Index Page                                Archives

Noted Kerala journalist VK Madhavan Kutty dead

     New Delhi: Noted journalist and former editor of Malayalam daily Mathrubhumi VK Madhavan Kutty died at the Escorts Heart Research Centre in New Delhi today due to a massive heart attack. Kutty, who was also the founder director of satellite channel Asianet and an author, is survived by his wife and two daughters. A Padma Shree recipient, Kutty launched his book "The Unspoken Curse" at a popular book store in Gurgaon on October 28. A prolific writer, Kutty had a number of publications to his credit, including his experiences as a survivor of the Kumaramangalam plane crash in 1973. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed grief over the passing away of Madhavan Kutty.

     In a message to members of his family, the Prime Minister said: "I am deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of eminent journalist and writer VK Madhavan Kutty. The country has lost a prolific and meaningful writer who was a keen observer of the traits and foibles of the commonman. Noted for his brevity and simplicity, Madhavan Kutty highlighted the dreams that give meaning to life amidst all its contradictions and challenges." "I have had the fortune of knowing Madhavan Kutty closely and I greatly valued his insight and wisdom. Though he spent a considerable part of his professional life in New Delhi, he always took pride as the voice of Southern India . He was deeply rooted in the vibrant cultural life of Kerala and gave us in Delhi many opportunities to flavour it." "Madhavan Kutty's vivid journalism and his books starting with `The Village Before Time,' have all been widely appreciated and he was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padmashree. The void caused by his death will be difficult to fill. I deeply mourn Madhavan Kutty's demise and convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of his family, his associates and admirers, the Prime Minister added.