The traditional Malayalam Song “Jeevanaayakane manuvele len”, was written and Music by: Rev. Yousthus Joseph (Vidhwankutty Achen), he was a dedicated brahmin, and then a CMS priest and finally the founder of a church called Youyomaya Sabha.
Known by various names for the historic phases of his short life of 52 years (1835-1887), Vidwankutty or Justus Joseph (his birth name was Rama Iyer) composed over 300 hymns of musical excellence in Carnatic ragas, ranking no less than the Bhakti verse of Tyagaraja, Shyama Sastri or Mutthuswamy Dikshitar.
The name “Vidwankutty,” meaning “bright kid” was reportedly a compliment from the Maharajah of Travancore who by chance had a few moments of joyous interaction with the boy Rama’s sparkling wit.
There is hardly a denomination in Kerala that has not experienced the inspirational impact of ministry. Regrettably, however, Justus Joseph’s work and impact remain almost unknown to our age. Of his songs a small number may be found in hymnals, but the majority remains untouched.
This song was written Kalyani Ragam, lyrics included here in Malayalam and Manglish transliteration
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