KOZHIKODE: In a state as multifaceted as Kerala, where every community weaves its unique thread into the grand tapestry, stories often lie untold. Now, a monumental endeavour — Dawnpedia — is in the works to bring such narratives to light.
This is not merely a book or a digital archive. Rather, it is the first-ever comprehensive Malayalam encyclopaedia dedicated to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) which has shaped millions of lives and stood as a formidable pillar within the country’s democratic landscape. IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty released the Dawnpedia logo recently.
IUML’s core mission has always revolved around empowering the Muslim community by fostering their political identity and guiding them along democratic and secular paths, thereby enabling their active participation in nation-building. Dawnpedia, conceptualised by a group of party members, is envisioned as a comprehensive platform for anyone seeking to understand the IUML in its entirety.
The project aims to serve as an invaluable resource for researchers, students, and academics keen on conducting in-depth studies into minority politics. The encyclopaedia will delve into how the IUML has effectively utilised its organisational strength and participation in power for the betterment of society and the nation.
Arif P K, founder of the initiative and the general secretary of IUML, Kuttikattoor region, said, “We are trying to create a database for IUML where all its details are mentioned. By January 2026, we will be able to complete all the content works related to Dawnpedia.
Since the announcement of the initiative, several people have come forward to share their researched content related to the Muslim League.” A dedicated team will cross-check the content before publishing it on the platform, he said.
Further, Arif said: “A key aspect of any movement’s vitality lies in its leadership, and the Muslim League has consistently been blessed with an array of era-defining leaders.”
Dawnpedia will dedicate significant sections to profiling these influential figures. This includes those who have shone brightly in national and state leadership roles, their close associates who excelled at district and constituency levels, and those who worked tirelessly to strengthen the party’s roots at the local level. Their contributions will be documented as “profiles” — detailed sketches of their invaluable roles in the party’s journey.
“As a first-of-its-kind initiative, we are attempting to make it an indispensable tool for understanding the complexities of minority politics and the enduring legacy of the Indian Union Muslim League,” he said.