Writer NS Madhavan lights the traditional lamp to launch the OV Vijayan celebrations organized jointly by Ahalia Literary Forum and OV Vijayan Smaraka Samiti in Palakkad on Tuesday.
Ahalia Literary Forum and OV Vijayan Smaraka Samiti came together on Tuesday to remember legendary writer OV Vijayan. Writer NS Madhavan inaugurated the programme. Smaraka Samiti Chairman TK Narayanadas presided over the function. The convenor of the Literary Forum RVK Varma welcomed the gathering.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Madhavan said that Vijayan’s writings featured a unique blend of rural realism, progressive thinking and modernity. “He was a writer who changed the course of Malayalam literature,” he said.
M. Sivakumar read excerpts from Vijayan’s short story Kadaltheerathu. Manoj Veettikkad pointed to the strong influence of Vijayan’s works on the social, political and cultural spheres, while Karivelloor Murali said that his language and imagination continue to inspire creative expression even today.
TK Sankaranarayanan noted that every writer has ties to both his “native country” and “other countries”, and Vijayan reflected these influences in a balanced way in his works. KP Mohanan has described Vijayan’s writings as independent literary universes, while E. Santhosh Kumar has pointed out Tamil influences and socio-cultural nuances in his language.
Cartoonist EP Unni introduced Vijayan’s cartoons and explained how they conveyed social and political truths through simple lines and layered meanings. Raghunathan Parali said that compassion was at the core of Vijayan’s creations and EP Rajagopalan added that he was a master of strategic use of language that awakened an extraordinary sensibility in Malayalam literature. Nemam Pushparaj said memories of Palakkad continue to resonate strongly in both Vijayan’s writings and cartoons.
Former Kerala Sahitya Akademi President Vaishakhan inaugurated the valedictory session. Writer Rajesh Menon welcomed the gathering and OV Vijayan Smaraka Samiti secretary TR Ajayan presided over the function. Radhika C. Nair and PK Rajashekaran spoke. Principal of Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology PR Suresh proposed the vote of thanks.
Published – 25 Feb 2026 20:56 IST
