C. V. Kunhiraman

C.V. Kunhuraman ((1871 – 1949) was a distinguished man of letters, eminent social reformer, founder of Kerala Kaumudi, pioneering journalist and renaissance leader. He was also an ardent follower of Sree Narayana Guru.

Education

Born as the son of Velayudhan and Kunhichali in an ezhava family in 1871 in Mayyanad, near Quilon, he had his formal education at the local Christian missionary English medium school. But learned classics like Mahabharatham and Ramayanam in earnest, which helped him to become an erudite scholar. He questioned superstitions of every sort in the most hilarious manner.

Career

C.V., as he was popularly known, opened his journalistic career in Sujananadini,published by Paravoor Kesavanasan from Paravoor, Kollam. He began contributing poems and articles on Sujananandini. His early writings were more on social affairs. Later, he became the sub-editor.He started a school for low caste Hindus at Vellamanal, Mayyanad, Quilon and became its headmaster. An untiring activist of SNDP Yogam, he was elected its general secretary in 1928 and 1931. Valmiki Ramayanam, a prose rendering of the great epic, was his first work to come out in print, in 1901. It won him wide acclaim prompting him to write Vyasabharatam and Panchavadi. Meanwhile, Karthikodayam brought out his prowess as a poet.

Founding Kerala Kaumudi

To launch a newspaper of his own was his all time-dream. In 1911, C.V. launched Kerala Kaumudi as a weekly newspaper. He was the proprietor - editor, printer, publisher and even the proofreader! Started in 1911, in Mayyanad, it had grown over the years as one of the most influential dailies in Malayalam, that has raised its voice against injustice on all fronts. Its sharp criticism, daring opinions and powerful language created a trend in Travancore.

Contribution to other publications and dailies

CV was also the editor of Malayalarajyam, Navajeevan, Kathamalika, Yukthivadi, Navasakthi and Vivekodayam. He had the rare distinction in Malayalam journalism being the founder of Kerala Kaumudi and founder editor of Malayalarajyam.He had been on the editorial board of Malayala Rajyam, Navajeevan, Navasakthi, Malayala Manorama, Bhashaposhini, Kathamalika, Vivekodayam and Yuktivadi. He had also been a lawyer and a member of Sree Moolam Prajasabha.

CV has been hailed for his role behind the historic Temple Entry Proclamation (1936). Credited with an austere but lucid style, he has enshrined himself into the annals of Malayalam letters. He died in 1949 after a fruitful innings spanning nearly six decades.

ee also

* Kerala Kaumudi
* Malayala Manorama
* Yukthivadi
* SNDP

References

* [http://www.cvkunhuraman.com Website]
* [http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Malayalam_journalism Malayalam journalism]