Rich tributes were paid to eminent poet and academician Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri on the occasion of his 80th birthday on Monday.
Enthused by his rare presence despite his ill health, his contemporaries, students, well-wishers and budding poets thronged the Bharat Bhavan premises to extend their greetings.
The day-long programme witnessed several noted poets and littérateurs offering felicitations, reciting and analysing the various facets of some of Prof. Namboothiri’s celebrated works including Ujjayiniyile Rappakalukal.
The celebration got under way with singer Bhavana Radhakrishnan reciting Sree Bhadareesha Suprabhatham, composed by the man of the moment. Academician and Carnatic vocalist K. Omanakutty formally inaugurated the event later. Poets K.V. Ramakrishnan, Prabha Varma, V. Madhusoodanan Nair and writer Anand Kavalam were among those who spoke on the occasion.
Poetry recital
Later, a poetry recital session witnessed many poets led by Prof. Madhusoodanan Nair presenting the noted works of Prof. Namboothiri including Pithrayanam. Others including Pathmadas, Girish Puliyoor, Murali Puranattukara, Aryambhika, Anagha, Gayathri Sucheechandran and Sumesh Krishnan also recited poems. During the valedictory session that had Prof. Namboothiri as well as noted poet-activist Sugathakumari in attendance, Vaikiyo Njan , a book written by his elder daughter Adithi on him, was formally launched by Prabha Varma, who presented the first copy to Bharat Bhavan member secretary Pramod Payyannur.
Another book on Chithrakedu Vijayam ‘Aattakatha’, penned by Prof. Namboothiri’s grandfather Sheeravalli Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri, was launched by Prof. Madhusoodanan Nair.
Writers George Onakkoor, Sreedevi Kakkad, Additional Director General of Police B. Sandhya, and Kathakali artiste Nelliyode Vasudevan Namboothiri were present.
A Kathakali rendition of the ‘Aattakatha’ was later staged, bringing down the curtains on the festivities. The presentation featured Prof. Namboothiri’s younger daughter Aparna.
