Born on 27 May 1931 in Chavara, Kollam, Kerala into a Hindu family of O. N. Krishna Kurup and K. Lakshmikutty Amma, O. N. V. Kurup spent his earlier live in his native place. An Economics graduate of SN College, Kollam, O. N. V. Kurup later pursued Master of Arts in Malayalam literature from Travancore University. Thereafter, he embarked on a teaching career where he taught in colleges viz. Maharajas College, Trivandrum, Arts and Science College, Ernakulam, University College,Kozhikode and Brennen College, Thalassery in capacity as a lecturer before heading the Department of Malayalam at Government Women's College, Trivandrum. He also served as the visiting professor of Calicut University, Kerala.
O. N. V. Kurup flagged off his literary career with a poem titled “'Munnottu'” in the year 1946. Three years later he published his first poetic collection in the form of Porutunna Soundaryam. Some of notable works include “Daahikunna Paanapaathram”, “Marubhumi”, “Neelakkannukal”, “Mayilpeeli”, “Oru Thulli Velicham”, “ Agni Shalabhangal”, “Aksharam”.
O. N. V. Kurup also had an illustrious carrier in the sphere of Malayalam musical industry where he penned down well over 900 songs. Kalam Marunnu (1956) was his first film as a lyricist and since then he had quite a remarkable career. His association with music director Salil Chowdhury and M. B. Sreenivasan saw him winning accolades around the musical fraternity.
In the year 2007, O. N. V. Kurup was bestowed with India’s highest literary honor, Jnanpith Award for the contributions that he made towards the amplification of Malayalam literature. he was also conferred with two of the prestigious Indian civilian awards namely Padma Shri in 1998 and Padma Vibhushan in 2011.
The prodigy of Malayalam literature, O. N. V. Kurup died of old age related ailments on 13 February 2016 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
Condolances
Narendra Modi : "Shri ONV Kurup's demise is a major loss to Malayalam literature. His works were admired widely. May his soul rest in peace,"
"The passing away of your revered husband leaves a void in Indian cultural life and in the world of Malayalam literature, that will be impossible to fill.ONV was prolific in his creativity, generous in his mentoring of the younger generation, and unflagging in his commitment to social justice. Whether as a teacher, a poet, play writer or lyricist, his rich legacy will live on through the memorable songs and poetry he wrote, which continue bring joy and inspiration to the people of Kerala." "At this time of grief, my thoughts are with you and your family. May you find the strength to bear your loss", Sonia Gandhi.
Rahul Gandhi : "My condolences on the passing away of noted Malayalam poet Shri ONV Kurup.With his demise Malayalam lit has lost a much loved &admired voice"
"The demise of ONV had saddened not just the literary world but the entire State. ONV was an extraordinary scholar and a great teacher and had earned a place in the hearts of all Malayalis as their favourite lyricist", P. Sathasivam
"Malayalam had lost its poet of eminence who loved Nature and mankind the most. By winning high literary honours like Jnanpith, ONV had held the pride of Malayalam high. His death was an irredeemable loss to the socio-cultural and literary world of Malayalam", Oommen Chandy