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A slice of Kerala

PHOTO: V. SREENIVASA MURTHY

God’s own Country Shinie Antony chose the pieces with care

“Kerala, Kerala, Quite Contrary by Rupa & Co. combines all the elements that make up Kerala”, introduced moderator and blogger Tony Sebastian at the launch of the anthology edited by Shinie Antony.

Comprising pieces by Susan Visvanathan, William Dalrymple, M. Mukundan, K. Satchidanandan, Paul Zacharia, Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil and Anita Nair, “Kerala, Kerala, Quite Contrary” was launched at Crossword Bookstore.

Other contributors to the anthology include D. Vijayamohan, S.S. Lal, Yusuf Arakkal, Sheila Kumar, Omchery, Hormis Tharakan, Shreekumar Varma, M.V. Rappai, Sarah Joseph, Rama Varma, Jayanth Kodkani, Stephen Padua, Vinod Joseph, A.J. Thomas, Suresh Menon, Omana, K.R. Gowri Amma, the teenager Nimz Dean and Shashi Tharoor.

The panellists at the launch included writer Anita Nair, former Director General of Police Kerala Hormis Tharakan, playwright Shreekumar Varma, journalist Jayanth Kodkani and the editor Shinie Antony. The moderator continued: “From sarcasm to humour, the anthology provides insights into a state that is presented well on brochure covers. It covers both sides of the story.”

Shinie Antony said that she selected a U.S. returned Malayali coming back to the State for the first story and for the last, someone leaving Kerala and important points of arrival and departure in the anthology. Hormis Tharakan narrated his views on the difference between Kerala in the 70s and now in the light of land reforms, and hence, visibly reduced problems raised by Naxalites. Anita Nair went to speak about the superiority of the Kerala-based literary circle when it comes to accepting non-Kerala based writers. “The literary establishment is small and strong.”

Shreekumar Varma commented on his “half-play, half-prose” piece which depicts the other side of Kerala using the issue of education. The panellists pointed out that Malayalis have healthy arrogance, political consciousness and a sense of humour that pokes fun at themselves — something that comes out of self-assurance and comfort levels. Jayant Kodkani’s piece is an interplay of reality and illusion written in the half-conscious state between dreams and reality.

The discussion then veered towards social issues plaguing Kerala, despite its attractive touristy pictures and near 100 per cent literacy rate. From domestic violence and alcoholism, gender harassment and discrimination in terms of dowry demands, property rights and subservience they were all discussed. Anita Nair was candid in her views about the matrilineal system that she hails from. “From the projection of women in TV soaps, the virtual absence of protests, eve teasing and molestation to family honour and respect, Kerala is a small and closed society.” Hormis Tharakan voiced his concern over communal tensions in a State that was peaceful in its large Hindu, Muslim and Christian populations. “The young are adopting radical positions.” Anita Nair also commented on the problem she faces as a Malayali writer, writing about Kerala, as she fears the Kerala literary circle will question her authenticity of Kerala. The anthology is priced at Rs. 195.

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