THAKAZHI’S BIRTH CENTENARY

THAKAZHI’S BIRTH CENTENARY

. A week-long literary festival organised by Thakazhi Samaraka Samithi in connection with the birth centenary of the legendary writer and Jnanpith laureate, late Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, will be held at his house Sankaramangalam from April 10. The festival will be kicked off with a floral tribute to the smrithi mandapam in the morning, and KPCC president and Harippad MLA, Ramesh Chennithala will inaugurate a meeting to recall the memories of the great writer in the afternoon. It will be followed by a screening of a documentary on the writer. Various competitions for students will be held on April 11 morning. A discussion on the Thakazhi’s novel ‘Chemeen’ will be inaugurated by writer Sethu in the afternoon. Contests on short story and versification will be held on April 12 morning, followed by contest of songs in the films based on Thaklazhi’s novels. Writer, K.L. Mohanavarma will inaugurate a discussion on the novel, ‘Randidangazhi,’ (Two Measures) in the afternoon. A unique `Kathakali’ performance with ‘Pareekkutty’ and ‘Karuthamma’ of Thakazhi’s novel ‘Chemeen’ as characters will be performed in the evening.

Former MP, C.S. Sujatha will inaugurate a discussion on the topic, “Thakazhi and his wife Katha as best models of family life” on April 13. Another discussion on Thakazhi’s novel, “Thottiyude Makan,” (Scavenger’s son) will be held on the same day. Kerala Sahitya Akademi president, Perumbadom Sreedharan will inaugurate a debate on the writer’s famous novel, ‘Kayar’ (Coir) on April 14. Discussion on novel ‘Ennipadikkal’ (ladder), exhibition of agricultural implements and presentation of folk songs will be held on April 15. A literary quiz on the literary world of Thakazhi will be on April 16 morning. Former Minister, V.M.Sudheeran will inaugurate a discussion on the social responsibility of the writer. Writer, Chemmanam Chacko will kick-off a discussion on the ‘rural essence in Thakazhi’s writings,’ followed by staging of ‘Randidangazhi,’ (Two Measures) by Kannur-based Sanghachetana on the same day.

Chief Minister Ommen Chandy will inaugurate the birthday meeting on the final day on April 17. Minister for Culture K.C. Joseph will inaugurate a website on the occasion. The actors of films based on Thakazhi’s novels, Sheela and K.P.A.C. Lalitha will be honoured by Union Minister of State for Power, K.C. Venugopal on the occasion. Samithi secretary, V.J. Sreekumar Valiyamadom said that efforts were on to bring actor Madhu, who immortalized the character ‘Pareedkkutty’ in ‘Chemeen’ film based on Thakazhi’s novel of the same name, though his presence is not yet confirmed.

                                                        Prof. John Kurakar