Several factors have contributed to the significant reduction in the water flow of the Bharthapuzha River in Kerala over the past several years. Despite this decline, MT Vasudevan Nair, a revered figure in Malayalam literature who passed away on December 25 at 91, always viewed the river as powerful and bountiful. His personal connection to the river was a source of inspiration for his creative work, making it a deeply intimate part of his life.
These issues include widespread deforestation, illegal sand mining, and detrimental changes in land use patterns.
He affectionately referred to the river as Nila and centered his entire creative life—encompassing his work as an acclaimed writer, filmmaker, and literary journalist—around the river, the longest in the state, which flows through the Palakkad, Thrissur and Malappuram districts.
Born in the picturesque village of Kudallur, located on the banks of the once perennial river, MT—a name that evokes pride and nostalgia among Malayalis—had always been a vocal advocate for environmental protection.
His works, around the river, serve as a powerful inspiration for those who share his passion for conservation, making him a beacon of hope in the fight against environmental degradation.
Widely respected for his secular, inclusive, and progressive vision, MT was a steadfast champion of the environment and strongly supported Kerala's various conservation movements, including the Save Silent Valley campaign. He was a passionate advocate for tribal rights and a critic of reckless infrastructure development that harms people with low incomes, the environment, and resources.
Critics note that in MT’s works, the river Nila is depicted as a character in her own right rather than a mere mention as a backdrop.
Having grown up on the banks of this personified river, MT has infused his writings with a deep sense of nostalgia over it. However, over the past two decades, the river has suffered from human exploitation, leading to a significant decline in its health.
Sand mining operations have devastated the riverbed, transforming its powerful currents into a mere trickle.
MT was one of the first-generation Indian authors to incorporate strong themes of environmentalism into his writings. During a recent meeting, MT expressed that the beauty of the land, sky, and water cannot be bought or sold. He emphasised that it is humanity's collective responsibility to protect Mother Earth.
MT consistently encouraged the new generation to be vigilant in protecting the Earth and preventing its exploitation under the guise of development. He stressed that the modern world should strive to create a green generation to ensure a better future for the planet.
Literary critic M.N. Karassery notes the subtle personal narrative reflected in MT’s autobiographical accounts. These accounts, imbued with ecological memory, serve as a more effective discourse on environmental degradation, Larassery observes.
MT’s childhood was marked by financial insecurity and a sense of isolation. He grew up in a dilapidated matrilineal Nair household, similar to the characters in many of his stories. The household relied primarily on the small amount of money sent occasionally by his father, a plantation worker in Ceylon.
Despite these hardships, MT was surrounded by a rich heritage and cultural atmosphere. The river became a source of comfort and solace for him during his formative years, influencing his writings’ development of ecological consciousness. In several of his stories, he thoroughly explores the intricate relationship between the biophysical environment and the socio-cultural context.
‘Nalukettu’ which translates to ‘The House Around the Courtyard’ is one of MT's significant works.
This novel, translated into English by Gita Krishnankutty, is an bildungsroman that follows the life of Appunni, who grows up amidst the tensions and conflicts within his family.
The architectural structure of the nalukettu symbolises oppression and desire in his childhood memories. As Appunni transitions into adulthood, the nalukettu and his family begin to disintegrate.
When Appunni returns to his homeland, he feels like a stranger in a changed place. The only remnant of the past he finds is the crumbling skeleton of the nalukettu.
Like many of the author’s fictional works, the protagonist's experiences reflect aspects of MT's life.
In his novel ‘Kaalam’, the River Nila is a central motif. The story follows Sethu, who evolves from an ambitious young boy into a disillusioned adult. In the narrative, the river symbolises the contrast between the pristine nature of the village and the corruption brought about by development. 'Kaalam' is a powerful exploration of the impact of modernity on traditional ways of life and the role of nature in shaping human experiences.
MT’s autobiographical narratives prominently feature aspects of ecological memory. This concept refers to the ways in which our environment shapes our memories and experiences. He describes the topography and cultural practices of the village where he was born and raised. The village and its water bodies have significantly influenced his psyche, evident in his literature and writing style. Unlike contemporary urban children who mainly learn about nature through textbooks and the botanical names of plants and animals, MT gained a deeper understanding of the natural world through personal experiences.
In one of his recounts, he elaborates on the flowers that bloomed at the foot of the hills—many of which have become endangered over time. His writings explore various species and varieties of plants and their flowers, highlighting his intimate connection with his environment.
MT, who died after a prolonged illness at a private hospital in Kozhikode, is undoubtedly one of the most prolific Malayalam novelists and writers. In addition to his literary achievements, he excelled in film direction, screenplay writing, and literary journalism.
Critics praise him for his storytelling, particularly the tales set in his native Kudallur. However, his creativity transcended regional and geographical boundaries, allowing him to craft plots in exceptional settings, including Nainital. Throughout his work, he consistently advocated for sustainable development and environmental protection.
In addition to writing landmark works in Malayalam literature, MT made significant contributions to the Malayalam film industry by writing and directing several highly popular blockbusters. These films were also known for their quality and strong sense of environmentalism.
As a long-time editor of Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly, MT played a significant role in discovering, nurturing, and showcasing prominent Malayalam writers. He approached this task with immense passion and dedication.
Additionally, he used the weekly publication to promote environmental activism in the state.
MT is regarded as a literary genius and is likely the most translated writer from Malayalam, gaining recognition among literature enthusiasts worldwide. His works are celebrated for capturing the inner struggles of alienated individuals who find themselves at a crossroads, uncertain whether to turn back or move forward. Through his writing, MT artfully shapes marginalised souls' elusive dreams and sorrows.
He has penned nine novels, 18 volumes of short stories, two travelogues, five books on literary studies, one dedicated to his favourite author, Hemingway, a play, and two children's books.
Additionally, MT developed a highly evocative idiom in Malayalam cinema with his first movie, ‘Murappennu’ (First Cousin). The film won the President's Silver Medal in 1965, and MT has continued to achieve great success since then. Over the years, he has received numerous awards for film scripting and direction.
His scripted, directed, and produced film, Nirmalyam, won the President's Gold Medal in 1973. MT has been honoured with various state, national, and international awards for his fiction and films, including the Padma Bhushan and the Jnanpith Award in 1996 and the Kerala and Kendra Sahitya Academy Awards.
MT was a reserved individual who sought solace in solitude. He preferred to avoid partisan politics and controversy. Even when fellow writer T Padmanabhan personally attacked him—usually provoked by trivial matters—MT maintained his silence as a form of defence.
Despite this, MT did not conceal his broader political identity as a left-liberal; he was genuinely secular and inclusive in his perspective.
He became a powerful voice for solidarity and amity during significant events such as the demolition of the Babri Masjid, the protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and the police firing on poor, landless tribals in Muthanga, Wayanad.
MT also championed sustainable development that addresses the survival needs of the extremely poor and oppressed, individuals who often find themselves marginalised. He frequently wrote about the mental distress he experienced due to the rising levels of intolerance in India.
He advocated for a cultural resistance against forces intent on undermining coexistence, plurality, and diversity. For MT, freedom of expression was of utmost importance.