Celebrating Anand’s literary universe: two-day seminar in his birthplace as biennale outreach programme

A literary and cultural tribute to Malayalam writer Anand will unfold in Irinjalakuda on January 10 and 11 with a two-day seminar titled Anandinte Rachanalokam (The Creative World of Anand). The programme is organised as part of the Kochi–Muziris Biennale’s outreach initiative and will be held in Mr. Anand’s hometown.

Curated by Keli Ramachandran, the seminar forms part of the biennale’s thematic series Art, Time, and Upheaval. It seeks to offer a comprehensive and critical engagement with Mr. Anand’s vast and multi-genre literary contributions—spanning novels, short stories, plays, poetry, and essays—along with his lesser-known but significant work as a sculptor.

Mr. Anand is widely regarded as a writer who reshaped the course of Malayalam literary history through his distinctive narrative techniques, philosophical depth, and ethical urgency. He emerged as a leading voice of modernism in Malayalam literature with the publication of his landmark novel Aalkkootam in 1970, a work that powerfully captured the crises of post-Independence India and earned national attention.

Mr. Anand is a recipient of several major honours, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Vayalar award, and the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram. Born in 1936, he is now entering his nineties, a milestone that adds special significance to the event.

Writer M. Mukundan will inaugurate the seminar, while poet and critic K. Satchidanandan will deliver the valedictory address. A public conversation between Mr. Anand and critic M. N. Karassery is another key highlight. The seminar will also feature an exhibition of Mr. Anand’s sculptures, inaugurated by artiste Bose Krishnamachari, accompanied by scholarly discussions on his sculptural practice. The Peruvanam International Village Festival is a partner in the initiative.

The seminar will make in-depth journey through Mr. Anand’s works including Marana Certificate, Uttarayanam, Abhayarthikal, Marubhoomikal Undakunnathu, Govardhanante Yatrakal, Vyasanum Vighneswaranum, Apaharikkappetta Daivangal, Sanharaṭinte Pusthakam, Vibhajanangal, Parinamathinte Bhoothangal, and Dweepukalum Theerangalum. His short story collections such as Veedum Thadavum, Ira, Odiyunna Kurish, andAnandinte Kathakal and plays like Shavaghoshayatra and Mukthipatham further cement his stature as a major literary force.

The organisers have described the seminar as a moment of pride for the Kochi–Muziris Biennale, bringing together writers, critics, scholars, artistes, and the public to engage with the legacy of a towering literary figure. Cultural programmes including Gazal night and Chavittu Nadakam will add colour to the event.