In Kerala, eminent Malayalam novelist George Varghese Kakkanadan popularly known as Kakkanadan passed away at Kollam on Wednesday. He was 76. Winner of several literary awards including Kendra Sahitya Academy award, Kakkanadan paved the way for modernism in Malayalam literature.Some of his works have been made into films also. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan, Speaker G Karthikeyan and many other prominent personalities have expressed grief at his demise. The funeral will be held at Kollam on Thursday evening.