The Government Vocational Higher Secondary School at Cherpulassery has converted its compound wall into a giant work of art that has the potential to ignite the curiosity of the world.
Art lovers from countries such as Hungary, Austria, the U.S. and Israel visited Cherpulassery recently and stood in awe as they read the word ‘peace’ embossed on the wall in their languages.
250 languages
As they rightly named, it is a Wall of Peace. The word ‘peace’ has found expressions on the wall in 250 world languages. Conceived and executed by renowned artist Suresh K. Nair from Banaras Hindu University with the help of his students, the wall has captured the struggle for freedom as its chief motif. Done in cement and sand on the 10-ft-high wall at a length of 700 feet, the artwork in dimmed golden shade is a spectacle.
None who passes by this century-old school can miss the Wall of Peace, which won the Eurasia world record for the largest public art project even before its formal inauguration. Done under the banner of the school development committee named SPACE (School Project Aiming Centre of Excellence), the wall seeks to promote freedom and peace among the people.
29 banyan trees
The 29 banyan trees that form a majestic canopy over the wall have added a preternatural charm to the artwork. “The beginning and end of the wall art is done symbolically. The moon is portrayed at the beginning and the sun at the end, indicating our transition from darkness to light, and from bondage to freedom and peace,” said Jose K.J., former Principal of the school. Headmistress Usha Ratnam and Malayalam teacher M.D. Das said that the wall, apart from projecting world peace, was a tribute to the local heroes who embellished the history of Cherpulassery in its march towards freedom and peace. Foremost among the local heroes was the image of freedom fighter Moozhikkunnathu Brahmadathan Namboothiripad.
Raman Ezhuthachan, the old-time school attendant who had been instrumental in planting the famed banyan trees on the campus, has found a place on the wall. So have other heroes, including Narayanan Nair, who had joined the Indian National Army. Cherpulassery’s traditional cultural activity like Kaalavela, and Karalmanna’s famous Pandibhojanam too have found a place on the wall. Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to the region and several other luminaries too are included in the unique mural.
Philanthropists of Cherpulassery have funded the art work that cost a few lakhs of rupees.
