Sri E.K. Divakaran Potti, a prominent personality in Malayalam Translation literature born on 28th April, 1918 at Puthenchira an adjacent Village of Mala in Thrissur District. He is a member in Edamana Illam at Puthenchira.
E.K. Divakaran Potti was a high school teacher by profession from 1950 to 1973 in the Kizhakkambalam High School. He has died on 23rd July 2005 at his 87th years.
Photo Credit: Gramika Kuzhikkattussery
Sri E.K. Divakaran Potti's Contribution to Malayalam Literature
E.K. Divakaran Potti is mainly known for his valuable contribution in the field of translation literature. In 1939, he has published his first kavitha samaharam (A Collection of Malayalam Poems and Poetry from Famous Poets) "Prathamanjali".
He has translated into chaste Malayalam, all the major works of Munshi Premchand including "Godaanam", "Rangabhoomi", "Nirmala", "Premasramam", "Karmabhoomi", and "Vanchana".
Major Works of Sri E.K. Divakaran Potti
His major works include "Prathamaanjali", "Naalathe Prabhaatham", "Vijaya Rangam", "Balipeetathil", "Godaan", "Premapanchami", etc. Godan, Premchand’s last completed novel is considered his best work has been translated to Malayalam by Shri E.K. Divakaran Potti. It is the most realistic interpretation of Indian village society, the backbone of India.
It is a story of changing people, hungry and semi-starved, yet hopeful and optimistic, in the truest spirit of the age it represents. Shri Potti has preserved all the essence of Godaan origin while translated into Malayalam.
Other notable translations of Sri E.K. Divakaran Potti
Some of the famous translations of Sri E.K. Divakaran Potti are "Party Comrade" by Yashpal, "Volga muthal Ganga vare" (From Volga to Ganga) by Rahul Samskrthyayan, "Kazhumaram" by Victor Yugo and "Kolamarathilninnulla Kurippukal" by Julious Fuchik and some of the books of famous writers like Targenev, Khaleel Gibral, William Lamness, Hallcain.
The total number of books he translated into Malayalam will be about 30 including three Kavithasamaharam, two dramas, and one Hindi-Malayalam dictionary. His kavithasamaharam "Ariyittuvazhcha", had been banned by Kochi Govt. in 1948. No wonder he has won the Sahithya Academy award from translation.
Education of Sri E.K. Divakaran Potti
He passed BA and B.Ed examinations and also Malayalam Vidwan and Rashtrabhasha Praveen. He was the younger brother of Professor E. K. Narayanan Potti.
Political life of Sri E.K. Divakaran Potti
He was a freedom fighter, an active worker in the Congress party and subsequently in the Communist Party of India. He was arrested in 1948 and jailed 6 months in connection with the Aikya Kerala Prakshobham.
Awards received by E.K. Divakaran Potty
E.K. Divakaran Potty has been honored by many awards including national level awards. Kerala Sahithya Academy Award, National award from Kendra Sahithya Academy, Devikrishna Award, Aadarsha Hindi sevi award, Hindi Sevi sammaan, M.N. Sathyarthi Award, C. Achuthamenon Award etc.
E.K. Divakaran Potty, The Founder of Grameena Vayanasala, Puthenchira
E.K. Divakaran Potty is the founder of Grameena Vayanasala at Puthenchira. In order to remember his valuable contributions to Malayalam Literature, Puthenchira Grameena Vayanasala arranged an award for best Malayalam Translation Literature which will be given in every year.
Winners of Divakaran Potti Best Malayalam Translation Literature Award
- 2006: Damodaran Kaaliyath
- 2007: T.D. Ramakrishnan
- 2008: Aattur Ravivarma
- 2009: Krishnaveni
- 2010: C.P. Gangadharan
- 2011: Madhavan Ayyappath
- 2012: Rajan Thuvvaara
- 2013: P. Madhavan Pilla
- 2014: Prof. V.D. Krishnan Nambyar
- 2015: N. Moosakkutty
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