The Bharatiya Vichara Kendra recently organized a mesmerizing cultural festival at the prestigious Kumaran Asan National Institute of Culture (KANIC) in Thonnakal, Thiruvananthapuram, to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the renowned poet Mahakavi Kumaran Asan. The grand event also featured a one-day seminar that brought together distinguished personalities from various fields, all converging on the theme of “Modern Kerala and Kumaranashan’s Involvement.”
The cultural extravaganza commenced with an inaugural ceremony, graced by the presence of Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal, the Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University, and R Sanjay, Director of Bharatiya Vichara Kendra.
In his inaugural speech, Dr. Mohanan highlighted the significance of studying Kumaranashan’s works in relation to contemporary developments. He urged the audience to immerse themselves in the poet’s verses and engage in thoughtful discussions to understand their relevance in the present era. Dr. Mohanan emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between the past and the present, underlining the valuable insights that can be gained from the literary legacy of Kumaranashan.
The seminar commenced with a captivating keynote address delivered by the esteemed poet Madhusudhanan Nair, followed by a thought-provoking presiding address by the renowned writer George Onakkoor. George Onakkoor emphasized the relevance of Asan’s works in interpreting the evolution of human thought and addressing contemporary challenges.
The seminar witnessed active participation from prominent individuals in the cultural sphere, who shared their expertise and insights. Through engaging discussions and scholarly exchanges, the seminar aimed to shed light on the profound impact of Kumaranashan’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 demonstrates the organization’s dedication to preserving and promoting India’s artistic and intellectual heritage. The event not only celebrated the literary genius of Kumaranashan but also provided a platform for intellectuals, artists, and scholars to explore the enduring relevance of his work in the contemporary world.
The presence of esteemed figures from the cultural realm added further prestige to the conference, enriching the overall experience for attendees. The festival and seminar served as a reminder of the immense contribution of Kumaran Asan to literature and his lasting impact on Kerala’s cultural landscape.
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