Edasseri Govindan Nair

Edasseri Govindan Nair (December 23, 1906 – October 16, 1974) is a leading figure in modern Malayalam poetry. He has to his credit 19 books spreading over 300 poems in 10 anthologies, 6 books of plays and a collection of essays.

He died on 16 October 1974, and a memorial is erected in his name - Edasseri Smaraka Samithi. He was an important member of Ponnani kalari of mlayalam literature which contributed many a stalwarts to malayalam literature. The locality where he lived in Ponnani, his home town, today is known as Edasseri Nagar in memory of this great poet. He was a law clerk by profession. Edassery as a poet and humanbeing was loved by one and all in Ponnani. Edasseri is revered so much by the new generation poets that poems have been written in eulogy. His poetry has also become a subject of serious discussion among the young intellectuals and critics. Edasseri can be best described as a realistic poet. The real phases of life are depicted in his poem. Here cruelty of life becomes poetry. The best evidences are pengal, Nellukuthukari Paruvinte Kadha, and Bhudhanum Nariyum Jnanum. An award is set up in his name for the best book of the year from among the young writers.
Awards

Government of Madras Award for the play Koottukrishi
Government of Madras Award for the collection of poems Puthan Kalavum Arivalum
Kerala Sahithya Academy Award for the collection of poems Oru Pidi Nellikka - 1969
Sahitya Academy Award (New Delhi) for the collection of poems Kavile Pattu - 1970
Kumaran Asan Prize (posthumously given) for the collection of poems Anthithiri - 1979
Literary works

1. Kavile Pattu
2. kootukrishi
3. karutha chettichikal
4. Poothappattu
5. Puthan kalavum Arivalum
6. Thathvashasthrangalurangumbol
7. Oru pidi Nellikka
8. Anthithiri
9. Nellukuthukari Paruvinte katha
10.Ambadiyilekku veendum
11.Alakavali
12.Kunkuma Prabhatam