UAE-Based Journalist and Literary Icon Jaleel Ramanthaly Dies in Kerala at 70
The Indian expat community, particularly from Kerala, is mourning the loss of Jaleel Ramanthaly, a distinguished journalist and author who passed away in his home state of Kerala on Monday at the age of 70. Born as Erayath Jaleel, he was widely recognized by his pen name and was a revered figure among Malayali expatriates in the United Arab Emirates and beyond.
Sudden Hospitalization and Death
According to multiple media reports, Jaleel Ramanthaly was rushed to the hospital at 2 am on Monday after complaining of severe chest pain. Despite immediate medical attention, his life could not be saved, leading to an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, readers, and the broader Indian diaspora. His death has sparked condolences across social media and news outlets, highlighting his significant impact on journalism and literature.
Prolific Career and Notable Achievements
Jaleel Ramanthaly had a long and illustrious career, retiring as the Abu Dhabi bureau chief of a prominent Malayalam newspaper. Over the years, he authored more than a dozen books, with his most celebrated work being a book on the UAE's Founding Father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, titled 'Sheikh Zayed' in Malayali. This book is widely regarded as the first in an Indian language dedicated to the leader, with about five editions printed and distributed for free to Malayali readers globally.
His contributions extended beyond print media; he regularly wrote for various Malayali publications in the UAE and Kerala, and even contributed to TV serials, documentaries, and music albums. One of his notable works includes the award-winning telefilm 'Dooram'. In January 2026, he released his latest book, 'Pravasa Thudippukal' (Pulses of Expat Life), which delves into the experiences of expatriate life.
Founding Role and Awards
Jaleel Ramanthaly was one of the founding leaders of Indian Media Abu Dhabi (IMA), a group dedicated to journalists in Abu Dhabi. His career began humbly as a local stringer while working for a private company, but he later transitioned to full-time journalism and literature, eventually becoming the Abu Dhabi bureau chief of Middle East Chandrika, as shared by his former colleague Jaleel Pattambi with Gulf News.
Throughout his life, he received numerous accolades for his literary and reporting work, including:
- The Sahrudaya-Azhekode Award for Comprehensive Contribution
- The Chiranthana Samskara Vedi Award
His column, Gulf Sketches, was compiled into a book and remains one of the best records of early Malayali life in the Gulf region, preserving cultural and historical narratives for future generations.
Tributes and Legacy
Sameer Kallara, President of the Indian Media Abu Dhabi group, expressed deep sorrow over Jaleel's passing, stating to the media, "He had won several awards and recognitions for his contributions. We are holding a condolence meeting to pay tributes to him, and one of our representatives will attend his funeral back home." This reflects the high esteem in which he was held by his peers and the community.
Jaleel Ramanthaly is survived by his wife, Raheema, and their children Samina, Amina, and Salva. His legacy as a bridge between Indian expatriates and their homeland, through his insightful writing and journalistic integrity, will continue to inspire many. The news of his death has underscored the vital role he played in documenting and enriching Malayali culture abroad, leaving an indelible mark on both journalism and literature.
