Even scientifically minded people consult ‘Rahu and Ketu’, says writer Keralam Vaishakhan

President of the Council of State Libraries Dr. Dharmaraj Adat presents VK Narayana Bhattathiri Memorial Award instituted by Sree Kerala Varma Public Library, Wadakkanchery to writer Vaishakhan on Sunday.

Renowned writer Vaishakhan has expressed concern over the growing influence of superstition even among the scientifically minded, saying that society seems to be entering an era where “even those of a scientific nature look to Rahu and Ketu”.

He was speaking after receiving the VK Narayanabhattathiri Memorial Award instituted by the Sree Kerala Varma Public Library in Wadakkanchery on Sunday.

Mr. Vaishakhan said that literature once played a significant role in shaping social consciousness, but literary works no longer received the serious and sustained study they deserved.

“Reading is the most important factor in the education of imagination,” he said, adding that insufficient and sometimes distorted interpretations of literary works can lead to their misunderstanding.

Mr Vaishakhan said only about 30 of the nearly 200 stories he wrote were railway stories. Yet writers like Kovilan and Nandanar who wrote about the military were similarly categorized, while he continued to be described as a “railway story writer”.

He said that the pursuit of positions and official designations could also become a barrier to creative writing.

Representation of women

Mr. Vaishakhan also pointed out the lack of representation of women in the leadership of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi.

“A woman has occupied the Sahitya Akademi seat only once. At least now women should raise their voice for more representation,” he said.

VK Narayana Bhattathiri Memorial Award is instituted by Sree Kerala Varma Public Library in collaboration with VK Narayana Bhattathiri Memorial Trust to recognize senior writers for their overall contribution to literature. The award consists of a citation, plaque and books worth ₹10,000 chosen by the awardee.

The President of the State Library Council Dharmaraj Adat presented the award. He described VK Narayan Bhattathiri, a scholar and Vedic scholar associated with the renaissance period, as a visionary who showed nearly nine decades ago how reading could create “fountains of renewal”.

Xavier Chittilappilly, MLA, officiating the memorial event. The ceremony was presided over by the president of the library, V. Murali. Writer and District Judge AM Basheer was the chief guest.

Mr Vaishakhan also released a collection of short stories Kaalathinte Kanalvazhikal by library activist Geetha Divakaran by handing over a copy to Wadakkanchery village chairman Mini Aravindan.

Published – 27 Sep 2026 20:41 IST