Poet, lyricist and filmmaker P. Bhaskaran was a multi-faceted personality whose works continue to inspire society at a time when the country is facing challenging days, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said.
Speaking after unveiling the statue of P. Bhaskaran at Manaveeyam Veedhi on Tuesday, Mr. Vijayan said the cultural icon had pledged his life to the cause of the common man. “He was a crusader since his young days, when he had to quit his collegiate education to take part in the Quit India movement. Despite being jailed various times, he stood steadfast with the Communist movement and was regarded a great revolutionary who could inspire many through his words. Besides, his song ‘Vayalar Garjikkunnu’ that he had written in the aftermath of the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising had instilled confidence, despite being banned by the Dewan of Travancore. There was nothing that could defeat his resolve,” Mr. Vijayan said.
He added that Malayalam cinema owed much to P. Bhaskaran for his contributions, the most notable being the film Neelakkuyil , which he co-directed with Ramu Kariat. It was for the film that the State received its first President’s Silver Medal for the Best Film. Mr. Vijayan said the statue would ensure that his memories remained alive as he appealed in one of his celebrated poems ‘Orkkuka Vallapozhum.’
Minister for Cultural Affairs A.K. Balan, in his presidential address, said it took the State nine years to realise the dream of erecting a sculpture in honour of P. Bhaskaran. He added the government would establish cultural complexes in each district as part of its efforts to revive cultural art forms.
Street cinema
Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman Kamal said efforts were on to introduce the concept of ‘street cinema’ across the State. “Manaveeyam Veedhi, which is widely considered the city’s cultural corridor, will soon become the venue of screenings every weekend. Similar spaces will be identified in all districts,” he said. Singer K.J. Yesudas was the chief guest. Sculptor Jeevan Thomas was felicitated.
