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Herman Gundert, the German scholar who wrote the first dictionary of Malayalam is reputed to have said that if he had chance to learn languages in heaven, he would be extremely happy.  If philologist Gundert had deep knowledge in 18 languages, Dr.Neelamperoor Sukumaran, the President’s medal winner for contribution to Sanskrit, has keen knowledge of 14.

This lover of learning perhaps holds the record number of post graduate degrees and diplomas in Kerala.  He has post graduation in 9 subjects and diploma in more than 10.  A doctorate in comparative studies and continuing post doctoral pursuit mark this pundit who likes to keep himself in comparative anonymity.

A Kathakali artist in his younger days, he was led into the world of letters by Professor M.V.Pillai, who took him to Gorakhpur University.  It was here that he came into contact with Acharya Seetharam Chaturvedi, the Principal who had post graduate degrees in 25 subjects.  Young Sukumaran decided to emulate him in his pursuits.

Later he was able to carry on teaching and learning simultaneously.  Starting with M.A in Sanskrit literature from Kerala University, he went on to do equally well in Nyaya, Vedanta, Grammar etc.  He obtained degree in Baliya language from Gorakhpur University.  His other academic achievements include M.Ed in Hindi from Annamalai University and M.A in the same subject as well as Malayalam from Kerala University as well as M.A in English from Thirupathi University.

Although he spent considerable part of his time as a teacher of Hindi and retired as Professor in 1980 from Teachers’ Training College, Thiruvananthapuram, he is better known for his contributions to Sanskrit.

During the construction of his house, a good collection of authoritative texts in many languages was lost due to improper care.  Now in the sunset years of his life, his only regret is this. 

Courtesy: Dr.Cheravalli Sasi (text), Mathrubhumi, 2009
Contributed by: Administrator

"Learning is a treasure which accompanies its owner everywhere."