Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Bharatiya Vichara Kendra hosted a captivating cultural festival to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahakavi Kumaran Asan. The event took place at the esteemed Kumaran Asan National Institute of Culture (KANIC) located in Thonnakal, Thiruvananthapuram. The festival also featured a one-day seminar that attracted eminent personalities from diverse fields, all focusing on the theme of “Modern Kerala and Kumaranasan’s Involvement.”
The cultural program commenced with an inauguration ceremony presided over by Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal, the Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of R Sanjay, Director of Bharatiya Vichara Kendra.
Dr. Mohanan said in the inaugural speech that Kumaranasan’s works should be read and discussed in connection with the developments of the present era. He urged the audience to delve into Kumaranasan’s poems and engage in thoughtful discussions to grasp their relevance in the present era.
Dr. Mohanan emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between the past and the present, highlighting the valuable insights that can be gained from the works of literary stalwarts like Kumaranasan.
The seminar began with an enlightening keynote address delivered by renowned poet Madhusudhanan Nair, followed by a thought-provoking presiding address by the acclaimed writer, George Onakkoor.
George Onakkoor expressed that Asan’s works and interpreting them could aid society in gaining a deeper comprehension of the evolution of human thought and the contemporary challenges faced.
The seminar witnessed the active participation of prominent individuals hailing from the cultural sphere, lending their expertise and insights to the discourse. Through captivating discussions and scholarly exchanges, the seminar aimed to shed light on the profound impact of Kumaranasan’s contributions in shaping modern-day Kerala.
The Bharatiya Vichara Kendra’s initiative to commemorate Kumaran Asan’s 150th birth anniversary through this cultural festival and seminar underscores the organization’s commitment to preserving and promoting India’s artistic and intellectual heritage.
Additionally, several prominent figures from the cultural realm adorned the conference, lending their expertise and adding prestige to the event.