The Hindu : Kerala News : A moment of honour for writer-patriarch Kovilan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Kerala

Kerala

A moment of honour for writer-patriarch Kovilan

Staff Reporter

KANDANASSERY (THRISSUR): The Kendra Sahitya Akademi Fellowship was presented to the `writer-patriarch' of Malayalam Kovilan at his residence here. The members of the Akademi who visited the ailing writer at his residence comprised its President, Gopi Chand Narang; the Secretary, K. Sachidanandan; the Convener of the Akademi-Malayalam Advisory Board, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and the officer-in charge at the Chennai regional office, S. Jitendra Nath.

Prof. Narang presented the fellowship to Kovilan, while Prof. Sachidanandan read out the citation.

Writer Vasudevan Nair delivered the welcome address at a function held at Kandanassery. The audience comprised noted litterateurs.

`Quest for human dignity'

Prof. Narang spoke about Kovilan's quest for human dignity and justice through his many writings.

The citation read out by Prof. Sachidanandan described Kovilan as `the most notable Indian writer in Malayalam fiction and in his writings the barracks revealed a miniature India with its vast geographical diversities and varied cultural identities.'

Kovilan's oeuvre reflects the uncompromising struggle waged by him to shun the commonplace.

His visions are reflected in his works, right from the choice of the subject to the use of the language and imagery.

Even when he shared the concerns of the `progressive writers movement' of the State, his sensibilities were radically different, the citation said.

Vasudevan Nair in his welcome address said Kovilan through his works articulated the totems of the Kerala's culture.

Kovilan in his speech said he accepted the fellowship "trusting the blessings of his acharya and the goodwill of the readers."

The programme was attended by M. Leelavathi.

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