Meet Peter Benjamin - Kerala fisherman who is a published poet

Alappuzha: Peter Benjamin, a 55-year-old fisherman from Andhakaranazhi in Cherthala’s Pattanakkad, has a unique way of expressing his life experiences – through poetry. When asked whether he sees himself as a poet or a fisherman, Benjamin humbly responds, “I am just a fisherman. I write whatever comes to mind during my work.” His poems reflect the struggles and beauty of life at sea: battling the waves, catching fish, and casting nets. With the support of well-wishers, Peter has published two poetry collections and has around 1,200 poems waiting for publication.

Benjamin’s poetic journey unfolds during his daily routine at Chellanam Harbour, where he heads to the sea with his friends every morning. Between his work in the sea, Benjamin finds time to write. His poems come to him in brief moments of rest, which he quickly jots down on his mobile phone and later transcribes onto paper at home. The shelves of his unfinished house are full of poems.

Not just a poet, Benjamin is also an accomplished singer. He has sung poems and songs in 12 different languages, often collaborating with people from different places through apps. However, he needs the lyrics written in the English script to sing in these languages. Benjamin has also written songs for Christian devotional albums and has been recognised with awards for his musical contributions.

A self-taught poet who struggles to meet daily needs

Although Benjamin was unable to complete his higher secondary studies, he has continued to climb the academic ladder in his own way – by engaging in insightful discussions on poetry in colleges. He is an active participant in cultural groups and literary debates in Cherthala, where he regularly recites his poems and comments on new books.

While the government provided a house to replace the one damaged by the 2004 tsunami, the construction has still not been completed after nearly 20 years. Despite these hardships, Benjamin finds solace in his songs and poems, and the support of his family – his wife, Mariamma, and children, Elizabeth and Benson – remains a source of strength.