THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A journey into the history of Kerala - that’s what the paintings by Nemom Pushparaj offer a visitor.
The social development of a region from the days when women fought for the right to cover their upper bodies to the more recent victory of gaining 50 per cent reservation in local bodies - the paintings cover a vast tract of Kerala history within their frames.
The paintings, part of the cultural events heralding the CPM state conference in the city, are exhibited outside the walls of the University College. The exhibition is capable of conveying the depth and fierceness of the sacrifices made for the progress of Kerala to the younger generation, CPM politburo member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said.
Through his work, Pushparaj recollects the struggle for rights that has marked the history of the state.
The Aruvippuram ‘prathista’ by Sree Narayana Guru and the reformist movements spearheaded by Ayyankali, Vaikuntaswami and Chattambi Swami have found a place in the exhibition.
The birth of the Communist Party, Kerala unit, at Parapram, Pinarayi, the sacrifices made at Kayyur and the Punnapra-Vayalar struggle also find a place in the exhibition. ‘’It is a modest attempt to remember the paths that we have come through, but have forgotten,’’ Nemom Pushparaj said.