Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoles ONV Kurup's death

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the death of Jnanpith award winning poet ONV Kurup and said his demise was a major loss to Malayalam literature.

"Shri ONV Kurup's demise is a major loss to Malayalam literature. His works were admired widely. May his soul rest in peace," Modi tweeted yesterday night.

One of the most beloved and celebrated contemporary poets of Malayalam, Kurup (84), a Padma Vibhushan awardee, passed away at a private hospital here yesterday following a cardiac arrest.

Besides his large number of poems on various subjects, ranging from humanity and hope to nature and romance, Kurup was also a leading lyricist in Malayalam films and dramas.

A Left sympathiser, Kurup took part in various environmental movements, including the Silent Valley agitation.

He had won national award for the best lyricist for the movie "Vyshali" and Kerala State Awards for over 10 times in the category.

A scholar and professor, Kurup was also a recipient of Kendra and Kerala Sahitya Akademi awards.

He received India's highest honour for literature, the Jnanpith award in 2007.