Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai (1912-1999)

Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai

Technical Data

Stamp Set Malaylam Jnanpith Literary Award Winners
Date of Issue October 9, 2003
Denomination Rs. 5
Perforation comb 13½ x 13
Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Black | Cream
Catalog Codes

Michel IN 1982

Stamp Number IN 2025c

Yvert et Tellier IN 1747

Stanley Gibbons IN 2156

WADP Numbering System - WNS IN039.03

Themes Authors | Famous people | Literary People (Poets and Writers) | Literature | Men |

Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai (1912-1999)

Portrait and Design Elements:

Portrait:

    • Description: A thoughtful portrait of Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, captured in a contemplative mood, symbolizing his deep understanding of human nature and rural life.
    • Details: He should be depicted in a modest setting, possibly with a background of paddy fields or rustic village life, representing the Kuttanad region, where most of his stories are set.

    Visual Elements:

      • Water Wheel: A prominent feature in the stamp, symbolizing the agricultural life of Kuttanad, the rural landscape where many of his novels and stories take place.
      • Paddy Fields: The lush green fields of Kuttanad are integral to his stories and should feature subtly in the background, emphasizing the rural ethos he captured in his works.
      • Boat on a River: To signify the importance of the backwaters of Kerala, often referenced in his writing, the boat is symbolic of the livelihood and daily life in the region.

      Color Scheme:

        • Earthy Greens and Browns: Reflecting the agricultural setting of Kuttanad and the simplicity of rural life, the colors should evoke the natural beauty and struggles of the rural poor, whom Thakazhi portrayed so poignantly.

        Commemorative Significance:

        • Literary Impact: Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai was a master storyteller who brought to life the hardships, struggles, and aspirations of the rural poor in Kerala. His works are characterized by their realistic portrayal of human emotions, social issues, and his deep empathy for the underprivileged.

        Notable Works:

        • Chemmeen (Shrimps): A landmark novel in Indian literature, exploring the emotional and cultural landscape of Kerala’s fisherfolk.
        • Thottiyude Makan (Scavenger’s Son) and Randidangazhi (Two Measures): These novels offered hard-hitting social critiques of caste and class exploitation.
        • Kayar (The Coir Rope): Considered his magnum opus, a sprawling narrative of life in Kuttanad.

        First Day Cover:

        Design:

        • Background: A serene scene of paddy fields with workers harvesting crops, interspersed with waterways and the iconic water wheel of Kuttanad.
        • Additional Imagery: A coir rope can be woven into the design, symbolizing both the agricultural economy of the region and his novel Kayar, which stands as a symbol of the intertwined lives of its characters.

        This stamp honors Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai’s immense contribution to Indian literature, particularly his profound connection to the rural landscape of Kerala and his compassionate portrayal of its people. Through his stories, Thakazhi became a voice for the voiceless, chronicling the lives of the common folk with great empathy and insight.