Dusted: Video Reveals Negligence At Calicut University Vaikom Mohammed Basheer Chair
Kozhikode, Kerala: As people recollect the legendary writer Vaikom Mohammed Basheer and his legacy during his 31th death anniversary on July 5, 2025, a recent video showed the dire state of Vaikom Mohammed Basheer’s academic department at the University of Calicut.
The video exposed untidy surroundings, dusted environment, misplaced chairs, tables, books and other furniture inside the department, suggesting lack of maintenance from the concerned authorities.
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The Vaikom Muhammad Basheer Chair was established at the university in 1994, dedicated to the studies and translation of the writer’s works. The Chair preserves the books, photos, translations, letters, manuscripts and other properties of Basheer and his contemporary writers. The department used to actively involved in research and studies of Basheer’s works along with the broader cultural aspects of Kerala. However, the negligence of the chair appears to have the outcome of ceased the academic activities in the department.
The video revealed cobwebs and dusted furniture in a dilapidated state, indicating lack of maintenance and raising concerns regarding the future of the department.
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As a man who played a significant role contributing to Malayalam literature, enticing people from all walks of lives who are interested in reading, Bahseer and his is an indispensable part of Kerala history.
Known fondly as the ‘Beypore Sultan,’ Basheer’s writing has crossed language barriers by being translated into various Indian and foreign languages. Acknowledged across India and beyond, the literary giant is a key figure who is unmatched in Malayalam literature and Kerala with his distinct use of language and writing style.
Basheer’s stories often reflect the mirror of human experiences, in addition to penetrating into social issues. He has an extraordinary ability to resonate with readers. Basheer’s writing is distinct by its use of colloquial dialects, simple style, and his ability to blend humor and satire.
Some of his notable works, including Balyakalasakhi, Mathilukal, and Ntuppuppakkoranendarnnu, became classics of Malayalam literature.
The celebrated literary icon was conferred with the Padma Shri award, the fourth-highest civilian award, by the government of India in 1982, recognizing his national prominence.
Apart from being a literary figure, he was a socially active person who participated in the Indian independence movement and other social movements, widening his legacy further.
