Kesari Balakrishna Pillai Kesari Balakrishna Pillai (1889–1960), was a prominent Malayalam Writer, Art and Literary Critic, Journalist, Thinker and Visionary.He was known by “Kesari”the name of the news paper he run . He was also an essayist and translated literary works form French and other languages to Malayalam in order to give guidance to other writers. Kesari is the most influential figure in modern Kerala’s intellectual life. He wrote articles about Socialist views and Marxist principles.He prepared the youth to step over the barriers of language, nations, and religion and created a new style of life. Balakrishna Pillai helped young writers to familiarise with German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Greek and American literature. He translated Mauppasant, Balzac, Freud, Darwin etc. . Bookes Published Kesariyude Lokangal – Edited by M.N. Vijayan. Navalokam (The New World) Outlines of the Proto-Historic Chronology of Western Asia. Sankethika Nirupanangal Sahitya Nirupanangal Rupamanjari. Chronology of Events related to Kesari Balakrishna Pillai 1889 – Balakrishna Pillai was born. 1909 – Took BA in history from Maharaja’s College, Trivandrum. 1909 – Started working as teacher in Women’s College, Trivandrum. 1917 – Resigned from Women’s college and started practising as lawyer. 1922 – Started Journalism Career. Joined as editor of “Samadarshi” 1925- Resigned from “Samadarshi” as his criticism against rulers was not liked by manager. 1930- Started “Prabodhakan” after touring in and around India and collecting funds. September 1930 – Travancore Government banned “Prabodhakan” for his fearless criticism against it. 30 September 1930 – Started “Kesari” 1935- Travancore Government cancelled license of “Kesari” and confiscated Press. 18 December 1960 – Kesari. A. Balakrishna Pillai’s death.
