Writer Vaishakhan flags rise of superstition, calls for women's representation in Kerala Sahitya Akademi

Writer Vaishakhan has voiced concern over what he described as the growing sway of superstition in society, observing that even people with a scientific outlook are now turning to astrology. He was speaking in Wadakkanchery on Sunday after receiving the V.K. Narayanabhattathiri Memorial Award, instituted by the Sree Kerala Varma Public Library.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Vaishakhan said literature once played a significant role in shaping social awareness, but literary works are no longer studied with the seriousness and continuity they merit. Reading, he said, is the most important factor in nurturing imagination, and he cautioned that incomplete or distorted readings of literary works can lead to their being misunderstood.

He also pushed back against the narrow labels attached to writers. Noting that only about 30 of his nearly 200 stories are railway stories, he said he continues to be described as a "railway story writer", much as writers such as Kovilan and Nandanar, who wrote about the military, were similarly categorised.

The pursuit of positions and official designations, he added, can itself become an obstacle to creative writing.

Turning to institutional representation, Mr. Vaishakhan pointed to the inadequate presence of women in the leadership of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi. A woman has held the chair of the Akademi only once, he said, and women should now raise their voice for greater representation.

The award, instituted by the Sree Kerala Varma Public Library along with the V.K. Narayanabhattathiri Memorial Trust, honours senior writers for their overall contribution to literature. It comprises a citation, a plaque and books worth ₹10,000 chosen by the recipient.

State Library Council president Dharmaraj Adat presented the award. He described V.K. Narayanabhattathiri, a scholar and Vedic scholar of the renaissance period, as a visionary who showed nearly nine decades ago how reading could create "springs of renewal".

Xavier Chittilappilly, MLA, inaugurated the memorial event, which was presided over by library president V. Murali. Writer and District Judge A.M. Basheer was the chief guest.

At the function, Mr. Vaishakhan released Kaalathinte Kanalvazhikal, a short-story collection by library activist Geetha Divakaran, handing over a copy to Wadakkanchery municipality chairperson Mini Aravindan.