Azha Valliappa
Tamil children's literature poet (1922–1989)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Azha Valliappa or A. Valliyappa (7 November 1922 – 16 March 1989), popularly known as Kuzhandai Kavignar, was an Indian poet recognized for his contributions to children's literature in Tamil.[1][2][3]
- Malarum Ullam
- Nalla Nanban
- Pattile Gandhi
- Sinnanchiru Vayathil Periyar Vazhivil
- Pillai Paruvathele
Kuzhandai Kavignar Azha Valliappa | |
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| Native name | அழ. வள்ளியப்பா |
| Born | 7 November 1922 |
| Died | 16 March 1989 (aged 66) |
| Notable works |
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Biography
Valliappa was born on 7 November 1922 in Rayavaram, Pudukkottai district (then part of Madras Presidency), to Alagappa Chettiar and Umaiyal Aachi.[4] At the age of five, he was adopted.[4] Valliappa attended S.K.T. Gandhi Primary School in Rayavaram and later studied at S.B.F. High School in Ramachandrapuram.[5] Financial constraints prevented him from pursuing higher education.[6]
In 1940, Valliappa began working as a cashier at the Sakthi newspaper in Madras.[7] His first published story was Aalukku Paathi.[6] In 1941, he left Sakthi to join Indian Bank, where he continued writing poetry and articles while fulfilling his professional responsibilities.[7]
Valliappa's first book, Malarum Ullam, was published in 1944. A decade later, in 1954, this work won both State and National Awards.[5] His book Nalla Nanban also received a State Award for children's literature.[5] In 1970, his work Pattile Gandhi earned him the National Award.[5] Additionally, his books Sinnanchiru Vayathil Periyar Vazhivil and Pillai Paruvathele were recognized with State Awards for their contributions to children's literature.[5]
In April 1950, Valliappa established the Kuzhandai Ezhuthalar Sangam (Children's Writers’ Association) to promote reading habits among children and ensure the availability of reading material tailored for them.[8] Notably, this association was formed nine months before the establishment of a Tamil writers’ association.[9] He held various leadership roles within the organization, including secretary and president. From 1951 to 1954, he served as the editor of Pooncholai.[5] Throughout his career, he edited publications such as Baalar Malar, Damaaram, and Sangu.[5] He also edited Gokulam, a children's magazine, from 1983 to 1987.[7]
Madurai Kamaraj University honoured Valliappa with the title Tamil Peravai Semmal in 1982 and granted him life membership in its academic council.[7] In the same year, a biography titled Children’s Poet Valliyappa by Dr. Poovannan was published.