1978, Vallathol Narayana Menon ( Poet ) Birth Centenary 25 NP MNH

1978, Vallathol Narayana Menon ( Poet )  Birth Centenary

Vallathol Narayana Menon ( Poet ) - Birth Centenary 25 NP 15th Oct 1978 MNH 

          Text                                    : Vallathol Narayana Menon (1828-1951) India 25 NP 

          Condition                            :MNH

Stamp Issue Date	:	15/10/1978
Postage Stamp Denomination	:	0.25
Postal Stamp Serial Number	:	0899
Postal Stamp Name	:	V.N. MENON

Philatelic Stamp Description	:	The design of the stamp is vertical and depicts a portrait of the personality along with a picture of Kathakali. The first day cover shows Koothambalam (Auditorium) at Kalamandalam, Kerala.
Stamp Currency	:	P
Stamp Type	:	COMMEMORATIVE
Stamp Language	:	English
Stamp Overall Size	:	3.91 X 2.90 cms
Postal Stamp Print Size	:	3.55 X 2.5 cms.
Number of Stamps Per Sheet	:	35
Stamp Perforations	:	13 x 13
Postal Stamp Shape	:	Vertical
Postage Stamp Paper	:	Unwatermarked paper
Indian Stamp Process	:	Photogravure
Number of stamps printed	:	30,00,000
Stamp Printed At	:	India Security Press
Indian Stamp's Color	:	Magenta

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Vallathol Narayana Menon (1878-1958) was born on October 16, 1878 in Chennara village near Ponnani in Kerala. He started writing poetry at the age of thirteen. Vallathol’s poetry passed through three distinct stages – the classicism of the early days, the nationalism of the later years and the progressivism of his last days. To give the performing arts of Kerala, especially Kathakali and Mohiniyattam their rightful place, he founded the “Kerala Kalamandalam” at Cheruthuruthy in 1927. It is now a world famous institution, imparting training in classical dance forms. India issued a stamp on him released on 15 /10/1978

Stamp Information	:	The poetic career of Vallathol Narayana Menon extends from the era of the classical tradition in Malayalam Literature to the modern age of social protest. His poetry stirred the patriotic fervour of the freedom fighters of Kerala. Vallathol was born on October 16, 1878 in Chennara village near Ponnani in Kerala. In contrast to his progressive and revolutionary image in later years, his education was on traditional lines. He studied Sanskrit poetry and grammar and was trained in astrology and the Ayurveda system of medicine. His genius, however, refused to be confined to these narrow limits. He started writing poetry at the age of thirteen. The first major work which brought him into limelight at the age of twenty-seven was his translation from Sanskrit into Malayalam of Valmiki?s Ramayana. Significantly, his last major work was also a translation, that of Rig Veda which he completed a few months before he passed away. His poetry passed through three distinct stage?the classicism of the early days? the nationalism of the later years and the progressivism of his last days. His poems are too numerous to be listed here, but a few names like Shishyanum Makanum, Magdalena Mariam, Kochu Seeta are worth mentioning, as they have made deep impression on the minds of Malayalam readers of yesteryear. Many of his famous lyrical works have been collected and published under the title Sahitya Manjari in thirteen volumes. During the Vaikom temple entry satyagraha, he met Mahatma Gandhi whom he called his guru in a very popular poem he wrote about the Mahatma. His sense of commitment to his country?s freedom made him refuse an award from the then Prince of Wales who was visiting India. The performing arts of Kerala, especially Kathakali and Mohiniyattam which were gradually dying out, were encouraged by him. To give the arts its rightful place he founded the ?Kerala Kalamandalam? at Cheruthuruthy in 1927. it is now a world famous institution, imparting training in classical dance forms. Both in literature and fine arts, Vallathol is one of the best representatives of the cultural renaissance of modern India. He died on March 13, 1958 at the age of 80, full of honours. He had the satisfaction of seeing a new society take shape, a society for the creation of which his poetry had made valuable contributions. The Indian Post and Telegraphs Department feels privileged to issue a commemorative postage stamp in his honour.