Punnapra: At his age, most people would be awaiting their eternal reward lying on a bed.

But not K T Antony. At 91, he is busy writing his fourth romantic novel based on biblical characters.

“I was surprised to see a 91-year-old writing his fourth romantic novel. I was thinking romance ended after 60 or70,” said Binoy Job, former director of the Indian Prime Minister’s Office who has known Antony for years.

Antony is a versatile personality. A graphic designer, he has recently designed the logo for a college in Punnapra, a Alappuzha district renowned for its backwaters.

Born in 1924 Antony has acted, directed and produced dramas from his college days. His dramas often aimed at bringing positive social changes.

As a student, he took the initiative to set up a village library in Chempumpuram that celebrated its golden jubilee recently. On the occasion Antony was feted by noted Malayalam actor NedumudiVenu, who had acted in Antony’s early dramas.

After graduating in 1953, Antony worked as a journalist for various Malayalam newspapers and magazines.

He played a pivotal role in setting up Carmel Polytechnic, a reputed technical institute in Alappuzha, and helped administer it for nearly 25 years. He even designed Carmel Polytechnic’s logo. Recently he designed the logo for the Mar Gregorios College in Punnapra.

After his retirement in 1984 he managed social service projects under the Catholic Church’s ‘Samagra Vikas’ Project for 18 years.

He began writing novels in 2002. He has completed two sets of short plays and three novels.

His published works includes “Keta vilakkukal” (eternal lamps)that comprises four Bible-based short dramas lasting 30 minutes to one hour for stage presentation.

Another work “Sanmanas Ullavarkku samaadhaanam” (Peace to All Men of Goodwill) contains three short social dramas.

Works ready for publication includes Hrudayam Thurakkathe (Without opening the heart). Set in the backdrop of under-developed Kuttanadu region, it speaks of three village youths — a girl and two boys, who get into a triangular love without anyone taking the initiative to express their desire. The girl, a traditional and orthodox damsel, waits for the other to ask for her hand.

Chavittiyaal katiykkaatha paamp. (The snake that does not bite if stamped) tells the story of a young man who climbs up in life despite his poor upbringing. Things go wrong when his greed and social evils take an upper hand in his life.

Kaikkeththi, Vaaykkeththiyilla (Could hold, but could not mouth) depicts Kerala’s ‘Library Movement.

The love story narrates growth of innocence to youth in close knit Christian families. The symbolic library becomes a full-fledged cultural establishment. The love story that remains within the permitted boundaries flows smoothly until the girl gets married.

Life’s hard realities teach the young woman what is practical, and not what she had seen all through her adolescence. The high morals and ethics are held in high esteem though they pass through testing times.

Antony has passed through several ups and downs in life. His involvement in social work and participation in dramatics as actor, director and organizer have helped foster quality of life on the coastal stretch of Punnapra.

He has been active in church activities for decades.

He was associated with St Vincent De Paul Society for past 53 year. Under his leadership, the society built several homes for the homeless. He was also the president of the parish and forane councils.

He joined parish priest Fr George Chalangady to set up St. Joseph Poor Home 23 years ago. It now houses 100 destitute people.

He got into vigorous writing in 2013 to overcome the emptiness he felt after his wife’s death.