(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)