Literature is society's closest access to truth, says Kanimozhi at Pala lecture
Kanimozhi Karunanidhi says literature offers the closest version of truth and empowers society to question established norms, at a memorial lecture in Pala.
Literature provides society with its closest approximation of truth and equips citizens to challenge the rigidities of existing structures, according to DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi. She was speaking on Monday at the third Rev. Dr Jose Joseph Pulavelil Memorial Lecture, organised by the Postgraduate Department of English at Alphonsa College, Pala.
The lecture, themed "Literature, Language and Democracy: The Power of the Word," saw the MP underscore that India's strength lies in its diversity, with unity across caste, class, and religion forming the nation's true foundation.
Drawing on the works of Malayalam literary figures Ezhuthachan and Kunjan Nambiar, Kanimozhi noted that their poetry embodied the politics and transformative power inherent in literature. She observed that the power of the word, now amplified through social media and short-form video content, continues to unsettle governments, demonstrating art's capacity to drive societal change.
Addressing the youth, she encouraged them to pursue an enriching life by engaging with literature and the arts as tools for understanding society and questioning established norms. The lecture was followed by an interactive session with students and faculty.
Rev. Dr Joseph Kaniyodickal, college manager, presided over the meeting. Felix Padickamyalil, global president of the World Malayalee Council Youth Forum, and Santhosh Manarcad, vice-president of the World Malayalee Council (India Region), attended as special guests.