Renowned novelist, science writer, and children’s author Dr TR Sankunni (91), who also served as the former Senior Deputy Registrar in the academic wing of Kerala Agricultural University, has passed away. He was member of the General Council of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi for 5 years starting from 1983.

Among his notable works are six popular science books, including Sastragopurathinte Rajashilpikal as well as Vayuvinte Kadha, which won both the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and a National Award. He also authored 15 children’s books, including Hitopadesa Stories, which received the State Children’s Literature Award, and 15 novels, including Vedasakshi, which won the Oorub Award.

Dr TR Sankunni was someone who would become eloquent whenever he spoke about writing. A scientist, children’s writer, novelist, and teacher, he left a distinct mark in all the fields he ventured into. During a hardship-filled childhood, books were his closest companions. This reading habit later became the driving force behind his writing.

He was studying in the Third Intermediate at Cherpu CNN School when India gained independence.

After passing Intermediate, his studies were interrupted for two years due to financial difficulties. During that time, he spent most of his days in the library. He also developed a strong command of English and read world classics. Though his main interest was in Malayalam literature, he earned a degree from the Veterinary College and later became a teacher there.

When NV Krishna Warrier was the editor, Sankunni’s article was published in Mathrubhumi. Because of this, he regarded Krishna Warrier as his mentor. A three-day writers meet held in 1969 at Ramavarmapuram in Thrissur became a turning point in his literary life. Prominent writers like S K Pottekkatt, M T Vasudevan Nair, Parappurath, and Guptan Nair attended the event. His interactions with them were a great experience.

In literature, he regarded Balamani Amma as a mother figure. She wrote the foreword to his novel Yathibhangam. During his tenure as the Thrissur district secretary of the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad, he played a key role in publishing 50 children’s science books. The Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1978 and a central award were among the major recognitions he received for his writing.

Dr. Sankunni was an early activist of the Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad and the founding editor of the magazine Eureka. A native of Karalam, he had been residing for a long time at Patturaikkal in Thrissur.