04-07-2025
Sixty years of Mathilukal marked with a wall of love
Sixty years have passed since the publication of legendary writer Vaikom Mohammad Basheer's celebrated novel Mathilukal (walls). To commemorate this literary milestone, the students and faculty of Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Karamana, constructed a symbolic 'Wall of Love' on the school grounds on the eve of the writer's death anniversary on Friday.
A wall shaped in the figure of '60' was formed on the school ground, extending all the way to the school entrance as a visual tribute. Students, local representatives, teachers, Block Resource Centre (BRC) officials, non-teaching staff, alumni, auto-rickshaw drivers, local residents and parents came together to form a living, symbolic wall, honouring the spirit of unity and love Basheer so passionately wrote about. Besides, the commemoration took place beneath a tree in the school courtyard – symbolic of Basheer's deep love for nature and living beings.
The novel was first published in book form in 1965. Notably, it remains the only novel Basheer wrote entirely in Thiruvananthapuram. A handwritten manuscript of the work, originally penned for the Kaumudi weekly in 1964, was lost. This prompted Basheer to rewrite the entire story in just ten days, according to said historian M.G. Sasibhooshan.
Karamana ward councillor Manju G.S. inaugurated the event. PTA president Ranjith S. presided over the function. Karamana station house officer Anoop S., school principal Bilu V.B., and vice principal Mini V. also spoke.
The school has planned a year-long of events, including novel readings, literary gatherings, literary journeys and an inter-school Basheer quiz competition.
