THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: “IF Kesavadev was active in the present generation, then his contributions in literature and speeches could invite intolerance,” said poet Prabha Varma after receiving the 14th edition of the P Kesavadev Literary award from Governor P Sathasivam here on Wednesday.
“I had never met Kesavadev. But one of his speeches at Thalassery still haunts me. He had said that the epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha should be set on fire. Though he never intended to literally set ablaze the books, he slept on that day peacefully. But if it happens today, we can guess the consequences. So the democratic values that existed in our society is degrading generations after generations,” said Prabha Varma.
At the event, the Governor also handed over the Diabscreen Kerala Kesavadev award to actor Mohanlal for his contributions in the field of public health.The actor was quite emotional as he recalled his relationship with Kesavadev’s family while he was residing at Mudavanmugal at Poojappura in his childhood days. “As Kesavadev’s father and mine were friends I often frequented his residence. I still remember a library in his home. So it’s an honour for me to get an award in his name,” he said.
Sathasivam, in his keynote address, said Kesavadev had given valuable contributions to society and he always worked for the uplift of the downtrodden.“Kesavadev was a literary genius. His characters are full of ordinary people. His narration was extraordinary with emotions of love and compassion. One of his novel ‘Ethirppu’ ( dissent) depicted the society who were ignored in the past”, Sathasivam said.
Cultural Affairs Minister A K Balan who presided over the function said Kesavadev was the first person in the 20th century who gave life to the characters of common man. He also hailed the contributions of Prabha Varma and Mohanlal in their respective fields. Kesavadev ‘s wife Seethalekshmy Dev, son Jothydev, writer George Onakkoor, Sajan Pillai, CEO, UST global were present on the occasion.