Imayam, pen-name of V Annamalai, teaches English at a high school in Vridhachalam, Tamil Nadu. He made his mark on the Tamil Literary Scene with his very first novel, Koveru Kazhuthaigal, published in 1994, which created heated debates on issues like the role of a Dalit writer in the contest of oppression seen within the Dalit community. He is a recipient of the Agni Akshara Award, the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers' Association Award and the Amutham Adigal Award.