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The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Reading vital to social development: Bindu
Stressing the importance of reading for social development, Minister for Higher Education R. Bindu inaugurated the State-level observance of Reading Week organised by the Kerala State Library Council here on Thursday. The Minister lauded the council as a unique and commendable movement that had made significant contributions to Kerala's social, cultural, and intellectual landscape. 'The era of literacy movement was the most culturally dynamic period in our history. This moment calls us to reclaim that spirit — reviving the energy and atmosphere of those times to inspire our youth and students towards a culture of reading and active civic engagement,' she said. Reading Day is observed on June 19 in memory of P.N. Panicker, the visionary who championed the message 'Read and Grow, Think and Become Wise.' The celebration will continue until July 7, the birth anniversary of I.V. Das, a key figure in Kerala's library movement, with the aim of making reading and libraries more accessible and people-centred across the State. K.V. Kunjikrishnan, president of the Kerala State Library Council, presided over the function. Writer and speaker K.E.N. Kunhahammed delivered the keynote address on the topic 'Conflicts in Reading.' Murali Perunelli, MLA, president of the District Library Council, delivered the Reading Day message, while council member T.K. Vasu paid tributes to P.N. Panicker. Thudi music-dance performance by the Kerala Kalamandalam added colour to the event.
The Hindu
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Seminar on ‘Creative Freedom' held
'Even the Raj Bhavan, a symbol of politically and culturally enlightened Kerala, has now been reduced to an office of Indian fascism,' said writer and critic K.E.N. Kunhahammed on Sunday (June 8, 2025). He was inaugurating a seminar on 'Creative Freedom', organised by the District Library Council as part of the ongoing book festival. Mr. Kunhahammed emphasised that creative freedom was not confined to art and literature alone, but represents the fundamental right to live with dignity in one's own land. 'It is the essence of both survival and self-expression. True creativity emerges from the everyday inner struggles to improve our lives,' he said. Quoting Sree Narayana Guru, Mr. Kunhahammed said that wisdom does not come on its own — it must be actively pursued. 'Guru showed us the way, including the importance of reading good books. Critical and creative reading relevant to our times will bring enlightenment — if not today, then tomorrow,' he added. The seminar was presided over by Kerala Sahitya Akademi Executive Committee member M.K. Manoharan. A special tribute to M.T. Vasudevan Nair through artist Madanan's 'Varayum Varthamanam' added an emotional dimension to the event. Library Council president Mukundan Mathil welcomed the gathering.
