Malayalakalagramam also known as Santhinekethan of Kerala
Malayalakalagramam, situated in New Mahe in Kerala, was founded by the A.P.Kunhikannan Trust in 1993, with the aim of promoting art, literature and culture in their classic forms. Its activities commenced under the auspices of the trust from 1994 on, by formally offering courses in fine arts, applied arts, performing arts and yoga. School-going children can attend the courses on Saturdays and Sundays.
The fraternity centre of Malayala kalagramam conducts lectures, seminars, in-service programs and periodically undertakes projects in different fields to facilitate the overall development of the arts and to offer concrete platform for creative artists.
FOUNDER AND MANAGING TRUSTEE
A.P.KUNHIKANNAN
The present Managing Trustee of the Kalagramam Sri A.P.Kunhikannan is also its founder. He was at the helm of Western Agencies, Chennai when with the assistance of close friends and associates he ventured to start a centre of art and culture. Late Sri. M.P. Damodaran a freedom fighter and a close associate of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Kamaraj Nadar, Dr. K.B. Menon, one of the most distinguished Socialist Leaders who was an associate of Jayaprakash Narayan and, M.Govindhan a top Intellectual and Poet were some of the many public figures who inspired A.P. Kunhikannan and his life’s work. They were also people with whom he closely associated till they breathed their last. The major inspiration for his endeavour to establish an eminent centre for art and culture however came mainly from M. Govindan‘s life and works.Artists, writers, poets and intellectuals used to gather together at Govindan’s residence in Chennai. Late M.V.Devan, an architect and eminent artist, T.Padmanabhan a great Malayalam short story writer and A.P.Kunhikannan were among those who formed a lasting bond with M.Govindan.It was the creative space this informal gathering brought forth that helped A.P.Kunhikannan to articulate his thoughts about a centre for arts and cultural activities. Late Mr.M.V.Devan played a major role in materializing this dream.
Sri. A . P . Kunhikannan has received the famous “Ramashramam” award in recognition of his works.
In the quietude of passing time, we bid farewell to a luminary, a true custodian of culture, and a beloved friend. AP Kunhikannan, the Managing Trustee of Malayala Kalagramam, has left us at the age of 96, casting a profound shadow of loss upon the literary and cultural landscape of Kerala. His enduring association with legendary writers like Vaikom Muhammed Basheer, MV Devan, and T Padmanabhan bears testament to his deep-rooted commitment to literature and the arts. Kunhikannan’s unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Malayalam literature and culture has been a source of inspiration for generations. His gracious presence, wisdom, and unwavering support for artists and writers will be dearly missed. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the enduring legacy of a man who helped shine a bright light on the treasures of Kerala’s artistic heritage. AP Kunhikannan may have left this world, but his spirit shall forever reside in the hearts and minds of all those he touched.
മനുഷ്യന് എന്ന സുന്ദരപദം
ഇ വി ശ്രീധരന്
Published by GV Books
http://www.gvbooksonline.com
E.V. Sreedharan’s book “Manushyan Enna Sundara Padam” is a biography of Mr. A.P. Kunhikannan, the founder of Malayala Kala Gramam Mahe. The book is a tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the promotion of art and culture in the Mahe region of Kerala.
SCHOLARSHIP SCHEMES & ENDOWMENTS
Malayala Kalagramam issues scholarship schemes and endowments each year for the desired students for pursuing their higher education. Right from the very beginning, many connoisseurs of art and philanthropists expressed their interest to give necessary financial aids. managing. its Malayala Kalagramam was able to raise a scholarship fund of over 8 lakh rupees with the help of art to web Today, hundreds of artists and art aspirants learn various courses here.
TRUST MEMBERS
A.P. KUNHIKKANNAN
(MANAGING TRUSTEE)
A. BALAN
Dr. A.P. SREEDHARAN
A.P. VIJAYAN
Smt. A.P. PREM RAJI PHALGUNAN
