Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church – 8: Joseph Manvettam
Joseph Manvettam, renowned as a short story writer and poet, was born on May 28, 1914, in the Manvettam family of Payyli Eliyamma in Maimuri, Vaikom Taluk. After completing his primary education, he joined the Muttuchira School. He passed the public examination in the seventh grade with distinction. However, due to his fatherโs illness and early death, he could not continue his studies further and had to engage in agricultural work alongside his elder brother. They managed a 30-acre property, cultivating rice, tapioca, ginger, banana, coconut, and rubber. Joseph and his brother took the lead in these farming activities.
At Muttuchira School, Malayalam was taught by Gopalach Pillai from Payyampalli, Thiruvalla, who was a scholar, poet, and writer. The close association with Gopalach Pillai turned Joseph into a literary figure. Gopalach Pillai’s engaging teaching style and his recitations of poetry fascinated Joseph. He read numerous works by various authors and made several of them his own. Joseph also met and took mentorship from Joseph Mukalel, the Malayalam teacher at Kaippuzha School. Mukalel was a good poet and author of many books. Joseph showed him some of his poems, which Mukalel edited and provided feedback on, including offering advice on various matters. Mukalel also attempted to publish Josephโs poem โChinthakalโ in Karmalakusumam, and it later appeared in both Karmalakusumam and Malabar Mail.
During this period, Joseph developed an interest in novels and short stories, and P.R. Shankarapillai from Aiyankudi inspired him to write. Although he explored this path for some time, he eventually returned to poetry. For a while, Joseph worked as a Malayalam teacher at an English school.
Joseph Manvettamโs literary contributions include 22 published works spanning short stories, poetry, children’s literature, epic poetry, biographies, family histories, and church histories. His notable works are:
Smarana (Memoirs)
Vellippookkal (Poetry Collection)
Sayamkalam (Poetry Collection)
Kalleeryendaavala (Epic Poetry)
Snehaseema (Poetry)
Jeevajalam (Epic Poetry)
Thalirilaakal (Poetry)
Anubhavangalude Thazvara (Short Stories)
Azhakulla Chiri (Poetry)
Aarum Moshamilla (Short Stories)
Aazhangalil (Short Stories)
Orumichozhuka Kattara (Novel)
Vijnanamurali (Children’s Literature)
Fr. Shev. C.K. Maram (Biography)
In recognition of his literary contributions, Joseph Manvettam has been honored with awards from various organizations such as the Akhila Kerala Catholic Congress, P.O.C., and organizations named after Nimisha Kavi Kuttukasseri. He has received 13 awards in poetry and short story competitions.
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