The 21{+s}{+t}death anniversary of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer was observed under the aegis of the Trivandrum Women Writers’ Forum at Manaveeyam Veedhi with a touch of novelty.
In an attempt to recreate the surroundings associated with the legendary writer and his stories, the organisers conducted the programme under a canopy with items including a gramophone, a bunch of the ‘Poovan’ variety of banana as well as a goat (the central character in the writer’s novel ‘ Pathummayude Aadu ’ was a goat).
A mangosteen sapling was also planted as part of the function with reference to the writer’s well-known pastime of sitting under a mangosteen tree in the compound of his house at Beypore.
The sapling was planted by a child named Thankam (the name of Basheer’s first story was ‘ Ente Thankam’ ) and noted poet Sugathakumari.
Inaugurating the observance, Ms. Sugathakumari said Malayalam literature was immensely indebted to Basheer and would remain so. “He was a person of several unique qualities. Even while being disturbed with the degradation our society suffered, he always wore an unwavering smile and remained optimistic that everything happened for a good reason.
He is known for his compassion towards all beings. While being a Muslim, Basheer also regarded nature as another god that could not be ignored for one’s selfish gains. There cannot be a better memorial than a mangosteen tree,” she said.
Former Forest Minister Binoy Viswam said one of Basheer’s greatest gifts towards mankind was his thought that humans were not the sole inheritors of the earth.
A book, ‘Basheer Enna Anugraham’, written by K.A. Beena, was also released by Ms. Sugathakumari. The first copy of the book was handed over to writer Susmesh Chandroth.
Writers Chandramathi and O.V. Usha, and forum office-bearer Geetha Nazeer were among those who participated in the function.
