A Tribute to Kamala Das

I know I am no one in particular to write about Kamala Das but then everyone who has read her prose or poetry would definitely have something to say about her for that is the kind of impression her writings leave on the reader. I dont remember another writer who was equally adept at writing in English as well as her mother tongue (an Indian language, in this case, Malayalam). Her prose and poetry in both the languages conveyed to the reader her deep knowledge, understanding and the vast vocabulary of hers in both the languages.

The language apart, another aspect that characterized her writing is the free spiritedness of her prose and poetry. "My Story" and "Summer in Calcutta" are classic examples. She never succumbed to the fake morality that is so characteristic of Malayalees and never shied away from putting her honest thoughts into words . Probably, the first writer in Malayalam to write so descriptively about the physicality and sexual desires of human beings, she never considered anything taboo but never compromised on class. Her writings had not even a tinge of vulgarity which is commendable. If she came across as the fiery feminist in some of her writings, she was also the calm, home loving, conventional woman lost in nostalgia as is evident from "Neermathalam Pootha Kaalam". Be it Novel, Column, Poetry, Articles or Short Stories, Kamala left a strong mark on whatever form of writing she attempted.

The numerous awards and accolades that came her way stand testimony to this. Her association with "Pambaram" was a rude shock to the self imposed custodians of morality in Kerala and her unsuccessful foray into Politics took many by surprise. During her sunset days, she suddenly declared her decision to convert to Islam and became Kamala Suraiyya overnight. Behind that tough exterior of a strong, self willed woman, there existed a gentle heart that craved for love, recognition and happiness! Love was all that she stood for and she could never hate anyone- even those who strongly opposed her writings. Her cordial relationship with all of her contemporaries in the field of literature proves this.

Kamala might have left for the heavenly abode but her writings will remain well etched in the minds of all her readers. The celebrated writer who almost won the Nobel Prize for Literature is not among us any more but through "Baalyakaalasmaranakal", "Nashtapetta Neelambari" and many other works, she will remain in our hearts forever. Here is a salute to the woman who lived her life on her own terms. Kamala will continue to inspire many generations of writers through her literature...