Balan Putheri

Balan Putheri is a writer from Malappuram district who has written, published and sold more than 200 books, most of them after he became fully blind. He was named for the Padma Shri in 2021 in the field of literature and education, from Kerala ^[1].

Limited sight

Putheri was born on 15 September 1955 at Kadappadi in Malappuram district, the fifth child of Chachukutty and Maniamma ^[2]. He was born blind in his right eye, and his left eye could see only about three metres ^[2]. He graduated in 1979 from PSMO College in Tirurangadi ^[2]. By the time he was 45 he had written and published 63 books, but by then he had lost what sight he had ^[2].

Writing by listening

After losing his sight completely in 2000, he kept writing ^[2]. In the next fifteen years he finished and published another 113 books, and the total has passed 211 ^[2].

His method is slow and careful. Once he has chosen a subject he gathers what has been written about it and has someone read it aloud while he listens ^[2]. He then talks to people who know the subject well, clears his doubts with them and dictates the text, which is written down, read back to him, typeset and proofread before printing ^[2]. With no paid staff, he has relied on friends and well-wishers to help at each step ^[2].

Recognition

Putheri has received a gold medal from Dharmasthala in Karnataka, an award from a trust presented by the writer M. T. Vasudevan Nair, and a national award from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the best self-employed person with a disability ^[2].