Latest news with #KeralaSahityaAkademi
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Cultural leaders express solidarity with Maoist leader Roopesh for publishing his book
Cultural leaders have appealed to authorities to take a favourable decision regarding the request of jailed Maoist leader Roopesh to publish his new novel. The vice-president of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi, Ashokan Charuvil, and theatre artist and activist K.V. Ganesh have made an appeal via social media in support of Roopesh. Roopesh, who has been on a hunger strike in jail demanding publication of his book, is currently hospitalised and continuing hunger strike there. In a Facebook post, Mr. Charuvil stressed that if Central government regulations are obstructing the approval, jail authorities and the State government should at least communicate that clearly to the applicant. He wrote that in a country governed by a Constitution upholding high values, Roopesh has the right to seek justice through the legal system. Mr. Charuvil also attached the cover image of Roopesh's earlier novel Vasanthathile Poomarangal (The Flowering Trees of Spring) along with his note. The novel was written and published during Roopesh's prison term. 'Roopesh has been serving a prison sentence for over a decade. He actively participates in cultural programmes at the jail, working closely with jail authorities. I have read his earlier work Vasanthathile Poomarangal,' Mr. Charuvil said. He noted that several significant works in literary history were written in prison, and modern democratic societies must regard prisons as places where individuals are given a chance for reformation. 'If a person is ready to write a novel, it means he is attempting to embrace humanity and democracy,' Mr. Charuvil stated in his post, which has sparked broad discussions, received numerous comments, and been widely shared. Joining the call, Mr. Ganesh also took to Facebook demanding the government allow the publication of Roopesh's novel. In a strongly-worded post, he wrote: 'If our nation's governance is so fragile that it crumbles from the publication of a book, then it probably should crumble.' Mr. Ganesh, who referred to Roopesh as comrade, expressed solidarity with him and with the larger cause of creative freedom. He also shared an illustration prepared by Roopesh and fellow inmates for the Tiruth Film Festival held inside Viyyur Jail in March, along with the caption: 'Darkness is only a guest of the night; dawn is on its way.' Roopesh went on a hunger strike after prison authorities denied permission to publish his book Banditharude Ormakurippukal (Memoirs of Prisoners). He was admitted to Thrissur Medical College Hospital when his condition deteriorated. Roopesh, who continues his hunger strike at the Thrissur Medical College Hospital, was recently diagnosed with jaundice, further raising concerns among supporters about his health and the urgency of a government decision.
The Hindu
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Sahitya Akademi condoles demise of historian MGS Narayanan
The Kerala Sahitya Akademi, in a statement here on Saturday, condoled the demise of historian, scholar and teacher MGS Narayanan 'The demise of Prof. Narayanan is deeply saddening. He carved a unique path in historical research and profoundly transformed the study of ancient Kerala history through his distinctive approach. Unafraid of criticism, he remained steadfast in his views, both in academic circles and in socio-political discourse, earning admiration for his principled and courageous stance,' said Akademi president K. Satchidanandan and secretary C.P. Aboobacker. Over 200 books Prof. Narayanan served as both the member secretary and chairperson of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR). He authored over 200 books and scholarly articles. His strong command over Malayalam, English, Tamil, and Sanskrit as well as fluency in Brahmi, Vattezhuthu, Grantha scripts and in epigraphy were a great advantage for Kerala's historical research. As a visiting professor in several prestigious universities and academic institutions within India and abroad, he elevated Kerala's intellectual landscape to an international level. His autobiography Jaalakangal – Oru Charithranveshiyude Vazhikal Kaazhchakal (Windows – The Paths and Views of a Historian) received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 2019. Prof. Narayanan's passing marks the loss of a powerful presence in the realm of historical research in Kerala as well as a meaningful voice in its socio-cultural landscape. His invaluable contributions will be remembered forever. The Kerala Sahitya Akademi expresses its heartfelt condolences on his demise, the statement added.
