Kunjunni Mash

Kunjunni, popularly known as Kunjunni Mash, was a noted Indian Malayalam poet.
Kunjunni was born in the village of Valapad in Thrissur to Njayapilly Illathu Neelakantan Moosath and Athiyarathu Narayani Amma. Kunjunni started his career as a teacher at the Chelari school. He joined Sree Ramakrishna Ashram High School in Kozhikode in 1953 and retired from teaching in 1982.
He was known for writing small poems which appeared to be childlike in form, but conveyed a message. Kunjunni handled the column for children in the Mathrubhumi weekly under the pseudonym "Kuttettan". He initiated three or four generations of aspiring writers into writing.[1]

His major works include Oonu Thotturakkam Vare, Pazhamozhi Pathayam, Kunjunniyude Kavithal, Kadankathal, Vithum Muthum, Kutti Pencil, Namboodiri Phalithangal, Raashthriyam, Kuttikal Padunnu, Undanum Undiyum, Kutti Kavithakal, Kalikoppu, Pazhanchollukal, Pathinanchum Pathinanchum, Aksharathettu, Nonsense Kavithakal, Muthumani, Chakkarappava, Kadalippazham, Kalikkalam and Kunjunni Ramayanam. His autobiography, Enniloode, is noted for its candour, humour and simplicity.

Kunjunni returned to his native village in 1987 and became involved in social and cultural activities in the Thrissur area. He appeared in Bhoomigeetham, a film directed by Kamal

Awards

Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (1974, 1984).[1]
State Institute of Children's Literature Award (1982).[1]
The Kerala Sahitya Akademi lifetime achievement award (1988).[1]
State Institute of Children's Literature lifetime achievement award (2002).[1]
Vazhakunnuam Award (2002).[1]
V.A. Kesavan Nair Award (2003).[1]
Tomyas Award