Kerala - Kochi   

Cultural leaders honoured at Congress meet

Staff Reporter

HONOURED: The former Chief Minister A.K. Antony, MP, with poet Sugathakumari and filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan at a function. — Photo: H. Vibhu

KOCHI: Eight leading cultural personalities from various fields were honoured by Samskara Sahithi, the cultural wing of the Congress, at a function held as part of the State conference of the Congress at Ambedkar Stadium here on Sunday.

The cultural leaders, including filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Kathakali artiste Kalamandalam Gopi, poet Sugathakumari, theatre activist Kavalam Narayana Panicker, artist M.V. Devan, actor Sukumari, cartoonist Yesudasan and historian M.G.S. Narayanan were honoured with ponnadas and mementoes.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy lauded the role played by the cultural leaders in the country's struggle for Independence. He pointed out that cultural personalities had taken a significant stand in the fight against social evils.

Adoor Gopalakrishnan lit the traditional lamp. Mr. Chandy honoured the filmmaker and Kalamandalam Gopi.

The former Chief Minister A.K. Antony, MP, who presided over the function, honoured Kavalam Narayana Panicker, Sukumari and M.G.S. Narayanan. M.V. Devan and Yesudasan were honoured by Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi. In his address, Adoor Gopalakrishnan said that the "recognition given by your own countrymen and brothers is much more valuable than any national or international recognition." Sugathakumari called upon the Congress activists to reinstall the idol of Gandhiji in their hearts. She also rendered one of her poems, hailing the National Flag — Dhavala himagiri shikharikal... .

K.S. Radhakrishnan, Vice-Chancellor of Sree Sankara University of Sanskrit, Kalady, made a cultural theme presentation. Former Minister and actor K.B. Ganesh Kumar and journalist O. Abdulla spoke responding to the presentation.

Minister for Cultural Affairs A.P. Anil Kumar, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi secretary R. Gopalakrishnan and KPCC leader Benny Behanan were also present.

Sonia Gandhi visits

AICC president Sonia Gandhi visited the function. The visit was unannounced. Ms. Gandhi wished the dignitaries present on stage, including Adoor Gopalakrishnan.

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