P. Vatsala


Parakkulathil Vatsala was an Indian Malayalam novelist, short story writer, and social activist from Kerala. She is a recipient of Ezhuthachan Puraskaram 2021, the highest literary honour by the government of Kerala. She is only the fifth woman to receive the award since its institution in 1993.
Vatsala was also a recipient of Kerala [Sahitya Akademi Award] for her novel Nizhalurangunna Vazhikal. She has written over 25 short story collections and 17 novels. She is renowned for her distinct style of writing.
Her works have won several awards including Kumkumam Award, the Kerala [Sahitya Akademi Award], the Muttathu Varkey Award, and the C. V. Kunhiraman Memorial Sahitya Award.
A former headmistress, Vatsala also held the post of Chairperson of Kerala Sahitya Akademi. She was associated with PuKaSa, a left-leaning cultural movement, but lately she had been supportive of Hindu right-wing organisations.
Vatsala resided in Kozhikode district, in northern Kerala. She died from heart failure on 21 November 2023, at the age of 85.
WWW Official Site

Selected works

;Short stories
  • Pempi, Poorna Books, Calicut, 1969
  • Pazhaya, Puthiya Nagaram, The Sahithya Pravarthaka Cooperative Society, Kottayam, 1979
  • Anupamayude Kavalkkaran, SPCS, 1980
  • Aanavettakkaran, SPCS, 1982
  • Unikkoran Chathopathiya, SPCS, 1985
  • Annamaria Neridan, SPCS, 1988
  • Karuttha Mazha Peyyunna Thazhvara, SPCS, 1988
  • Chamundy Kuzhi, SPCS, 1989
  • Arundhati Karayunnilla, SPCS, 1991
  • Koonychoottile Velicham, Prabhath Book House, Trivandrum, 1992
  • Madakkam II, D. C. Books, 1998
  • Panguru Pushpathinde Theen, Poorna Books, 1998
  • Madakkam, D. C. Books, Kottayam, 1998
  • Kaly ’98 Thudarcha, Prabhath Book House, 1998
  • Pookku Vayil Ponvayil, Olive, 1999
  • Dhushyanthannum Bheemannummillatha Lokam, Poorna Books, 1999
  • Kalal Kavalal, D. C. Books, 2001
  • Kottayile Prema, Olive Books, Calicut, 2002
  • Pooram, D. C. Books, 2003
  • Aaranniya Kandam, D. C. Books, 2003
  • Mythiliyuda Makal, Green Books, Calicut, 2004
  • Ashokanum Ayalum, D. C. Books, 2006
  • Chandalabhikshukiyum Marikkunna Pownamiyum, Book Point, Calicut, 2007
  • Suvarna Kadhakal, Green Books, Trichur, 2008
  • Gate Thurannittirikkunnu, SPCS, Kottayam, 2008
;Novels
  • Thakarcha, Poorna Books, Calicut, 1969
  • Nellu, The Sahithya Pravarthaka Cooperative Society, Kottayam, 1972
  • Agnayam, SPCS 1974; translated into English by Vasanthi Sankaranarayanan as Agneyam: The story of a Nambudiri woman, Sahitya Akademi, 2008
  • Nizhaluragunna Vazhikal, SPCS 1975
  • Arakkillam, SPCS, 1977
  • Venal, SPCS, 1979
  • Kanal, SPCS, 1979
  • Nambarukal, SPCS, 1980
  • Palayam, SPCS, 1981
  • Kooman Kolly, SPCS 1981
  • Gauthaman, SPCS, 1986
  • Aarum marikuunnilla, SPCS / D. C. Books, 1987
  • Chaver, SPCS, 1991
  • Rose merreyude Aakasangal, D. C. Books, Kottayam, 1993
  • Vilaapam, D. C. Books, 1997
  • Aadhijalam, D. C. Books, 2004
  • Melppalam, Mathrubhumi Books, Calicut, 2007

Awards