Latest news with #KeralaSahityaAkademi
The Hindu
a day ago
- Entertainment
- 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
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
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
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
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.
New Indian Express
14-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Row over naming Sahitya Akademi hall after MT; demand to honour woman writer
THRISSUR: Cultural activists and writers in Kerala are divided on the plan to name the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Hall in Thrissur in memory of legendary Malayalam writer M T Vasudevan Nair. Sheeba Ameer and Thanuja Bhattathirippad, among others, had recently expressed their desire to have the hall named after a woman writer. The Kerala Sahitya Akademi headquarters at Palace Road, Thrissur, has halls honouring the legacy of poets like Changampuzha and Vailoppilli within the compound. But not a single memorial has been built for women. At the same time, the main hall at the Akademi has remained without any attribution to it. When the topic came up for discussion during the organising committee meeting for the Kerala Literature Festival, some participants raised the matter of giving a woman writer's name. Among the several suggestions put forth, one urged the authorities to name the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Hall after Lalithambika Antharjanam as a tribute to a woman writer who made immense contributions to Malayalam literature and inspired many women to write.
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
K.V. Ramakrishnan, Ezhacheri Ramachandran selected for Kerala Sahitya Akademi fellowships
The Kerala Sahitya Akademi announced its 2024 literary awards here on Thursday. Akademi president K. Satchidanandan made the official announcement. Poets and writers K.V. Ramakrishnan and Ezhacheri Ramachandran have been selected for the fellowships of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi-2024. The fellowship contains a cash award of ₹50,000, a gold locket of two sovereigns, citation, certificate, and 'ponnada.' Lifetime Achievement Awards Veteran writers, who are selected for Lifetime Achievement Awards are: P.K.N. Panicker; Payyannur Kunjhiraman; M.M. Narayanan; T.K. Gangadharan; K.E.N.; and Mallika Younis. The award, which will be presented to writers above 70 for their significant contributions to Malayalam literature, carries a cash prize of ₹30,000, certificate, ponnada, and a plaque. Anitha Thampi won the award for poetry for Muringa Vazha Kariveppu. Aano by G.R. Indugopan won the award for novel. V. Shynilal got the award for the short story Garisappa Aruvi Adhava Oru Jalayatra. Other award winners are Sasidharan Naduvil – drama (Pithalashalabham); G. Dileepan - literary criticism (Ramayanathinte Charithrasanchaarangal); Deepak P. - scholarly literature (Nirmithabuddhikalathe Samoohika Rashtreeya Jeevitham); K. Rajasekharan Nair - biography/autobiography (Njan Enna Bhaavam); K.R. Ajayan - travelogue (Aarohanam Himalayam); Chinju Prakash - translation – (Ente Rajyam Ente Shareeram); E.N. Sheeja - children's literature (Ammamanamulla Kanivukal); and Niranjan - humour (Keralathinte Maidhathmakatha). Awards carry a cash prize of ₹25,000, certificate, and a plaque. Endowment Awards Winners of Endowment Awards are: C.B. Kumar Award (essay) – Pookkalude Pusthakam by M. Swaraj; Kuttippuzha Award (literary criticism) – Malayala Sahitya Vimarshanathile Marxian Swadheenam by S.S. Sreekumar; G.N. Pillai Award (scholarly literature under 40) Kathaprasangam: Kalayum Samoohavum by Soumya K.C. and Aarude Raman? by T.S. Shyamkumar; Geetha Hiranyan Award (short story under 40) – Pookkaran by Salim Sharif; (young poetry award under 40) – Rathriyil Achankara by Durgaprasad; and Thunchan memorial essay competition – Ezhuthachante Kavyabhasha by Praseeda K.P. There was no eligible entry this year for the Vilasini Award for studies on novels or novelists.
