Chief Guests
Sri M. Mukundan is novelist of great significance in the field of Malayalam literature. Along with writers like O. V. Vijayan and Anand, he pioneered the modernity in Malayalam fiction. Some of his early novels were inspired by his life in Delhi, but it is the story of his homeland Mayyazhi(Mahe) that brought him great honour. His novels “Mayyazhippuzhayude Theeranagalil” and “Daivathinte Vikrithikal” dealt with the social and political issues of the colonial and post independent Mayyazhi. His other novels include “Aadithyanum Radhayum Pinne Mattu Chilarum” ,”Kesavante Vilapangal”, “Pravasam” etc.
He has received many awards including Vayalar award, Kerala and Kendra Sahitya Akademi awards, Crossword Book award and the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram.
Sri Sreevalsan J Menon is a Carnatic music singer and composer. Having started his musical training under Rajalakshmi Krishnan (disciple of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar) and violinist T.V. Ramani at Thrissur, Menon had much of his advanced training under the late Neyyattinkara Vasudevan. He has given concerts all over the country including the National Concerts of AIR and Doordarshan and has received several awards.
The programmes presented on the Day
- Swararagasudha- Sri Sreevalsan J Menon’s traditional, refreshing and innovative classical concert. Accompanied by the gifted violinist Smt. Jyotsna Sreekanth and the dynamic mridnagist Sri Bangalore Prakash.
- Chaturangi – A unique theatrical production from Sruthi, featuring four short stories from the modern era in Malayalam literature. Masterpieces from Mukundan, Zackaria, Sethu and a new talent Aswathy Sasikumar.
- Varshamanagalam – An ode to the monsoon. A Nrithasilpa, an ensemble of classical and folk dances is a choreographed version of Sri Sreevalsan J Menon’s famous album “Monsoon Anuraga”.
- Mukhamukham – A conversation with Sri M. Mukundan about his life, time and works.
- Ganamalika: A melodious array of favourite songs.
