Thiruvananthapuram: Former ISRO scientist and renowned translator of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s books, Nellai S Muthu (70), was found dead at his residence.

He was found dead at house number 54, “Swarnam,” in CRP Nagar, Pangappara. When he failed to answer phone calls, his assistant Rajan visited the house around 5 PM on Sunday evening. Muthu was found lying unconscious on the floor of his room. He was rushed to the Medical College Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. As his family had recently travelled to Tamil Nadu for work, he was alone at the time.

A native of Nellai in Tirunelveli, he had authored over a hundred books on diverse subjects including science, children's literature, poetry, history, and criticism. Some of his works include Ariviyal Penmanigal, Vinveli 2057, Arivuttum Vignana Vilayattu, Vaira Padigangkal, and Sevvayil Uluvettakum Naal Vaippum.

He was also the one who translated Kumaran Asan’s Chandalabhikshuki into Tamil. In recognition of his contributions to science and literature, he was honoured by the Tamil Nadu government.

Family:

Wife – Maragatham

Children – M Balasubramanian, M Kalaivani