The conversations under the green canopy at ‘Open Space’ on this cloudy Sunday evening slipped from literature to art to humour so gently and casually, that someone who walks randomly into the middle of it could mistake it for a general discussion without a binding topic. But central to all their recollections and observations was Ayyappa Panikker, whose sphere of interest and influence encompassed much more than the usual tags of poetry and teaching.
‘Maruvazhikal Puthuvazhikal,’ a week-long celebration of Ayyappa Panikker’s life and works as part of his 85th birthday celebrations, began here with a session in which his contemporaries, students and acquaintances shared their personal memories of the man. “It is apt that we are getting together in this place called the ‘Open Space,’ for he was a teacher who gave space for us students to disagree with him inside and outside his class. There are not many poets who will continue to behave friendly with someone who tells them that they dislike their poems,” said Athmaraman, one of his students.
Translations
Poet Savithri Rajeevan remembered how he once translated some of her poems to English during a visit to her house, when she was yet to make a name in the literary world. Another of his students pointed at his contributions in getting many Malayalam writers translated to English.
“He wanted all of the good writers from the language to be read outside. He made sure that he got them translated,” she said. Poet Satchidanandan spoke about one of Ayyappa Panikker’s classic poems ‘Kurukshethram’ and the way it revolutionised the poetic language.
On paintings
Artist B.D. Dethan remembered his writings on a series of paintings. “He was someone who could write at depth about anything ranging from Sopana sangeetham and Krishnanaattam to paintings and literature,” he said.
Poet Prabha Varma recollected the famous ‘Vayyappa panikker’ comment. “An award ceremony was held at his home since he was bedridden. After the photographers had clicked him receiving the award, he told them to mention his name in the caption as ‘Vayyappa Panikker’, hinting at his ill health,” he said.
Contemporaries, students recall interesting anecdotes about poet.
