Prof. K.P. Mathew’s Epic Novel “Ulkanal” Wins 2026 Girish Karnad Memorial Theatre Award.

 

 

Kochi: Renowned writer Prof. K.P. Mathew’s acclaimed magnum opus Ulkanal has been selected for the prestigious 2026 Girish Karnad Memorial Theatre Award, marking a significant milestone in contemporary Malayalam literature.

Prof. K P Mathew is an Ambassador of Global Indian Council, Co-Chairman of the Center of Excellence: Education, Languags and Literature.

 

Widely celebrated for its epic scale and literary brilliance, Ulkanal has captivated readers through its subtle craftsmanship and evocative storytelling. The novel masterfully blends linguistic simplicity with profound philosophical depth, taking readers beyond conventional narrative experience into a realm of introspection and emotional rediscovery.

At the heart of the novel lies an intricate exploration of human vulnerability, internal conflict, and existential uncertainty. Through richly layered characters and deeply reflective prose, Prof. Mathew constructs a narrative that flows with remarkable naturalness, leaving a lasting emotional imprint on readers.

Set against the compelling backdrop of Wayanad, Ulkanal vividly recreates the socio-political landscape of post-Independence Kerala. The novel weaves together historical realities such as the landlord-tenant system, migration, religious conversions, labor struggles, the rise of communism, the emergence of Naxalism, and the often-controversial role of state authority during those turbulent decades.

The story follows Tom, born at midnight on India’s Independence Day, symbolizing the birth of a new era. His father, Ouseppachan, was among the settlers who migrated to Wayanad, where their home also became a secret shelter for communist activists. Tom’s mother had vowed to dedicate him to the priesthood, setting the stage for his lifelong spiritual and ideological conflict.

Forced to abandon his childhood companion and beloved Lisa to join the seminary, Tom’s journey unfolds as one of sacrifice, rebellion, and rediscovery. Inspired by Christ, he attempts to reconcile Christian faith with communist ideals, but is eventually expelled from the seminary under circumstances beyond his control.

In the wilderness of resistance, Tom joins revolutionary struggles alongside Naxalite leader Comrade Varghese, emerging as a modern prophet of liberation. Standing firmly with the marginalized and abandoned, he reinterprets socialism as a living moral force, rooted in compassion and justice. The forests of Brahmagiri, Cheerankavu, and Cheruvannur become powerful symbols of both time and transformation.

Tom’s resistance against injustice draws many companions, including Ramunayar, a Gandhian idealist known as “Cheruvannur Gandhi,” and Sister Rosita, who renounces her religious robes to reunite with her former identity as Lisa. Together, they embrace India’s Golden Jubilee celebrations not merely as a national event, but as a spiritual and social calling.

More than a historical novel,Ulkkanal is an extraordinary meditation on self-sacrifice, social commitment, and the profound joy found in living for others. Critics have praised the work as a landmark contribution to the Malayalam novel tradition.

In essence, Ulkanal is not just a story—it is a literary journey that awakens hidden emotions and forgotten reflections, offering readers the grandeur of an era through epic storytelling. Prof. K.P. Mathew’s work is being hailed as a significant and enduring contribution to contemporary Malayalam literature.

Congratulations Prof. K P Mathew, GIC is proud of you.

— Dr. Mathew Joys, Las Vegas