THE online edition of ‘Aathmayanangalude Khasak’, the most comprehensive critical work ever written on litterateur O V Vijayan’s masterpiece ‘Khasakinte Ithihasam’, was released without much clamour. The book, first published in 1984, gained its author, critic and poet M K Harikumar, much praise. Even in its 25th year the book is considered to be a complete and the most indepth analytical study of the renowned novel.
‘Khasakinte Ithihasam’ is a compilation of romanticism and fantasy. It has spirituality as well as the spirit of life in it. The freshness of treatment and the language make it different. “The aesthetic sense and sensuousness of Vijayan are incomparable and that makes him and his novel my favourites,” says Harikumar. ‘Aathmayanangalude Khasak’ has many ‘firsts’ to its credit. It is the first critical book in Malayalam dealing exclusively with a single Malayalam novel.
Also it is the first comprehensive book on ‘Khasakinte Ithihasam’ and its author. ‘Aathmayanangalude Khasak has now become the first book with full text online. It is the first book in Malayalam after which an award is named.
‘Aathmayanangalude Khasak Award for the Latest Trends in Malayalam Literature’ was instituted by Harikumar and his wellwishers to support the new talent in literature.
“For the past 15 years we have been giving this award to unestablished talents in the literary sphere. We don’t consider the ‘big gods’ in the literary circle, but those who are denigrated by the Kerala Sahitya Academy.
The awards are never influenced by any politics,” he adds.
Harikumar has six blogs to his credit, all related to literature. His articles published in his ‘Ezhuth Online’ gained much popularity and he was acknowledged by authors around the world including Reol Eshelman, the German literary theorist, Alan Kirby, a professor in Cambridge University and Ric Lupert, an American poet. “I consider this more important than any awards,” he says.
Quizzed about contemporary critics, he comes out with a very blatant reaction. “I feel pity, I wish I could see a single brave heart among my colleagues. Contemporary criticism nowadays is synonymous with compromising. It’s getting more mechanical each day. We need a revolution here.” ‘Arthangalkidayile Salabam’ (a butterfly between the meanings), a compilation of Harikumar’s articles, is getting published in two weeks. “I write for Kerala Kaumudi too, putting a little more concentration on the online,” the author concludes.
kochi@expressbuzz.com