Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Veteran Cultural Organiser Surya Krishnamoorthy Dies After Illness
Surya Krishnamoorthy was a well-known organiser of cultural events in Kerala.
He died in a hospital after being treated for pneumonia and other health problems.
In 1977, he started the Surya Festival in Thiruvananthapuram.
The festival became very popular and brought performers from many countries.
It was also listed in the Limca Book of Records.
Krishnamoorthy first worked as a scientist at ISRO, including with A P J Abdul Kalam.
Later, he became a playwright, theatre director and arts administrator.
Leaders praised him for bringing science and art together and helping Kerala gain recognition for its culture.
Surya Krishnamoorthy died at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram after treatment for pneumonia and other ailments.
He founded the Surya Festival in 1977 and led the Surya cultural collective for nearly five decades.
The festival earned a place in the Limca Book of Records and hosted artists from several countries.
A former ISRO scientist, Krishnamoorthy later became a playwright, director, cultural organiser and Sangeet Natak Akademi chairman.
His death came days before the Surya Festival was scheduled to begin on October 1, prompting condolences from Kerala leaders.
- Who
- Surya Krishnamoorthy, cultural organiser, playwright, former scientist and former Sangeet Natak Akademi chairman.
- What
- He died after treatment for pneumonia and other ailments.
- When
- Wednesday, September 23; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- A private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- Why
- The reported cause was complications involving pneumonia and other ailments.
- Age
- Not stated in the article.
- Surya Festival founded
- 1977
- Surya Festival location
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Festival recognition
- Listed in the Limca Book of Records
- Major play
- Melvilasom, staged at more than 400 venues
- State honour
- Kerala Prabha, awarded in 2023
- Next festival date
- Scheduled to begin on October 1