Vaikom Muhammad Basheer (1908–1994)

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer (21 January 1908 – 5 July 1994), fondly known as Beypore Sultan, was an Indian independence activist and writer of Malayalam literature . He was a writer, humanist, freedom fighter, novelist and short story writer, noted for his path-breaking, down-to-earth style of writing that made him equally popular among literary critics as well as the common man. His notable works include Balyakalasakhi, Shabdangal, Pathummayude Aadu, Mathilukal, Ntuppuppakkoranendarnnu, Janmadinam and Anargha Nimisham and the translations of his works into other languages have earned him worldwide acclaim. The Government of India awarded him the fourth highest civilian honour of the Padma Shri in 1982. He was also a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Story.