Kerala - Kozhikode   

‘Malayalam needs good literary critics'

Photo: K. Ragesh

Constructive criticism: Social critic Sukumar Azhikode inaugurating a workshop on ‘Language, Culture and History' at Press Club Hall in Kozhikode on Saturday.—

KOZHIKODE: Malayalam language is witnessing a dearth of efficient literary critics who are capable of attracting new readers, social critic and writer Sukumar Azhikode has said.

He was inaugurating a workshop on ‘Language, Culture and History' organised jointly by the Kozhikode Press Club and the Public Relations Department as part of the ‘Reading Week' observance here on Saturday.

Prof. Azhikode said the number of people who read and appreciate literary criticisms was on the decline in Kerala since the quality of works was poor. Sharing his admiration for celebrated literary critics in Malayalam like Kuttikrishna Marar and Joseph Mundassery, Prof. Azhikode said they could gift a golden era of constructive criticism to readers.

According to Prof. Azhikode, it was always the common man who nurtured the culture of reading and boosted the reputation of quality writers. He said he repudiated the belief that reading was an activity for the ‘high class.'

Referring to the increasing number of campaigns to “protect mother tongue,” Prof. Azhikode said such attempts were always superficial since the campaigners were unwilling to take practical measures for the cause. “People involved in such movements are even disinclined to speak Malayalam in their daily life.”

The writer also expressed concern over the “vanishing words” in Malayalam language owing to the disinterest of people in using certain terms. “The language that must have lost the maximum number of beautiful words thus will be Malayalam,” the writer said.

Airing his strong disagreement to the ongoing campaign for classical language status for Malayalam Prof. Azhikode said, “The attempt just reveals the ignorance of our people as no language can be classified as classic or romantic on the basis of some criteria.” The literary works in a particular language could be described as classic, but a language would never be categorised thus, he clarified.

Press Club president R.Madhusanker presided. P. Valsala, president of the Kerala Sahitya Academy, was present.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Napkin vending machines to be set up at schools
‘Malayalam needs good literary critics'
IIM-K to host inspirational talks
DALA awards presented
Chandy urged to secure release of hostage
Private bus strike on Wednesday

Copyright © 2011, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu