‘Sanoo Master had an unbelievably sharp memory’

My first memory of Sanoo Master dates back to the 1950s when he came as a speaker at UC College, Aluva, where I was doing my graduation.

Thereafter, we have had countless meetings and sat together in many committees. He used to read everything I wrote. And at a time when there were no mobile phones, he spoke about my work whenever we met. I still remember how he spoke highly of a novelette, Kiratham, one of my first works, which was published by Mathrubhumi weekly more than 50 years ago.

He had a very clear opinion about everything. I was awestruck when he delivered a speech lasting more than 30 minutes about my novel Adayalangal when I was awarded the Vayalar Rama Varma Literary Award in 2006. He was then the chairman of the Vayalar Rama Varma Memorial Trust.

Though he never taught me, he was like a Guru to me, for whom I had great affection. I always preferred him when the organisers asked me who they should invite to present me with awards. Master had an unbelievably sharp memory and was really focused, which helped him speak without digressing. He could recollect what he read and his literary thoughts from decades ago.

Sanoo Master found his energy from being among the people. I wondered why he took up speaking assignments even at small functions and asked him as such. He said that not being able to deliver a speech was like being restrained.

He was feeling low ever since his wife died. He used to say that it was like he lost a hand. After he was admitted to the hospital, I inquired after him through one of his relatives, and I was told that he was now out of danger.

A surgery to the hip affects mobility, and even if master had survived, not being able to move around to be among the people and speak to them would have affected him. I can only offer ‘ Pranamam’ to that great soul.

(As told to M.P. Praveen)