SHYLAJA RAVEENDRAN

Shylaja Raveendran is not only recognized for her literary accomplishments but also for her active engagement in spiritual and cultural communities, particularly in the regions of Thirunandikkara and Kulashekharam. Her deep spiritual beliefs are reflected in her translation of Arthamulla Hindu Matham by the renowned Tamil writer Kannadasan. Through this work, she articulates her perspective on the relevance of religion and spirituality in modern life, advocating that faith and moral values can positively shape both personal development and the broader growth of society. Shylaja’s understanding of spirituality emphasizes how it can serve as a guiding force, inspiring individuals and communities to lead more meaningful, connected lives.

In addition to her spiritual insights, Shylaja is a committed activist who has long championed social causes. Her work as an advocate against substance abuse and alcoholism has gained significant attention, with her articles on these pressing issues regularly appearing in prominent newspapers. She uses her platform to raise awareness about the dangers of addiction, particularly its impact on families and communities, and pushes for preventive measures to combat these social problems.

Furthermore, Shylaja is a passionate advocate for women’s rights. She consistently speaks out against gender inequality, calling for greater opportunities and recognition for women in all spheres of life. Her commitment to women's empowerment is evident in her activism, where she challenges societal norms and advocates for gender justice, aiming to create a more balanced and fair environment for future generations. Through her multifaceted social work, Shylaja has emerged as a key voice in advocating for positive change and empowerment, influencing both the literary world and the social landscape with her dedication and vision.

A Voice for Social Justice and Equality

About Shylaja

Upbringing And Education

Shylaja Raveendran, born in Trivandrum, Kerala, and raised in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, developed a deep love for Tamil and Malayalam literature early on. Bilingual from childhood, she was greatly influenced by her father, writer G. Chandrashekharan, and her uncle, G. Madhaven Nair, which sparked her passion for exploring the beauty of language and storytelling. She completed her schooling at Tirunandikkara High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts from Ayappa College in Nagercoil, and later obtained her TTC from Amoor Teacher's Training Institute. This rich educational and literary background continues to inspire her work as a writer and translator, where she seeks to capture the vibrant traditions of both Tamil and Malayalam literature.

Her Journey Through Literature and Recognition

Shylaja Raveendran’s career as a Liaison Officer at SUT Hospital Parasala, where she worked from 1990 until her retirement in 2015, ran parallel to her distinguished literary journey. Her first major translation, the Tamil novel Panamullu into Malayalam in 1998, marked the beginning of her professional literary contributions. In 2008, she made history as the first woman to translate the Thirukkural into Malayalam, an achievement that brought her widespread recognition. Her short stories, such as Oru Nombaram and Vanarodhanam, garnered acclaim from both readers and critics, further establishing her literary reputation. Among her many accolades, she received the prestigious Thirukkural Doodika Award from the Tamil Nadu government and a national award from Bharat Sevak Samaj. The Kerala government also honored her with a special jury award from Bharat Bhavan for her outstanding contributions to literature and culture. In addition to these, Shylaja has been recognized with several other awards from both Kerala and Tamil Nadu for her work in promoting and preserving regional literary traditions.

Awards

State and District Based Awards

• Special Jury Award of Kerala government's Cultural department in 2018
• Thirukkural Doodika Award of Tamilnadu government
• Malayala Samajam Kanyakumari district's Award

Awards From Organizations

• Bharat Sevak Samaaj National Award
• Latchiya Magudam (Crescentia Awards 2024)
• Bharathbahavan Cultural Award 2019

Books

• Tirukkural Translation to Malayalam in 2008
• Translation of  Arthamulla Indu matham and Vatmiki Dharmam to malayalam
• Ambilimaman biography of former ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair
• Vanarodhanam, Thavala Rajakumari and Oru Nombaram short stories
• Yamam, Panamullu, Arthamulla Hindu Matham, Chitagni, Kalabimbam, Pichippoo translation of Tamil novels to malayalam

Education & Career

• Batchelor of arts  From Sree Ayyappa College in, 1985

• TTC from Amoor Teachers Training Institute in, 2013

• Liasion Officer In  SUT Medical College Parasala, 1990 - 2015

Alex Hernandez, Author and Activist

Shylaja Raveendran has a rare talent for crafting short stories that linger in the mind long after the final page. Her writing is beautifully evocative, balancing depth with accessibility. With each piece, she effortlessly explores complex emotions and intricate relationships, offering readers a fresh perspective on the human condition. Her ability to tell so much in so few words is nothing short of remarkable.

As a translator, Shylaja displays the same level of precision and care. Her deep understanding of both the source and target languages allows her to convey the true spirit of a work while preserving its cultural nuances. She treats each translation as an art form, making sure that every detail is faithful to the original while ensuring it resonates with new readers.

Emily Johnson, Editor at WildWonders Magazine

Shylaja Raveendran is a masterful storyteller whose ability to capture the human experience through her short stories is both profound and enchanting. Her narratives are delicately woven with emotion, insight, and vivid imagery, drawing readers into worlds that feel both familiar and fantastical. Each story leaves a lasting impression, reflecting her deep understanding of character and theme.

In addition to her exceptional writing, Shylaja Raveendran is a highly skilled translator. Her translations breathe new life into foreign works, preserving their essence while making them accessible to new audiences. She possesses an intuitive grasp of language, ensuring that the subtleties of the original text are not lost, but rather enhanced in her translations.

What other have to say about me

Shylaja Raveendran

Author translator

Trivandrum, Kerala, India