NewKerala.com

Malayalam Writer KP Ramanunni Shares Literary Journey at World Book Fair 2026

Sahitya Akademi organized a Face-to-Face programme featuring eminent Malayalam writer and Sahitya Akademi Award winner KP Ramanunni at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026. Ramanunni shared insights into his literary journey and read from his short story 'MTP', which explores a medical termination of pregnancy. The event also included a panel discussion on India's Intellectual Traditions with professors Rawail Singh, Harekrishna Satapathy, and Basavaraj Kalgudi as speakers. Both sessions were well-attended by students, teachers, writers, and literature enthusiasts.

Key Points: Sahitya Akademi Hosts Author KP Ramanunni at World Book Fair

  • KP Ramanunni shared his literary life
  • He read from his story 'MTP' on pregnancy termination
  • Panel discussed India's intellectual heritage
  • Event was held at Bharat Mandapam during the book fair
2 min read

Sahitya Akademi organises face-to-face and story reading programmes at New Delhi World Book Fair 2026

Sahitya Akademi's Face-to-Face with writer KP Ramanunni and panel on India's intellectual traditions drew crowds at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026.

"he was simultaneously reading spiritual and communist literature, which led to inner conflict - KP Ramanunni"

New Delhi, January 16

Sahitya Akademi organised a Face-to-Face programme and a Panel Discussion on India's Intellectual Traditions, during the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 at Hall No. 2 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

According to the Ministry of Culture, in the Face-to-Face programme, KP Ramanunni, an eminent Malayalam writer and Sahitya Akademi Award winner, participated and shared insights into his literary life and work. He mentioned that he hails from Kozhikode, a city recognised by UNESCO as India's first and only City of Literature.

During the session, he read excerpts from his Malayalam short story 'MTP', the medical term for termination of pregnancy, which was translated into English by Abu Bakar Kaba. Written in the form of a play and divided into seven segments, the story explores the intense human drama surrounding a medical termination of pregnancy, drawing from the author's own life experiences. Reflecting on his literary journey, Ramanunni spoke about his formative years, stating that as a teenager, he was simultaneously reading spiritual and communist literature, which led to inner conflict and psychiatric consultation. Although the treatment proved futile, the experience inspired him to find solace and expression through writing.

The Face-to-Face programme was followed by a Panel Discussion on India's Intellectual Traditions, with Prof. Rawail Singh, Prof. Harekrishna Satapathy, and Prof. Basavaraj Kalgudi as panellists. Rawail Singh discussed Punjab's intellectual heritage, tracing it from the ancient centre of learning at Takshashila to Nath Yogis, Sufism, and Sikhism. Prof. Harekrishna Satapathy compared ancient and contemporary education systems, referring to Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh as the Aadigurus, and recited a shloka from the Vedas. Prof. Basavaraj Kalgudi spoke on peripheral knowledge systems, categorising them into oral and written traditions, and highlighted the significance of tribal and agrarian wisdom traditions in ancient India.

Both programmes were well received by the audience, comprising students, teachers, writers, and literature enthusiasts, and witnessed meaningful interaction and discussion. Sandeep Kaur, Assistant Editor, proposed the vote of thanks on behalf of Sahitya Akademi.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The panel discussion on India's Intellectual Traditions is exactly what we need more of. Prof. Rawail Singh tracing Punjab's heritage from Takshashila is fascinating. It's high time we celebrated our own knowledge systems instead of looking westwards for validation. Jai Hind!
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the initiative, I wish there was more diversity in the panel. The discussion on peripheral knowledge systems is crucial, but were any representatives from the tribal communities themselves present to speak? Their wisdom should be shared by them, not just about them.
S
Sarah B
As an expat visiting the book fair, this was the highlight for me. Ramanunni's candid talk about his inner conflicts and finding solace in writing was so relatable. It's amazing how literature transcends borders. Kudos to the translators too, like Abu Bakar Kaba, for bridging the gap.
K
Karthik V
Kozhikode being a UNESCO City of Literature is a proud moment for all Keralites and Indians! 🎉 More such events should be held across different states to highlight our rich linguistic diversity. When will we have a Tamil or Bengali writer in the Face-to-Face programme?
N
Nikhil C
The part about comparing ancient and contemporary education systems is thought-provoking. We had the guru-shishya parampara, now we have crowded classrooms. Maybe we need to find a middle path that incorporates the depth of the old with the accessibility of the new.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50