KMB Seminar ‘Anandinte Rachanalogam’, Sculpture Exhibition

KOCHI:

In honour of versatile nonagenarian Malayalam writer Anand’s literary and cultural contributions, a two-day seminar and a sculpture exhibition are being organised as part of the outreach programme and the series — Art, Time Conflict — of the sixth edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB).

The seminar, titled ‘Anandinte Rachanalokam’ (Anand’s Creative World) and curated by cultural enthusiast, documentary filmmaker and researcher Keli Ramachandran, will be held in Anand’s hometown, Irinjalakuda (Thrissur district), in Gayathri auditorium from January 10. The Peruvanam International Village Festival (PIVF) is a part of this initiative.

Born in 1936, P Sachidanandan, writing under the pen name Anand, is now entering his 90th year, and the KMB takes pride in celebrating his works. A leading voice in modernist trends in Malayalam literature, he has marked a shift in literary history through his narrative style, philosophical depth, and ethical awareness.

Anand is a recipient of numerous awards including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, the Central Sahitya Akademi Award (1997), and the Vayalar Award (1993). In 2019, he was honoured with the Ezhuthachan Award.

The seminar aims to comprehensively evaluate Anand’s contributions across various literary genres such as novels, short stories, plays, poetry, and essays. An exhibition of his sculptures and related studies will also be held as part of the seminar.

Writer and former diplomat M Mukundan will inaugurate the seminar, while the sculpture exhibition will be inaugurated by KMB President Bose Krishnamachari.

Film critic and writer Prof V Rajakrishnan will give the keynote address on ‘Anand and Modernity’.

Prof P Pavithran will present the introductory note. Keli Ramachandran will welcome the gathering and PIVF director Rajeev Menon will propose the vote of thanks.

Papers will be presented by KC Narayanan on Environmental Vision; Kavitha Balakrishnan on Anand’s Sculptures; and AM Shinas on Religious Orientation. An insightful conversation will be held between M N Karassery and Anand. Shimi Paul Baby will be the moderator.

In the evening, Higher Education and Social Justice Minister Dr R Bindu will inaugurate the panel, Cultural Dialogue: Anand’s Journeys, chaired by Irinjalakuda Municipality Chairman MP Jackson. The panelists are Prof. Savithri Lakshmanan, Renu Ramanathan, MK Sreekumar and Bakker Methala. Dr Sinto Konkoth will propose the vote of thanks. It will be followed by a Ghazal performance by Siraj Amal and team.

On the second day, paper presentations on Anand will be held in two sessions. In the forenoon session, Sunil P Elayidom, will talk on Ethics; N Ajayakumar on Language and Narrative; Shaji Jacob on Historical Vision; MR Mahesh on Power and Politics; and Deveshan Perur on Anand’s Poetry. The session will be moderated by Dr Jency KA.

In the post-lunch session, Geetha will speak on Anand’s Short Stories; MR Rajesh on Plays, and Anwar Ali N on Essays. Sumi Joy Oliyappuram will moderate the session.

In the evening, poet and critic K Satchidanandan will give the valedictory address. The session will be chaired by Ashokan Charuvil. The valedictory ceremony will be followed by a street play by Roy Georgekutty Ashan and team.

Anand was recognised as a major voice of modernity with the publication of his novel Alkootam in 1970, a reflection on the post-independence crisis in India. His other novels include Thudarnna Maranasertificate (1974); Utharayanam (1982); Abhayaarthikal (1984); Marubhoomikal Undakunnathu (1989); Govardhante Yathrakal (1995); Vyaasanum Vighneshwaranum (1996); Apharikappetta Daivangal (2001); Samharaathinte Pusthakam (2005); Vibhajanangal, Parinaamathinte Bhoothangal (2007); and Dweepukalum Theerangalum (2010).