What Insights Did Malayalam Writer K.P. Ramanunni Share at the Delhi Book Fair?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- K.P. Ramanunni shared valuable insights from his literary journey.
- The story 'MTP' highlights complex human emotions surrounding medical termination of pregnancy.
- Discussions on India's intellectual traditions were enriching and well-received.
- Engagements like this promote cultural awareness and dialogue.
- Literary events foster connections among writers, readers, and educators.
New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) The Sahitya Akademi extended an invitation to distinguished Malayalam author K.P. Ramanunni at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, where a face-to-face program and a panel discussion focusing on India's intellectual heritage were conducted, as per an official announcement on Friday.
Ramanunni, a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award, engaged with the audience by sharing reflections from his literary career and insights on Thursday, as reported by the Ministry of Culture.
The writer, hailing from Kozhikode in Kerala, presented excerpts from his Malayalam short story 'MTP', which refers to the medical term for termination of pregnancy. This story was translated into English by Abu Bakar Kaba, according to the statement.
Structured as a play and segmented into seven parts, the narrative delves into the profound human drama involved in the medical termination of pregnancy, drawing from the author's personal life experiences.
In reflecting on his literary path, Ramanunni recounted his teenage years, during which he found himself immersed in both spiritual and communist literature, leading to an internal conflict that resulted in psychiatric consultation.
Although the treatment was unsuccessful, the experience motivated him to seek solace through writing, he noted.
The face-to-face event at the Fair was succeeded by a panel discussion on India’s intellectual traditions, featuring panellists Rawail Singh, Harekrishna Satapathy, and Basavaraj Kalgudi.
Rawail Singh traced the intellectual lineage of Punjab, from the ancient center of learning at Takshashila to the influences of Nath Yogis, Sufism, and Sikhism.
Harekrishna Satapathy assessed the contrasts between ancient and modern educational frameworks, referencing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh as the Aadigurus and reciting a shloka from the Vedas.
Basavaraj Kalgudi presented on peripheral knowledge systems, categorizing them into oral and written traditions, while emphasizing the importance of tribal and agrarian wisdom traditions of ancient India.
Both events received positive feedback from the audience, consisting of students, educators, writers, and literature enthusiasts, fostering meaningful interactions and discussions.
Sandeep Kaur, Assistant Editor, delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the Sahitya Akademi, the statement concluded.