Latest news with #KayamkulamKochunni
New Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
A stroll through the corridors of Central Prison
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Weird and freaky as it may seem, many wonder what it feels like to be incarcerated. For those curious to get a first-hand experience, the Central Prison recently opened its doors — not at its sprawling premises in Poojappura, but at the 'Ente Keralam' expo, which concluded at Kanakakunnu on Friday. We stepped inside a recreated prison environment to experience being locked up in a dingy, dark, almost suffocating space under strict surveillance. The experience was — perhaps the eeriness was what drew in several eager visitors. The entire facility was reproduced at the expo by the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services. This prison once locked up several political veterans, including A K Gopalan. In its earlier location at Fort, the legendary thief Kayamkulam Kochunni was imprisoned until his execution. At its current site in Poojappura, records of inmates are sparse, but notable figures such as Vaikom Muhammad Basheer (released in 1943) and activist Rosamma Punnoose (released in 1942) are believed to have served time there. Notably, the film adaptation of Basheer's work Mathilukal was shot on the premises. Superintendent Sajeev S, Central Prison and Correctional Home, says the expo initiative was to give people a glimpse within the highly secured walls. 'The effort to recreate the prison was a joint one — by prison staff and inmates — and it took nearly a month to set up the 4, structure, based on the original facility that is spread out across nine acres at Poojappura,' he says. The actual prison remains off-limits to the public, but its outreach initiatives bring many of its projects to the community — such as the petrol pump at Poojappura managed by inmates, the nearby cafe, and the restaurant on jail property towards Jagathy. Particularly popular is the Freedom Food project, which played a key role during the 2018 flood relief efforts.
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Kayamkulam Kochunni honoured with memorial auditorium in his hometown
ALAPPUZHA: More than 150 years after his death, Kerala's legendary outlaw Kayamkulam Kochunni often compared to Robin Hood has finally received a memorial in his hometown. A lakeside auditorium in Kayamkulam has now been officially named the Kayamkulam Kochunni Memorial Auditorium, marking the first formal recognition of the folk hero. Kochunni is remembered for stealing from the rich and helping the poor. He became a symbol of resistance against feudal landlords in 19th-century Kerala. Though he has long been celebrated in songs, ballads and folklore, there had been no public tribute to him until now. The auditorium's renovation was funded with Rs 65 lakh from the local development fund of Kayamkulam MLA U. Prathibha. 'The decision to name the renovated auditorium after Kochunni was met with wide public support, especially from those who feel his legacy deserves recognition beyond legend and stories,' Prathibha told TNIE. Kochunni was known for his skills in disguise, martial arts and black magic, which made it hard for authorities to catch him. He was eventually captured through deceit and died in prison in 1859 at the age of 41. Local legend says he was buried at Pettah Juma Masjid in Thiruvananthapuram. Interestingly, it is also believed that a deity worshipped at the Edappara Maladevar Temple near Kozhencherry, a Hindu temple, represents Kochunni, a Muslim, showing how deeply he was respected across communities.
