Keeranur Zakir Raja

Keeranur Zakir Raja

Keeranur Zakir Raja (October 08, 1962) is a novelist and short story writer, whose writing is based on underprivileged Islamic lives. His writings are based on progressive aesthetics. He works closely with leftist organizations.

Birth, Education

He was born in Keeranur near Palani on October 08, 1962, to father Sathakathulla and mother Mehrunnisa Beevi. He spent his youth in Palani, Keeranur and Tirupur. He completed his primary education from Corporation Primary school, Palani, Thoppampatti Panchayat Union Islamic Boys Primary school in Keeranur and Corporation Primary school in Royapuram, Thirupur. He completed his high school from Keeranur Government High school.

Private Life

Keeranur Zakir Raja married Salma Banu (alias) Raji on April 10, 1996. The couple have two children Ayisha Muthamil and Muhamathu Bharathy. He was a full time writer who also took up jobs a publishing houses such as Bharathy Puthakanilayam.

Literary Life

Keeranur Zakir Raja’s first story was ‘Param’, a short story, published in 1995 in Suntharasukan magazine published from Tanjore. His first short story collection was ‘Semparuthi Pootha Veedu’ published in 2004 by Ananya publishers. First novel ‘Meenkara Theru’ was published by Marutha publishers in 2006. He considers Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, Puthumaipithan, Ashokamithran and Nanjil Nadan as influencers of his literary creativity. Thanjai Prakash was also his direct inspiration.

Political Activities

In 1983 one day fast in support of Srilankan Tamils on behalf of Youth of Postal and Telegram officer’s quarters.

In 1986 He was arrested and remanded for 15 days in Salem central jail for a protest in support of Srilankan Tamils.

In 1987 released a handwritten copy of collection of poems titled ‘Elam Malarum’ on behalf of Keeranur(Palani) friends club

Starting in 2007 till 2017 he has participated in many protests taken up by Tamilnadu progressive writers’ association.

From 2007 he has allied with poet H. G. Rasool in fighting a war of ideas against fundamentalism and continues to fight fundamentalism.

Awards

Canada Literary Circles award for fiction

Lit for life award by The Hindu group

Salem Tamil Sangam award

Vikatan Award (twice 2010 & 2020)

Uyirmai - Sujatha Trust awards

Kalari Trust’s Ku. Alagirisami memorial award

Thoppil Muhammathu Meeran memorial award by Tamil Muslim Thinnai

State award by Tamil Nadu progressive writers’ association (twice)

Prapanjan memorial award bby Discovery Book Palace

State award by Tamil Nadu Arts and literary Congregation

Mrs. Soundra Kailasam Trust award

Elathi Literary award

Rotary Kings of Tanjore award for accomplished youth

Tanjore Nerunji literary association’s award

Tiruppur Art and literary association’s award

Trichy S.R.V. Matriculation school’s Tamil award

Annam award by Chennai Ilakiya Veethi

Honorary visiting literary personality in Tanjore Tamil University for a year (2020-2021)

Place in literature

Keeranur Zakir Raja is a creator who writes about the life and culture of Muslims in Tamil literature. Usually only elite muslim lives are written about in tamil, he took up cause of underprivileged muslims. His writings are social and religious criticisms expressed with sarcasm.

Books

Novels

Meenkara Theru

Karutha Lebbai

Thuruky Thoppi (Turkey hat)

Vadakemuri Alima

Meenkukaivasikal

Jinnah’s Diary

Kuttychuvar Kalaignan

Samanyaraip patriya kuripukal (notes on common person)

Njayiru kadai undu (Sundays open)

Itha

Short Story collections

Semparuthi pootha veedu

Perunagarak kuripukal

Theiypirai iravukalin kathaikal (Stories of a waning moon night)

Komaru Kariyam (Matters of young girls)

Bhaseerist

Halal

Collection of Articles

Kulathangarai Arasamaram muthal Konangi varai

Suyavimarsanam (Self Criticism)

Katharasanai (Story appreciation)

Kalaththai vinchi nirkum kalai (Art that transcends time)

Collections

Kafirkalin Kathaikal (Stories of Kafirs)

21-am nutrandu sirukathaikaL (Short stories of 21st century)

Azhiyatha Kolangal

Balya Kalam

Sirupanmai Samuha kathaikal (Stories from minorities - Islam)

Thanjai Prakash Padaippulakam (Creative works of Thanjai Prakash)

Kumarapuram railway stationil oru iravu (A night at Kumarapuram train station - collection of stories by Udhayasankar)

Interview collection

Patiyin kuralvalaiyai kapatri vaithirukkiren - interview with writer Konangi - Bharathy Puthakalayam

Children’s literature (in Tamil and English)

Sevalum Kakamum (A Cock and crow)

Nithiyavum jimmiyum