Homage paid to Indian poet

Artistes, poets, and poetry lovers in the Sultanate of Oman will pay tribute to the great Indian poet Mahakavi Kumaranashan on his 100th death anniversary, on October 25 at Al Falaj Hotel. Kumaranashan, who enlivened a generation and whose legacy continues to resonate even today, is one of the most celebrated poets of Kerala.

A member of the famous triumvirate of Malayalam poets along with Vallathol Narayana Menon and Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer, Kumaranashan was conferred the title ‘Mahakavi’ (meaning ‘great poet’) by Madras University in 1922. The suffix ‘Ashan,’ meaning ‘scholar’ or ‘teacher,’ reflects his dual role as a poet and philosopher, as well as a social reformer of his time.

The group ‘Kavithakoottam Muscat,’ under the banner of NHP Events and Middle East Power Safety and Business LLC , will bring to life five characters from his poems, such as Karuna, Chandalabhikshuki, and Nalini. These will be presented through five classical dance forms of Kerala: Kathakali, Bharatnatyam, Kerala Natanam, Mohiniyattam, and Ottenthullal.

“This is an attempt to showcase the great Indian poet of our times, who initiated a revolution in poetry earlier this century. He transformed the medium of poetry from the metaphysical to the lyrical, inspiring his contemporaries to be vocal in their poetic expressions. What makes his poetry distinctive is its commitment to society in terms of moral and spiritual content, poetic concentration, and dramatic contextualization. We feel that this is a befitting tribute to the great poet,” said Gokuldas, Director, and Sujith Thiruvonam, the organizer, told the Observer.

The event, titled ‘Keleeravam,’ is divided into segments, such as Poomari (Floral Showers), which is an audio-visual assimilation of life and nature. It brings the complexity of the human mind to the stage by intertwining it with Malayalam poetry and literature. The scenario revolves around a huge tree with many branches and flowers, situated between two imaginary lands, where people from both lands claim the tree, which provides shade to both sides without bias. The narrative later illustrates how nature is closely connected to humanity and how every human emotion affects the natural world.

The second segment, titled Sree Bhoovilasthira, is an effort by a socially committed expatriate community to introduce the characters and life situations that emerged from the poet’s perspective to the new generation, without losing the essential values of poetry, through a spectacular showcase of dance forms.

PR Gokuldas gives the visual version of the script written by Vinod Peruva. Sujith Thiruvonam, Secretary, Salomi Chacko, President and Arun Madhav, creative consultant spoke to the media.

'Kavithakkootam' core committee office bearers Ramesh Sivan, Ratheesh PP, Asha Raj, Ramesh Babu Charummood, Susheelan Palli, Girish A were at the press announcement. Jibu Usman is the coordinator.