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Dr. Arun Kumar S Haripad
Dr. Arun Kumar S Haripad (born 30 May 1980), popularly known by his pen name Ezhuthalan, is an Indian poet, author, lyricist, educator and social activist from Kerala. Writing in both Malayalam and English, he is widely recognised for poetry rooted in social consciousness, human values, and cultural identity.
| Dr. Arun Kumar S Haripad | |
| |
| Born | 30 May 1980, Haripad, Alappuzha district, Kerala, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Poet, Author, Lyricist, Educator, Public Speaker |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Education |
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| Alma mater | Annamalai University; Teacher Education Centre, Kayamkulam |
| Known for | Malayalam and English poetry, social activism, literary leadership |
| Spouse | Lekshmy S |
| Parents | V. N. Sivasankara Pillai (father) Dr. L. Jayasree (mother) |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Website | [drarunkumarsharipad.in] |
He currently serves as an English teacher in the Vocational Higher Secondary Department, Government of Kerala, and holds leadership positions in several literary and cultural organisations.
Early life and education
Dr. Arun Kumar S was born in Haripad in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. He was raised in an academically inclined family that encouraged literature, ethics, and cultural engagement from an early age.
His father, V. N. Sivasankara Pillai, and his mother, Dr. L. Jayasree, a retired educator, played a formative role in shaping his intellectual outlook.
He completed his Master of Arts in English and later earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the Teacher Education Centre, Kayamkulam. He qualified the State Eligibility Test (SET) and subsequently completed a Doctorate (PhD) in English. He also holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Annamalai University.
Career
Literary career
Dr. Arun Kumar S Haripad began his literary journey in the early 2000s. His debut Malayalam poetry collection, Sudarshanam, received critical appreciation and marked his entry into contemporary Malayalam literature.
His subsequent collection, Novu, was released in Thiruvananthapuram by Kerala’s Minister of Education V. Sivankutty. Proceeds from the book were donated to support families affected by the Wayanad landslides.
His English poetry collection Truth, Goodness and Beauty Behind Love was formally released by Kerala’s Minister of Agriculture P. Prasad at a public event in Haripad.
Other notable works include Good Vision, Porali, Ezhuthalan, and Atmayanathinte Kavita, the latter of which was later adapted into an audio CD.
Music and lyrics
Dr. Arun has also contributed as a lyricist in devotional music. His notable devotional albums include Ambalapuzha Kannan, Mannarisala Stuti Geetangal, Nenjile Novu, and Munpe Nadannavar, blending spirituality with poetic expression.
Academic and public engagement
As an educator, Dr. Arun is known for his holistic teaching approach. He is a frequent speaker at literary forums, academic seminars, and cultural events across Kerala.
He serves as President of Ee Yugam Literary and Cultural Association, Editor of Darppanam Magazine, and President of Uvakalasahiti and IPTA Haripad.
Social activism
Dr. Arun Kumar S Ezhuthalan is actively involved in social and educational initiatives, particularly in the Thrippakkudam and Thalavady regions. His work includes school infrastructure development, yoga camps for children, disaster relief coordination, and charitable activities.
He is recognised for mobilising writers and cultural organisations for collective social causes.
Books
- Sudarshanam
- Novu
- Ezhuthalan
- Good Vision
- Truth, Goodness and Beauty Behind Love
- Porali
Awards and recognition
Dr. Arun Kumar S Haripad has received numerous honours, including:
- Kerala Kalidasan Award
- O.N.V. Award
- Kunjikuttan Thampuran Smaraka Award
- Words Worth Award
- Kala Sahiti Award
- Shreshtabhasha Malayalam Award
- Manishada Award
- Ambedkar Sahityasree National Award
- KSTA Award
- Honour from Kerala Kaumudi
He has been honoured by public figures including Ramesh Chennithala, V. Sivankutty, and P. Prasad.
Personal life
Dr. Arun Kumar S Haripad is known for his humility and commitment to literature and social causes. His poetry is widely appreciated for its emotional depth and ethical engagement.