I am deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of eminent journalist and writer V.K.Madhavan Kutty.

The country has lost a prolific and meaningful writer who was a keen observer of the traits and foibles of the common man. Noted for his brevity and simplicity Madhavan Kutty highlighted the dreams that give meaning to life amidst all its contradictions and challenges.

I have had the fortune of knowing Madhavan Kutty closely and I greatly valued his insight and wisdom. Though he spent a considerable part of his professional life in New Delhi, he always prided himself as the voice of Southern India . He was deeply rooted in the vibrant cultural life of Kerala and gave us in Delhi many opportunities to flavour it.

Madhavan Kutty's vivid journalism and his books starting with `The Village Before Time,' have all been widely appreciated and he was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padmashree.

The void caused by his death will be difficult to fill. I deeply mourn Madhavan Kutty's demise and convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of his family, his associates and admirers.