Leela Nambudiripad

Leela Nambudiripad under the pen name of Sumangala, is a popular author of children's literature in Malayalam. She was born on 16th May 1934 as the daughter of eminent sanskrit scholars O M C Narayanan Nambudiripad and Uma Antharjanam in Vellinezhi (Palakkad District, Kerala, India). Sumangala has been a prolific writer of books for children over the past 40 years.

Fondly referred to as the Enid Blyton of Malayalam, Sumangala has penned 37 books of which 23 are for children. Her most celebrated works include "Mithayippoti", "Neypaayasam", "Manchaatikkuru", "Kurinjiyum Koottukaarum", "Ee Kattha Kettittundo", "Nadodi Cholkathakal", "Rahasyam" and "Kudamanikal". Perhaps her most famous work is a translation into Malayalam of the "Panchatantra". Sumangala has also translated the "Valmiki Ramayanam" into Malayalam from Sanskrit. Another important literary work of hers is the compilation of "Pacha Malayala Nikhandu". Sumangala is the recipient of many awards including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for the best work in children's literature (in 1979) and the Bala Sahitya Institute award for Lifelong contribution towards children's literature (in 1999).

She is married to Desamangalam Ashtamurthy Nambudripad and has three children - Dr. Usha Nambudripad, D Narayanan and D Ashtamurthy. As Leela Nambudripad, she has served in the Public Relations Department of Kerala Kalamandalam for 22 years. Sumangala resides in the town of Wadakkancheri in Thrissur District.

She has also written a book called "Kerala Kalamandalam History" as well