Criticism is as important as other works in the growth of literature. Yet it is unfortunate that this part of literature history is often forgotten, said writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair.
Releasing a freshly published collection of essays by literary critic of yesteryear Vidwan C.S. Nair here on Sunday, MT pointed out the need for the modern-day followers of literature to be aware of its history as well. “We should find the missing links in our literature and language,” he said
The ideas in the writings of C.S. Nair, who died in 1942, were much beyond his times, said writer P. Valsala, president of the Kerala Sahitya Samiti that has brought out the book.
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“Feminism, as we discuss it now, had found a place in C.S. Nair’s writings. Many of the novel streams of thought, used in literature these days, were used by him at a time when they were unheard of,” she added.
Writer K.P. Mohanan, who received the first copy of the book, explained the relevance of C.S..Nair’s writings in the modern times.
“The modern literary societies had maintained that a work of literature should be analysed not just on literary terms, but ones beyond that too. But in the modern scenario, where criticism of literature has become just culture criticism, there is a need to analyse a work of art in pure literary terms,” he said.
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The guests recalled C.S. Nair’s connection with Sanskrit scholar Punnasseri Nambi and the Sanskrit College in Pattambi, from where he hails.
Critic K.P. Sankaran introduced the new book to the audience. C.S. Nair’s family members were present on the occasion.