The Elegant Variation: INDIAN WRITER DIES

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March 31, 2005

INDIAN WRITER DIES

The BBC reports that Indian writer O.V. Vijayan has died.

Apart from five novels he also wrote what is considered to be a historical masterpiece, Itihasathinte Itihasam (The Story of the Saga).

There's additional coverage to be found at The Hindu News, Sify.com, and the Hindustan Times.

Posted at 12:12 AM | Permalink

Comments

Dear Sir,

Your report on the death of veteran writer O.V.Vijayan is not the way it should be. He was nominated for nobel by 2 veterans, Gunter Grass and Gabriel Garcia. His watershed novel 'Khasakkinte Ithihasam' ( Legends of Khasak )forked up Indian writing into 2.

Posted by: Joe Eshwar | April 14, 2005 at 06:03 AM

Dear friends,

O.V. Vijayan passed away. His demise, although expected, leaves a void that cannot be filled at any point of time.

I am mailing you because I find it really hard to adjust with his passing away as he meant a lot to me.

O.V.Vijayan’s literature is the only reason why I have accepted reality and quit escapism. Vijayan was the last of those writers who transformed human souls into an allegory of joy. His language often appeared in the form of ‘cry’ and ‘echo‘ and sometimes as deep silence. I was one of the most luckiest people to be associated with him at the twilight of his life. Vijayan, the legend had the patience to listen to all those stories written by me. Had the goodness to correct me when my ideas did not match my words. He was like a father to me.

Literature kills man’s evil nature and refines him. It not only refines him but creates an element of spirituality in his sub consciousness. Vijayan’s writings transformed me into a level where I feel some kind of intellectual liberation. May the legend rest in peace.

After ‘Tessellated Pavements’ nothing has happened with me. I am lazy. I keep writing bits and pieces every time. I think I will stick on to Malayalam, my mother tongue as I feel relaxed, writing in Malayalam.

My film is complete. I am looking forward to have the first screening of the same very soon. Though there are few invitations I am keeping my fingers crossed for the right time to come.

Good luck to all of you

Eshwar, Joe

Posted by: Joe Eshwar | April 19, 2005 at 03:33 AM

The Indian English writng has taken a new turn with writers like Tarun J Tejpal and Pankaj Mishra writing on those topics often unxplored. O.V Vijayan, malayalam literature's watershed writer explored the same depths as they have.

Posted by: Laiju Mathew | April 19, 2005 at 03:39 AM

O.V.Vijayan's death leaves a wound that cannot be healed. He was neglected by beaurocratic India with its noxious rigorism. Writers like Joe Eshwar and Tarun Tejpal will face the same fate because they are bold in teir writings

Posted by: Joahnnos Kaza | April 19, 2005 at 03:42 AM

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The Elegant Variation

A Literary Weblog.
A Guardian Top 10 Literary Blog * A Forbes "Best of the Web" Pick * A Los Angeles Magazine Top Los Angeles Blog
"Really brave ... or really stupid" - NPR

March 31, 2005

INDIAN WRITER DIES

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MY NOVEL

WORTHY READINGS

TEV DEFINED

RECOMMENDED

THIS GUN FOR HIRE:
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SECOND LOOK

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The Elegant Variation

A Literary Weblog. A Guardian Top 10 Literary Blog * A Forbes "Best of the Web" Pick * A Los Angeles Magazine Top Los Angeles Blog "Really brave ... or really stupid" - NPR

March 31, 2005

INDIAN WRITER DIES

Comments

MY NOVEL

WORTHY READINGS

TEV DEFINED

RECOMMENDED

THIS GUN FOR HIRE: Reviews & Criticism

SECOND LOOK

Categories

A Literary Weblog.
A Guardian Top 10 Literary Blog * A Forbes "Best of the Web" Pick * A Los Angeles Magazine Top Los Angeles Blog
"Really brave ... or really stupid" - NPR

THIS GUN FOR HIRE:
Reviews & Criticism