In the annals of Malayalam publishing industry, one name will stand several notches above the others, a name that is synonymous with books and publishing in Kerala-D C Kizhakemuri. An ardent lover of books, D C Kizhakemuri's vision, enthusiasm and perseverance breathed new life into Malayalam publishing industry of his time and raised it to new heights.
Dominic Chacko Kizhakemuri popularly known as D C was born in a middle class family at Kanjirapally, Kottayam on 12th January 1914. After completing the education, he started the career as a school teacher and worked in various schools for over a decade. The students' kochu saar (little sir) was greatly loved, as much for his affectionate ways, as for the principles that he inculcated in his students.
Being a teacher, D C plunged into the freedom movement and was imprisoned for his activities.
Tryst with Books In the year 1945, D C together with his friends- Ponkunnam Varkey, P T Chacko and K J Thomas- opened a bookstore called National Book Stall in Kottayam. This was the prelude to his lifelong association with the world of publishing. Soon after this, along with a few friends, D C Kizhakemuri established the Sahitya Pravarthaka Co-operative Society (SPCS), the largest writers' cooperative in Asia, the first of its kind. It drew into its fold eminent Malayalam writers of the time. Under the dynamic stewardship of D C, SPCS heralded a new age in Malayalam publishing and production which was, till then in a very dismal state.
The Godfather of Malayalam Publishing
D C's mantras were- fine publishing and efficient promotion. He laid a great emphasis on niceties of publishing. He introduced innovative schemes for promotion of books. D C's ideas like Home Library Schemes, Pre-publication Offers, and Book Clubs were resounding success. D C played a major role in the abolition of Sales Tax on books in Travancore State which later prompted Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to abolish Sales Tax on books in India.
Thus SPCS and NBS together created an environment, which facilitated and encouraged writers. Malayalam, the language of immense richness, beauty and vibrancy blossomed forth in various genres like novels, plays, poetry, short stories, travelogues, etc. Translations of numerous works were also brought out under DC's patronage.
In 1949, NBS and SPCS merged. D C's dynamism and perseverance took SPCS and NBS from strength to strength. By 1957, SPCS became the largest publishers in Kerala. By 1970, NBS had branches in all districts in Kerala. The twin organizations together contributed in a large measure to the enhancement of literature and the advancement of reading in Kerala. Along with his work for SPCS, D C continued his activities in the fields of culture and journalism. In 1962, he was elected Hon. Secretary of Kottayam Public Library. The Library developed into one of the biggest and richest libraries in the state under his guidance during 1962-1974. He organized a lottery scheme for raising funds for the library.
Influenced by its great success, the Govt. of Kerala later took up the lottery movement and followed D C's method in implementing lottery in the state.
Genesis of D C Books
In 1974, D C retired from service. D C was a ripe old sixty, an age when you are ready to sit back and stretch your legs. But D C had other plans. He decided to start a publishing firm of his own. He had an amount of Rs. 7500-his earnings from service. He also had confidence, enthusiasm and energy in abundance. All this was the capital for the new firm. The first book D C took up for publishing was the Malayalam Style Dictionary. When D C announced the pre-publication offer for the English- English- Malayalam Dictionary, eleven thousand offers poured in through mail. The runaway success of this publication put the toddler firm on its feet.
D C was soon flooded with manuscripts. At SPCS, D C had earned a reputation as a man of integrity, generous with royalties and competent in ensuring fine production and promotion for books. A connoisseur of books, D C had an eye for talent. He could gauge the quality and worth of the manuscripts he got. This editorial judgment ensured that all his publications were a success. D C also encouraged translations of fine literary works in other Indian and foreign languages. In 1977, D C took over Current Books, a bookstore comprising six shops established in 1952. Through the expanded network of Current Books Stores and outlets, D C Book publications could be easily accessed. Deeply sensitive about the lack of books for children, D C established the Kairali Children's Book Trust in 1982. The Trust focuses on works for children. It has brought out biographies of famous personalities in India and abroad and is actively involved in the development of children's literature. Kairali Mudralayam was another publishing firm founded by D C in commemoration of the 400th year of Malayalam printing.
Man of the Masses
In addition to managing his D C Books, D C was involved actively in the functioning of various bodies. He was the president of Kerala State Freedom Fighters Association, All Kerala Publishers and Book Sellers Association and Kottayam Citizen's Council and Member, Advisory Board of National Book Trust, C V Raman Pillai National Foundation, Kerala State Library Council, Nelson Mandela Reception Committee (Govt. of India), etc.
D C was a famous writer in Malayalam. He authored 15 titles. He was a columnist in several newspapers and journals. Infact, he was the first newspaper columnist in Malayalam. His acerbic wit and subtle humour made his columns very popular. He was also associated with the editing of journals like "Democrat", "Chitrodayam", etc. He visited several countries all aver the world and participated in National and International Seminars connected with language, literature, culture and publishing.
Awards and Honours
D C bagged several awards and recognitions. The Govt of India honoured him with "Thamrapatra" for his contribution to the freedom movement, and the Federation of Indian Publishers awarded him with "The Distinguished Publishers Award" during 1996. He was awarded the "Veteran Publisher Award" by the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India and Publishers Hall of Fame. Recently he was awarded 'Swadeshabhimani Puraskaram". In 1999, he was awarded the prestigious 'Padma Bhushan".
An Era Ends
D C Kizhakemuri passed away on January 26,1999. Talking about publishing Thomas Mann has written "What a glorious occupation, this mixture of business sense and strategic friendship with the spirit". D C Kizhakemuri gave new dimensions to this glorious occupation. His life and spirit continues to inspire and motivate. He will remain in the minds of booklovers of Kerala, a beacon for all epochs.