Muthukulam Parvathy Amma

Muthukulam Parvathy Amma (1904–1977) was a Malayalam language poet, teacher, translator, freedom fighter and social reformer from Kerala, India. She published books in various genres of literature, including poetry, short poems, plays, short stories, children's literature, translations and biographies. Parvathy Amma, a follower of Narayana Guru, supported the Indian freedom struggle, and was inclined towards the Indian National Congress. Muthukulam Parvathy Amma Award is a literary award given to woman writers. Parvathy Amma was born on 26 January 1904 in Thattakkattusseri house in Muthukulam in present-day Alappuzha district, the daughter of P. Rama Panicker and Velumbiamma. Her elder brother, who was also a Sanskrit scholar, played a significant role in the care of Parvathy Amma as their father died when she was a child. After studying under Krishnan Nair of Muthukulam, she was educated at VMG School, Kirikadu and VH School, Kollam. After passing the Vdwan and Visharad examinations from the University of Madras, she started her career as a teacher. Parvathy Amma, a follower of Narayana Guru wanted to establish a sangha (group) of women followers of the Guru. The Mahila Ashram (ashram for women) she wanted to set up was a refuge like that which existed for the Buddhist nuns.