Honour for institution and founder

MALAYALAKALAGRAMAM, established at Mahe by A. P. Kunhikannan, is a multi-art complex imparting instructions in classical music, dance, painting and sculpture. Between 1993 and now it has won acclaim and prestige as a premier institution.

This has been possible only through the munificence of Kunhikannan, whose dream it was to start such an art institution and for which he had saved by making many sacrifices. He moved to Chennai 55 years ago and came up through hard work.

Kalagramam, headed by senior artiste M. V. Devan, from time to time organises cultural and literary seminars, poets meet, workshops on writing poetry and stories and also performances of Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music concerts by leading artistes.

Kunhikannan was recently awarded `Ramaassramam' in recognition of his contribution and that of Kalagramam to the cause of culture. He was felicitated in Chennai this past week.

The function attracted considerable response in spite of the tension caused by certain political developments. Dance and music performances by the students of Kalagramam earned appreciation and revealed the institution's teaching capabilities. Dr. Thomas Mathew presented the keynote address on Society-Culture- Movements. The afternoon session had a discussion by scholars from Kerala and Tamil Nadu on the topic. Most of the proceedings was in Malayalam, though a few participants from Chennai spoke in Tamil.

`Garuda', a miniature replica of the monumental steel sculpture by wellknown artist S. Nandagopal, was presented to Kunhikannan as a memento; the original sculpture is at TCI headquarters, Gurgaon.

LAKSHMI VENKATRAMAN

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