By Lissy Maruthanakuzhy
Palai, August 13, 2026: Author of 110 books in Malayalam, Biju Sebastian (pen name Vinayak Nirmal) says the reading habit still prevails and deeply impacts people, though many claim no one reads or buys books.
“I get at least one call from a reader of my new book every month. One called to say he turned away from suicide after reading a book of mine, and that is the impact of books,” says Nirmal, who has been writing for 36 years, with a smile.
He published his first story in 10th grade, titled Akasham Neela Alla — The Sky Is Not Blue. He wrote his first novel while studying for his degree, and his first book was released when he was a postgraduate student.
Nirmal recalls with amusement how his older siblings mistook his writing for love letters when they saw him immersed in it as a teenager. That did not deter his passion, and his parents never interfered.
Now known in Malayalam Christian literature, his works span novels, short stories, children’s literature, translation, spirituality, cinema and literature.
A collection of essays titled Randuperkidayiloru Puzhayundu — There Is a River Between the Two, published in 2005, made Nirmal a favorite among readers. Through that work, he led readers to a new sensibility, avoiding the dry language and advice common in spiritual literature. The book remains a favorite, according to Nirmal.
All of his books aim to guide readers to the sublimities of spirituality through life experiences. His writing technique attracts all classes of people alike. In the Year of St. Joseph, he wrote two books: one for elders titled St. Joseph, and one for children titled Essoyude Appa — The Father of Jesus.
He still relishes the appreciation he received from Fr. Mathew Naickomparampil, a famous retreat preacher, after reading the book on St. Joseph. For Nirmal, the priest’s words were a great compliment. He says he never thought people like him would read or enjoy his work.
Nirmal’s Nidra — Sleep — is considered one of the best works on death in Malayalam. He says his joy was unbounded when he learned that people associated with a ministry preparing others for death use Nidra as a reference book.
Vaidhavyam — Widowhood — is the only Malayalam work dealing with the subject. Drawing on widows’ life experiences, the book reminds society of the dignity and respect owed to them.
Nirmal also writes biographies. Avante Peru Yohannan Ennanu — His Name Is John — about Pope John XXIII, is regarded as one of the best Malayalam works on the saint. Manushyan — The Human Being — about Pope Francis, focuses on his humanity. No other Malayalam book presents Francis in such a perspective.
His book Kristhuvil Maranjavan — One Who Hid in Christ — explores the spiritual life of Oommen Chandy after the Kerala chief minister’s death. Nirmal has also introduced many lesser-known saints to Malayalam readers.
He was awarded by the Indian Catholic Press Association in 2024 and has also received the Deepanalam Award and Kerala History Congress Award.
With 110 books to his credit, Nirmal attributes his talent to God. “God is writing through me,” he says.
His wife, Sheejamol Thomas, a schoolteacher, supports his creative talents. His elder son, Francis Leo, is a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Palai. His younger son, Yohan Joseph Biju, a seventh grader, is a budding writer.