Eminent Malayalam poet Kadammanitta Ramakrishan died at a private hospital in Pathanamthitta district yesterday, family sources said. He was 73 and survived by wife and two children. Kadammanitta, as he is popularly known, had been undergoing treatment for the last few months.

M R Ramakrishna Panikkar, popularly known as Kadammanitta, was born on March 22, 1935 in Kadammanitta province of the present Pathanamthitta district. His childhood experiences, especially the Patayani songs, imparted strong influence in his literary work. With his powerful and mind provoking poems he became one of the gifted rebellious voices in modern Malayalam literature. More than anything, it was his style of reciting his own poems in a powerful and efficient manner made him darling of many progressives.

During his college days, he was involved with the student federation as well as communist party. In 1992 he became the vice president of Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham (Progressive Association for Art and Letters), and in 2002 its president. In 1996, he was elected to Kerala state legislative assembly from Aranmula constituency in Pathanamthitta district. He was awarded Kerala Sahithya Academy award in 1982.

His main works include Kadammanittayude Kavithakal, Kadammanittayude, Thiranjedutha Bharanippaattukal, Therikkavithakal, Kalayum Alpam Theriyum, Oru Communistkarante Laingeeka Cheshtakal, Kadinjool Pottan, Poottile Poonthottam, Ookkaan Poya Neram, Maadhaka Sundari, Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu, Madammayude Ammakku Thooran Muttunnu and Muralidhara Kuruppum, Njanum Ente Pennumpillayum.

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