Renowned writer, Jnanpith Awarde and Padma Bhushan Awarde, MT Vasudevan Nair, passed away at a private hospital in Kerala's Kozhikode on Wednesday at the age of 91.Vasudevan Nair, popularly know n as MT, is regarded as one of the most successful writers of novels and screenplays in Malayalam. He also wrote essays, short stories, travelogues and even directed films.

Following his demise, the Kerala government has declared official mourning on December 26 and 27 to honour MT Vasudevan Nair, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the postponement of all government events, including the Cabinet meeting scheduled for December 26, as a mark of respect, the statement added.