PALAKKAD: The state government has decided to sanction another `50 lakh for the O V Vijayan cultural complex being set up in Thazrak village in Kodumbu panchayat in the district, said Cultural Affairs Minister K C Joseph.
He was speaking after dedicating the renovated ‘Njattupura’ to the nation at Thazrak village here on Sunday.
Joseph said that the classic work of O V Vijayan, Khazakinte Ithihasam, is deeply ingrained in the literature and culture of the state. The land which formed the backdrop of the novel, the lifestyle and customs of its inhabitants should be preserved for posterity.
O V Vijayan has immortalised Thazrak village and its native people through his novel.
The Minister said that the O V Vijayan Memorial Committee had received `1 crore in the last four years.
The renovated ‘Njattupura’ is now part of history. The real life counterparts of characters in ‘Khazakinte Ithihasam’, Mymoona and Kittu, were honoured on the occasion by the Minister.
The Minister handed over the keys of renovated ‘Njattupura’ to District Collector P Marykutty at the function.
Prizes were awarded to Subhash V R of University College, Thiruvananthapuram, Soumya P R of Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam and Neetha P M of NSS College, Ottappalam as part of the paper presentation contest organised by O V Vijayan Memorial Committee.
Committee president K Sasikumar presided over the meet. Kodumbu panchayat member K. Janaki spoke.
Memorial committee secretary Azeez Master welcomed the gathering and committee member P Mohana Kumar proposed a vote of thanks.
Legislative Assembly members K Achuthan and Shafi Parambil were among the present.