Half a century after his farewell, the verses of Vayalar continues to flow through

It was 50 years ago today that Vayalar Ramavarma, the bard of endless human tales, found his eternal rest at Raghavaparambil. Yet even now, admirers' pilgrimage to his resting place continues without pause.
This devotion is not confined to his birth and death anniversaries alone. Just like the unending flow of Vayalar’s poems and songs through Malayali hearts, the procession of remembrance endures.

The revolutionary poet passed away on October 27, 1975, on the day of the Punnapra-Vayalar Martyrs’ Day. His wife, Bharathy Thampuratty, vividly recalls his final moments, which she documented in her memoirs.

“Upon learning of his mother’s illness, Vayalar returned from Chennai on October 18 or 19 and remained by her side, caring for her. Once she recovered, his own liver condition worsened. He vomited blood and collapsed. Doctors at a private hospital in Cherthala did their utmost to treat him. The Alappuzha Collector visited the hospital on the instructions of Malayattoor Ramakrishnan, who was in Chennai at the time.

Renowned doctors P K R Warrier and Krishnakumar also rushed from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. Despite their efforts, his condition deteriorated and he was transferred to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.

Crowds gathered at the hospital, including several prominent figures, including then Chief Minister C Achutha Menon and other ministers. ‘Gangadharankutty, my mother...’ were the poet’s final words, spoken while tightly gripping the hand of Dr Gangadharan, a close friend. Vayalar’s love for his mother was unparalleled.

Neither medical intervention nor heartfelt prayers could save him. Before he could fully live out his dreams ‘in this beautiful coast’ that he loved the most, the poet passed away at 4.30 am on October 27 — the same day marking the 29th anniversary of the bloodshed by revolutionaries in his homeland. Red flags that flew high across his district were lowered and replaced with black flags as news of his death spread.

His body was first taken from the hospital to the CPI office, then to VJT Hall. A state holiday was declared. Though the funeral procession was scheduled to begin at 9 am from VJT Hall to his home in Vayalar, mourners continued to arrive well into the afternoon. The procession finally commenced at 3 pm, with thousands lining the route to pay their respects. It reached Vayalar at 10.30 pm, where it felt as though the entire village had gathered at Raghavaparambil. His son, Sarathchandra Varma, lit the pyre of memories. The man who elevated poetic imagery to celestial heights was laid to rest in his native soil.

A Vayalar memorial and poets’ meet was held on Monday at Chandrakalabham in Raghavaparambil, rich with memories of the great poet. The event is jointly organised by the Purogamana Kalasahithya Sangham, Indian People’s Theatre Association, and Yuvakala Sahithi. A literary gathering will also take place at the Vayalar Martyr Column at 2 pm in connection with the Punnapra-Vayalar Martyrs’ Day.

ONV’s tribute
Alappuzha: Poet O N V Kurup, who witnessed Vayalar’s final moments at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital, paid a heartfelt literary tribute to those memories three years later. His song Saagarame Shanthamakoo Nee, written for the 1979 film Madanolsavam, echoed the pain of Vayalar’s passing.

The lyrics in the second stanza, “Thalithothilaaro Paadi Tharoo Oru Janmam Koodi,” evoke memories of Vayalar’s evergreen line, “Ee Manoharatheerathu tharumo iniyoru janmam koodi.” The verses, “Saagarame shanthamakoo nee sandhyaaraagam maayunnitha, paathi paadum mune veenu etho kilinadham kenu,” express the sorrow of separation from a soul who touched hearts through his songs.