O.V. Vijayan’s works blend rural realism, progressive thought and modernity, says N.S. Madhavan

The Ahalia Literary Forum and O.V. Vijayan Smaraka Samiti came together on Tuesday to commemorate legendary writer O.V. Vijayan. Writer N.S. Madhavan inaugurated the programme. Smaraka Samiti chairperson T.K. Narayanadas presided over the function. Literary forum convener R.V.K. Varma welcomed the gathering.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Madhavan said Vijayan’s writings were marked by a unique blend of rural realism, progressive thought and modernity. “He was a writer who changed the course of Malayalam literature,” he said.

M. Sivakumar read excerpts from Vijayan’s short story Kadaltheerathu. Manoj Veettikkad pointed out the strong influence of Vijayan’s works on social, political and cultural spheres, while Karivelloor Murali said that his language and imagination continued to inspire creative expression even today.

T.K. Sankaranarayanan observed that every writer has ties to both their ‘native land’ and ‘other lands,’ and Vijayan reflected these influences in a balanced manner in his works. K.P. Mohanan described Vijayan’s writings as independent literary universes, while E. Santhosh Kumar pointed out the Tamil influences and socio-cultural nuances in his language.

Cartoonist E.P. Unni presented Vijayan’s cartoons, explaining how they conveyed social and political truths through simple lines and layered meanings. Raghunathan Parali said compassion formed the core of Vijayan’s creations, and E.P. Rajagopalan added that he was a master of strategic language use who awakened an extraordinary sensibility in Malayalam literature. Nemam Pushparaj said that memories of Palakkad continued to resonate strongly in both Vijayan’s writings and cartoons.

Former Kerala Sahitya Akademi president Vaishakhan inaugurated the valedictory session. Writer Rajesh Menon welcomed the gathering, and O.V. Vijayan Smaraka Samiti secretary T.R. Ajayan presided over the function. Radhika C. Nair and P.K. Rajashekaran spoke. Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology principal P.R. Suresh proposed a vote of thanks.