, there could I to be ethically and morally adversely but hopefully prepared to face them be have delayed play your part in making be treasured. Do what for and then sitting down cause. Just get on and mentioning be a creative buzz. better. There does seem the proper. Today’s aspects do It is a simple matter to now. it until the world a much, much you must and defy to to talk about them? what you know is right. now is that often any the chance for a personal be favour Cancerian artists. avoid such problems better place. it happens, now is As criticism. And do begin these things take some by your start, but first you have fresh athletes and lovers. taking elementary to time to sit down and time to sink in. But an unexpected hurdle. clear to try to get your costs precautions. For a start, talk through a recent under control. gradually you will become find out what people confrontation. you aware that life has taken live with really want. a turn for the better. aCROSS puzzle by a THREaD Suicide rate high among married September 10 men in Kerala Lakshmi athira After a dispute broke out between the Union and state governments over branding of Family Health Centres under the National Health Mission (NHM), the state government finally decided to toe the Central TNIE broke the line. story which was widely followed up by other media houses. CROSS WORD Solutions to Yesterday’s ‘HaNgiNg’ June 28 anna Jose Kerala to rename health centres as ‘arogya mandirs’ DOWN 1 Faulter when reduced 1 Fixed a trip to to weeping (7) see an animal (5) 2 An attempt made 5 Quick-tempered holy man in the past (3) cutting dried grass (5) 3 Generous ransom 8 Unit for office or (4) kitchen 4 What is wrong 9 One about to display (9) in anger (3) 10 Badly hurt widow a record being beaten? who (6) 5 An ironclad excuse married a wealthy farmer (4) 12 Biased team and for not buying luxuries what (8) 6 Salt-water spray may be done about (9) it (3-5) 7 Bore fruit and 14 Slightly sensitive? let go (7) (6) 11 Extremely handy 15 It returned having sort of sketch (9) departed as ordered (6) 13 She hurried round 17 Make a deduction (8) 18 Manages to hit to a furniture designer back (8) 14 Willingly die? (7) and bring down (4) 16 Wins points for 21 She cut the first man short (3) 22 Complete journey musical arrangements to (6) 19 Devotion is a major meet train perhaps (9) 24 She writes a letter point in compassion (5) in French (5) 20 Very keen to rise 25 Be prepared to as a singer (4) defend (5,2) 23 Help I had with an article (3) YesterdaY’s text: anIl s CAPRICORN (Dec. 23 - Jan. 20) edItIng: vIkas sUnIl desIgn: arJUn AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Give yourself a You may be break today. It’s deeply wound a time for up in your own pleasure and relaxation, problems, yet family for enjoying the company members and people of younger people, you live with need your children and loved ones. attention as well. Do Don’t let the daily routine your best to see that everyone swamp your capacity to is perfectly happy and have fun, and go out of contented, and bide your way to meet new, your time until you’re ready different, people. to make your final choice. JuMblE By DaviD L. Hoyt anD Jeff KnureK kJ PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar 20) Do not let other people take up so much of your time that you have no energy left for your personal affairs. It is imperative that you devote more effort to those areas of your life that satisfy you and you alone, regardless of what close partners think. UnscramBle these each sqUare, to JUmBles, one letter to form foUr ordInary words. 18 pages, including 4 pages of THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Express Su DO Ku EASy TEST yOuR NuMbER CRuNCHiNg SKill uNiquE PuzzlE WiTH OuR  Fill in the grid with digits that every row, every column in such a manner accommodates the digits and every 3X3 box 1 to 9, without repeating any. solutions across: 1 Overcast, 5 Spar, 10 Ruinous, 11 Firelighters, 9 Kyoto, 14 Chaise, 17 Reverberated, 13 Notice, 20 21 Tiara, 22 Dash, 23 Wardress. Prefers, down: 1 Oaks, 2 Egotist, 3 4 Strain, 6 Probe, 7 Resisted,Chosen career, 8 Light-hearted, 12 Intrepid, 16 Persia, 18 Views, 19 Bats. 15 Iterate, yesterday’s Manmohan Singh 26 Sept 1932 - 26 Dec 2024 Singh and three daughters. The government declared national mourning of seven days and can- MT presented the raw reality of ordinary life in Kerala. As he was ascending the heights of literary horizons, his feet was still deep-rooted in Valluvanadan culture Pinarayi Vijayan, CM INSIDE Crisp plots, sharp characters | p4 ‘MT led society in its progressive march’ | p5 In generations of young turks, legend lives on | p5 celled all programmes scheduled Friday . Singh, who was finance minister under the then prime minister P V Narasimha Rao, was the architect and the brain behind the economic reforms in 1991 that pulled India from the brink of bankruptcy and ushered in an era of economic liberalisation. The reforms changed the c o u r s e o f I n d i a ’s e c o n o m i c trajectory . Singh served as PM from 2004 to 2014 and was credited for shaping the nation’s growth path. He retired from the Rajya Sabha in April after a 33-year-long stint. In his final speech in Parliament, he had strongly criticised demonetisation, describing it as “organised loot and legalised plunder.” National rights panel takes cognizance of tribal suicides E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ T’Puram Taking note of The New Indian Express report that brought out alarming number of tribal suicides in Thiruvananthapuram, the National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the issue. Observing that the incidents indicate a serious issue relating to the right to life as well as the social, economic and cultural rights of Scheduled Tribes, the NHRC served notice to the state chief secretary and the state police chief for a detailed report within two weeks. The report should mention the status of the In 2005, the nation honoured him with Padma Bhushan. He was awarded the maiden Kerala Jyothi, the highest civilian honour bestowed by the Kerala government, in 2022. Narendra Modi, PM Manmohan Singh, architect of ’91 economic reforms, no more E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ New Delhi M T Vasudevan Nair’s literary excellence earned him many awards, including the Jnanpith — India’s highest literary honour — in 1995 for his contributions to Malayalam literature. FIRs in these issues and compensation, if any, provided to the next of kin of the deceased. In its report on December 25, TNIE had highlighted the recent suicides in different panchayats on the outskirts of the state capital. As many as 23 deaths press were reported under difimpact ferent settlements in 2024. Tribal activists are of the view that stress due to extreme social scenarios coupled with pressure and harassment due to marriages and relationships outside the community, along with burgeoning liquor and sex rackets, contribute to such suicides. MT’s first major work ‘Naalukettu’ — published in 1958 — won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1959. He has also received Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, Vayalar Award, Vallathol Puraskaram, etc. Actor Mohanlal pays last respects to M T Vasudevan Nair in Kozhikode | Express Nirmalyam, MT’s directorial debut, was given National Award for best film and state awards for best film and screenplay. His screenplays earned him the national award four times and state award 11 times.