Kerala - Kochi   

Literary works lack criticism: writer

KOCHI: The tendency to compartmentalise literature and literary efforts has led to the alienation of literature from the cultural mainstream. This is reflected in the fact that many of the contemporary periodicals are keeping creative writing away from its pages, said renowned writer Sethu.

He was speaking after inaugurating the discussions on the third day of the Malayalam Week celebrations, organised by the Samstha Kerala Sahitya Parishath at Mahakavi G. auditorium here on Tuesday. The discussion was on the subject ‘appreciation of literature and social criticism’.

There is no independent criticism happening for new original works. Criticisms are often based on the political stands taken by the writer or depending on who is promoting the writer. On the other hand, Malayalam works get neutral and genuine criticism when they get translated into other languages, said Mr. Sethu, citing the experience he had about his famous work Pandavapuram.

In his presidential address, author Vysakhan said that one of the main reasons for dwindling number of serious readers is the lack of social rooting for writers. Original writing should always stand by the cause of those in pain.

Alamcode Leelakrishnan, T.M. Abraham, Thuravur Viswambharan, Sunil P. Elayidom, K.R. Prasad, O.P. Joseph and M.P. Prakasam spoke.

The Malayalam Week celebrations will end on Wednesday with poet Vishnunarayanan Namboodiri inaugurating a discussion. K. Jayakumar will preside. Veerankutty, Kurias Kumbalakuzhi, Shaji Jacob, K.V. Sanjay, Balachandran Vadakedath and A.M. Unnikrishnan will speak.

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