Kerala showcases a secular cultural alternative to the world, says Minister K. Rajan
'In times when lies are spread and falsehoods are used to undermine literature and culture, Kerala presents to the world a secular alternative through this festival,' Mr. Rajan said in his address.
This is a moment to recognise how Kerala's rich cultural heritage is being deliberately undermined. There are even dangerous attempts to destroy the State's cultural progress by spreading distorted and deceitful narratives through cinema, the Minister added.
'The most enriching moment of this festival is the dedication of the akademi auditorium to MT, the beloved writer of every generation and every era,' the Minister said.
Festival book
Higher Education Minister R. Bindu, while releasing the festival book and bulletin, spoke about Kerala's unmatched library movement. 'With thousands of public libraries, academic libraries, and reading rooms, Kerala has the highest library density in the country. The rest of India looks at this movement with admiration and curiosity,' she said.
The event was presided over by MLA P. Balachandran, with district panchayat president V.S. Prince as the chief guest. Akademi president K. Satchidanandan outlined the festival's vision, while cultural leaders, artists, and writers from abroad also took part.
Running until August 21, the festival will feature nearly 70 sessions, including debates, lectures, children's literature events, theatre, and cultural performances across three stages.
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The Hindu
17 hours ago
- The Hindu
Kerala showcases a secular cultural alternative to the world, says Minister K. Rajan
The curtains rose on the second edition of the International Literary Festival of Kerala (ILFK) on Sunday, with writer Vaishakan hoisting the festival flag on the Kerala Sahitya Akademi premises. Revenue Minister K. Rajan formally inaugurated the festival, declaring it as Kerala's cultural response to divisive narratives across the world. He also named the akademi auditorium as M.T. Auditorium in honour of writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair. 'In times when lies are spread and falsehoods are used to undermine literature and culture, Kerala presents to the world a secular alternative through this festival,' Mr. Rajan said in his address. This is a moment to recognise how Kerala's rich cultural heritage is being deliberately undermined. There are even dangerous attempts to destroy the State's cultural progress by spreading distorted and deceitful narratives through cinema, the Minister added. 'The most enriching moment of this festival is the dedication of the akademi auditorium to MT, the beloved writer of every generation and every era,' the Minister said. Festival book Higher Education Minister R. Bindu, while releasing the festival book and bulletin, spoke about Kerala's unmatched library movement. 'With thousands of public libraries, academic libraries, and reading rooms, Kerala has the highest library density in the country. The rest of India looks at this movement with admiration and curiosity,' she said. The event was presided over by MLA P. Balachandran, with district panchayat president V.S. Prince as the chief guest. Akademi president K. Satchidanandan outlined the festival's vision, while cultural leaders, artists, and writers from abroad also took part. Running until August 21, the festival will feature nearly 70 sessions, including debates, lectures, children's literature events, theatre, and cultural performances across three stages.
The Hindu
4 days ago
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Pinarayi to inaugurate second edition of International Literature Festival on August 17
The second edition of the International Literature Festival of Kerala (ILFK), hosted by the Kerala Sahitya Akademi, will begin on Sunday (August 17, 2025) on the akademi premises. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the event at 10 a.m., with Culture Minister Saji Cherian presiding. During the ceremony, the akademi auditorium will be officially renamed 'Kerala Sahitya Akademi M.T. Auditorium' in honour of writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair. Akademi president K. Satchidanandan will present the festival's thematic overview. Ministers K. Rajan, R. Bindu, MLA P. Balachandran, Thrissur Corporation Mayor M.K. Varghese, district panchayat president V.S. Prince, and District Collector Arjun Pandian will convey felicitations. The event will be preceded by a ceremonial flag-hoisting by writer Vaishakhan. Distinguished personalities from the socio-cultural sphere will attend. The five-day literary fiesta will feature discussions, lectures, author interactions, children's literary sessions, cultural performances, and plays across three venues, with over 70 sessions planned. International panel The international panel includes Palestinian poet-journalist Asma Azaizeh, Tibetan poet-activist Tenzin Tsundue, and Nepali poets Bhuwan Thapaliya and Amar Akash. Highlights of the evenings include an M.S. Baburaj musical tribute by Jayaraj Warrier, the play Poratt by Thrissur Panchami Theatres, dance performances by Thiruvananthapuram Guru Gopinath Natanagramam, and a traditional Marathukali performance by Rajeevan Panikkar Koyonkara and team. A special literary photography exhibition based on M.T.'s novels Manju and Naalukettu, curated by Manoj D. Vaikom at Thrissur Fine Arts College, will also be on display. Akademi library The festival will conclude on August 21 with Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal delivering the valedictory address, chaired by Mr. Pandian. The akademi library will be named 'Lalithambika Antharjanam Memorial Library' during the closing ceremony, followed by a keynote address by quiz master and orator G.S. Pradeep. Delegate registration will close on Saturday. Participants can register in person at the ILFK office in the akademi or online via The fee is ₹500 for the public and ₹250 for students and persons with disabilities.
The Hindu
08-08-2025
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Sahitya Akademi auditorium to be named after M.T., library after Lalithambika Antharjanam
In a tribute to two literary greats, the Kerala Sahitya Akademi will name its auditorium as the Kerala Sahitya Akademi M.T. Auditorium in honour of Jnanpith laureate M.T. Vasudevan Nair and its library as the Lalithambika Antharjanam Memorial Library. The naming ceremonies will be held during the International Literature Festival of Kerala (ILFK) from August 17 to 21. On the opening day, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will officially name the auditorium, while Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal will name the library during the festival's valedictory session on August 21. Delegate registrations for the literature festival are ongoing. Participants can register in person at the ILFK office at the akademi or online at The registration fee is ₹500 for the general public and ₹250 for students and persons with disabilities.
