Noted poet P. Narayana Kurup passed away at the age of 92 on Saturday. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2022. Mr. Kurup was residing at Peroorkada in Thiruvananthapuram. Among his celebrated collections of poetry are Asthramalyam, Hamsadhwani and Nishagandhi. He authored more than 40 books including noted critical works and translations.

Mr. Kurup is a recipient of several prestigious awards including the Kerala Sahithya Akademi Award, the Odakkuzhal Award and the Kerala Panini Award. Born in Harippad in 1934, Mr. Kurup started his career as a teacher in 1956. Later, in the early 1970s, he worked at the State Institute of Languages. He has also served as vice-president of Sanskar Bharati, Agra. Mr. Kurup is survived by wife Vijayalakshmi, and children Vrinda Jayakumar, Viju Narayan and Vivek Narayan (Managing Editor, Network18).

In a condolence message, Governor Rajendra Arlekar said Narayana Kurup was a rare genius who deeply absorbed the great traditions of Malayalam literature and left an indelible mark on poetry and literary criticism.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said that Mr. Kurup gave new dimensions to Malayalam poetry and literary criticism. Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan also condoled the death. The cremation will be held at the Santhi Kavadam at 3.30 p.m. on Sunday.