P. Appukuttan, dramatist and former Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi secretary, passes away at 85 

P. Appukuttan, noted orator, dramatist and former secretary of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, passed away at a private hospital at Payyanur in Kannur, Kerala, on Wednesday (March 19, 2025) night. He was 85.

Appukutan, who served as the Akademi’s secretary from 1996 to 2001, was also a prominent figure in the Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham. He contributed significantly as a playwright, critic and teacher.

Born on 10 August 1939 at Annur, Payyanur to Karipath Kanna Pothuval and A. P Parvathiamma, he studied at Annur UP School and Payyanur Board School (now AKSGVHSS). He later received training as a teacher from Kannur Government Training School.

He began his career in 1959 as a teacher at Vellur UP School. After clearing the PSC examination in 1962, became a high school teacher. He also taught as a language teacher at Kasaragod Government High School before retiring in 1995 from Payyanur Government Boys’ High School. He played a key role in the stage adaptation of K. P. Kunhirama Podhuval’s play Bharatha Ratham.

His mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at Annur Village Hall from 8 a.m. on Friday (March 21). Cremation will take place at Murikoval Shantisthala.

He is survived by his wife, C.P. Vatsala, and children C.P. Sreeharshan, C.P. Sarita, and C.P. Priyadarshan.

CM condoles

Expressing his condolences, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Appukuttan’s passing is a great loss to the progressive cultural community.

“He had a unique ability to analyse literary works in an original way and demonstrated excellent organisational skills in leading the progressive arts and literature movement, “ he said.

Highlighting Appukuttan’s contribution, Mr. Vijayan noted that his efforts in expanding the movement’s reach to previously untapped sections of society. The Chief Minister also lauded his role in strengthening grassroots-level cultural activities under Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi.