Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-14 Cheriyan Andrews

Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-14
Cheriyan Andrews
Cheriyan Andrews, who made his mark across various fields of Malayalam literature, was born on February 25, 1917, in the ancestral home at Vazhakkoot in Chellanath, Kochi-Kunnayur Taluk. His father, V.S. Andrews, was a renowned poet and singer, while his mother was a prominent figure in Thurathal. Andrews completed his primary education in Chellanath, high school education in Thuravoor, and technical studies in Alappuzha.
During his school years, he actively participated in the Indian independence movement, engaging in Gandhi’s Khadi promotion programs. Known for his contributions to music and poetry, Andrews had to relocate from Kerala due to job-related reasons during a turbulent period. In 1941, he worked in ordinance factories under the Central Government’s security division, residing in Pune, Jabalpur, and Kanpur. During this time, he obtained B.A. and L.L.B. degrees from Jabalpur University. Alongside his studies, he was involved in forming Malayalam societies and leading cultural activities, including writing and storytelling. He also had a passion for agriculture, gardening, and various hobbies.
In 1946, he married Agasthamma from Thottungal, Thumpoly. After his wife’s death, he moved from North India and settled in Tammanath near Ernakulam in 1990. He continued his creative work and published six more books. He remains a vital presence in the cultural sphere. Cheryan Andrews is also the founder trustee of the V.S. Andrews Foundation, established in memory of his father. Between 2000 and 2003, he published three additional works. Cheryan Andrews is a member of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Directorate and is included in the RIFACIMENTO INTERNATIONAL WHO IS WHO and the Catholic WHO IS WHO. To date, he has published fourteen books and written six more that are yet to be published. His works are considered a milestone in Malayalam literature.
Cheryan Andrews’s notable work “Vidooshaka Shakuntalam” (The Foolish Shakuntalam) is described in a preface by Shuranadu Kunjanpilla, highlighting that the phrase “Drama is poetry” applies perfectly to Shakuntalam. The work’s translation into Malayalam by greats like Vallathol Narayana Menon and Rajaraja Varma attests to its literary significance. Andrews, however, did not just translate but created a new, imaginative piece. This new version incorporates elements like Vishwamitra Maharshi and Trishanku Maharaja, reflecting Andrews’s creative vision.
Another significant work is “Sangeetha Nataka Savya Sachi,” which reflects Andrews’s deep affection for Malayalam theater over a period of fifty years and sheds light on the multi-faceted personality of his father, V.S. Andrews. This book helps understand the dynamic events in Kerala’s socio-political scene, where Andrews attempted to elevate ideals through leadership in Christian and egalitarian newspapers.
The published works of Cheryan Andrews include: Abhinava Gana Manjush (a collection of hymns), Bhakti Geethangal (devotional songs), Pranamam (short stories), Pranayapathakam (translation of Tolstoy’s novel), Saphalyam (a poetic drama), Puthiya Bhoomi (a historical drama by Columbus), Madhurakthiyum Mandahasavum (a collection of humorous essays), Kalpavadi (a poetry collection), Jathakadosham (a poetry collection), Theresa Muthal Sumathi Vare (a poetry collection), Chidathinte Vishwaroopam (a collection of humorous essays), Vidooshaka Shakuntalam (a humorous poetic drama), Sangeetha Nataka Savya Sachi (a study of musical theater and autobiography), and Swapna Shakuntalam (a play in screenplay format).
Upcoming works include: Ente Kathaprasangangalum Vediyile Anubhavangalum, Desabhimani Sukthangal, Manasamayu (selected works), Kinnamkrithikal (humorous poems and folk songs), and Aparadini (storytelling poetry).