Former Parliamentarian M.P. Abdussamad Samadani has said that Vaikom Muhammad Basheer had a major role in introducing literature to the masses.
Speaking at ‘Immini Balya Sulthan’, the 25th death anniversary observance of the writer here on Saturday, Mr. Samadani said Basheer deconstructed the concept of literature in Malayalam.
“His talent was similar to the ocean; sometimes turbid, sometimes calm,” he said, adding that contemporary Malayalam literature did not measure up to the standards of Basheer who adapted the life of common people into his writings. “Literature is not to be dictated by those who live in palaces. It belongs to the common man,”Mr. Samadani added.
Basheer Awards
The Basheer Awards were presented on the occasion. The award winners include Baburaj Music Academy Principal K.X. Treesa, actor and producer Ibrahim Kutty, actor and filmmaker Madhupal and Shanthigiri Publications deputy editor Anil Cherthala.
Special awards for debutant writers were given to Raveendran Irinavu ( Aaram Indriyam ) and Reshma Nishad ( Inninte Novu ).
The prizes were presented by Transport Minister A.K. Saseendran along with Mr. Samadani.
Social critic M.N. Karassery who wrote Basheer Mala , a brief biography of the writer, music director K.V. Abootty, P.C. Harish who directed a play Soja Rajakumari featuring Basheer’s characters and Thalipparamba municipality librarian V.V. Vijayan were honoured on the occasion.
Staging of Mr. Harish’s play Pathummayude Aadu and a musical night featuring songs from movies based on Basheer’s works were part of the celebrations organised by Vaikkom Muhammed Basheer Anusmarana Vedi and Chavara Cultural Centre.
