(1894–1960)

Pazhayannur Rama Pisharody was a respected writer, philanthropist, and social worker from Kerala. Fluent in both Malayalam and English, he contributed significantly to literature, education, and social upliftment during his lifetime.

Early Life and Background

• Born in 1894 to Vengi Pisharassyar of Pazhayannur Thekkoottu Pisharom and an Ayyer father.
• He was the sole child of his parents.
• Professionally, he served as a teacher, and was known for his dedication to moral education.

Social and Cultural Engagement

• Actively involved with Samastha Kerala Pisharody Samajam/Vaishnava Samajam, established in the 1920s.
• Served as the Secretary of the Samajam.
• Advocated for moral instruction, spiritual discourse, and philanthropy.

Literary Contributions

• Began his literary journey with five Malayalam plays, which did not gain much recognition.
• Gained prominence through accessible biographies and spiritual works aimed at youth and general readers.
• Notable works:
  • Avatara Purushanmar – A spiritual synthesis of divine incarnations across religions.
  • Bhoota Daya (1939) – Stories highlighting compassion for animals, featuring figures like Tolstoy and Buddha. Published by the Madras Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
  • Karuna – On self-refinement through compassion; one of ~15 works approved by the Madras Textbook Committee.
  • Pativratharatnam – A novel based on the story of Kovilan and Kannagi.
  • Swarnakumari – An Indian adaptation of Sir Walter Scott’s Quentin Durward.
  • Adapted several Tolstoy stories (How Much Land Does A Man Need?, Two Old Men, etc.).
• Regular contributor of travelogues to Mathrubhumi.
• Frequent speaker on All India Radio, Kozhikode during the 1950s.
  • His final broadcast essay was titled Athishayoktiyum athinte Prathyaghathangalum on 30 May 1960, just before his passing.

Death

• Passed away from a heart attack on 2 June 1960 at Attur, aged 66.

Family

• Wife: Late Attur Pisharath Ammu Pisharasiar
• Children:
  • Late A Amminikutty (Unmarried)
  • Late A Damodara Pisharody (Wife: Cherukara Leela Pisharody)
  • Late A Rama Pisharody (Wife: Thonnangamath Ratna Pisharasiar)
  • Late A Thanka Pisharasiar (Husband: Thongangamath Mukundan)
  • Late A Viswanathan (Wife: Kallil Pisharath Vijayalakshmi)
  • A Ramachandran (Wife: Sukapurath Mathathil Sathi)