203. Nooranad Haneef

Nooranad Haneef was a prominent Malayalam novelist and literary figure from Kerala, India. 

He was active in the social and cultural arena of Kollam and kept warm relations with

 people irrespective of classes. An author of 32 works including 24 novels and a recipient

 of the London-based Twentieth Century Literary Award, Kaumudi Readers Club Award,

Gramasree Award and Raja Ravi Varma Memorial Award.  Haneef was active in the

social and cultural arenas of Kollam. Besides penning novels that mirrored common

man's life and his feelings, he served as a teacher and member of many social-

literary associations including Kerala Sahitya Academy, Samastha Kerala

Sahithya Parishad and Sahitya Pravarthaka Sahakarana Sangam.

Haneef was born to Thampi Ravuthar and Sulekha, on 20 February 1935 at

Nooranad, Alappuzha in Kerala. His childhood days were spent in the village

of Nooranad where he attended Athikkattukulangara LP School and Nooranad

UP School and further pursued his schooling at Adoor High School.

After graduating from NSS College, Pandalam, he started teaching Malayalam

at various institutions finally settling at West Quilon Govt. High School,

Mulamkadakom, Kollam where he continued teaching for over 35 years. He

denied promotions during this period to focus more on his writing. He also

headed the teacher’s association and actively involved in the activities of

Public Library and Research Centre, Kollam, Kalavedi Vayanasala and many

other social and literary circles. His first novel Theeram kanatha thiramalakal

(Breakers without a shore) was published in the year 1967. Renowned writer

Krishna Chaithanya compared the work to the famous novel "Chemmeen" by

Thakazhi in his book A history of Malayalam literature (1995, Orient Longman

Ltd). He went on to write 24 novels apart from travelogues and children’s literature.

Chenkolillathe Kireedamillathe his 50th year work based on the life of Muhammed

Nabi was discussed length and breadth among readers of Kerala.

Haneef’s works adamantly voiced the social responsibilities in an increasingly

power polarized society. He poignantly portrayed the emotional subtleties of the

human mind and rendered life with its entire flavor.  He died on August 5, 2006

after a brief period of ailment. He was survived by his wife, Ameena, and son,

M M Ansari, daughter-in-law Shaila Ansari, Grand children Anees M M and Ancy

Ansari.  Mrs Jameela khan is the only sister and Late Mr. M M Khan his brother-in-law

The Nooranad Hanif Anusmarana Samithi was set up later that year and institutes

literary award for young writers in memory of the late novelist.

AWARDS

A literary award for young writers has been instituted in memory of the late novelist
Nooranad Hanif. The award will be given for novels this year.

Those below 40 years of age, who had their works published during 2008, 2009, and

2010, are eligible for the award that carries a cash prize of Rs.12,221.

Source : nooranadhaneef.com