Prof. M.K. Sanu Master

 Professor M.K. Sanu, or Sanu Mash as he was fondly known, was a towering figure in Malayalam literature. From a young age, he was deeply influenced by Sree Narayana Guru and Kumaran Asan.

This is why lines from Kumaran Asan's poem, 'Nalini,' were almost always on his lips: "An-ya-jee-vanu-tha-ki swa-jee-vi-tham dhan-ya-mak-ku-ma-ma-le vi-ve-kikal" which means, "Those who make their lives purposeful by serving others are the wise." This motto truly defined Sanu Mash's life.

However, once, this very couplet earned him ridicule from a teacher. When Sanu was a school student, a teacher came to the class and asked each student to write down what they wanted to be in the future. While other children wrote down big professions, Sanu wrote the couplet mentioned above. The teacher read it aloud in class and mocked him. Despite this, Sanu did not change his lifestyle.

On another occasion during his school days, there was a public speaking competition on the topic of "War and Its Aftermath." Sanu prepared well and went on stage. He was so focused on his speech that he didn't notice a strong gust of wind blowing his mundu (a traditional sarong-like garment worn by men). The children burst into laughter, and to his great hurt, the teachers joined in. This incident deeply wounded the young boy.

He did not go on stage again for a long time, only returning to public speaking much later during his college years.

Teaching, however, was his great passion. He once said that even when he was upset, standing in front of students and teaching would make him forget everything and feel refreshed.

A man of many talents—a teacher, an orator, a scholar, and a writer—Sanu Mash lived a meaningful life for 97 years. Every Malayali will cherish the inspiring and active life of Sanu Mash as an example for all to follow.