The Google Doodle celebrates the birthday of the famous Indian poet Balamani Amma, who made waves in the country’s arts and culture scene. Balamani Amma was born more than a century ago on July 19.
Amma has received various awards and honors such as Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India in 1987; Sahitya Akademi award for Muthassi in 1965; Saraswati Samman for Nivedyam in 1995.
Nalapat Balamani Amma was born on July 19, 1909 in Punnayurkullam, Ponnani Taluk, Malabar District, British India. Although she later became a well-known poet, she received little formal education as a child.
She was later tutored by her uncle, whose various books helped her gain knowledge and become a poet. Balamani Amma later became one of the most famous poets in the world, inspired by Nalapat Narayana Menon and the poetess Vallathol Narayana Menon.
Balamani Amma writes poetry in Malayalam and her work is acclaimed throughout southern India. Some of her most famous and moving poems are Amma (Mother), Muthassi (Grandmother) and Mazhuvinte Katha (The Axe Tale).