From Football To Gaza: Chaliyar Literature Fest Opens Conversations Beyond The Shores Of Chaliyar
Vazhakad, Kerala: The Chaliyar Literature Fest, themed “Thira, Theeram, Thiricharivu” (Waves, Shores, and Reflections), began with great enthusiasm at Vazhakad on Saturday, October 25. The festival was inaugurated by renowned poet and literary critic Kalpetta Narayanan, marking the beginning of a two-day celebration of literature, culture, and contemporary thought.
Organised as part of the Vazhakad Panchayat Muslim League Conference, the festival opened with a powerful discussion on the culture of football, a topic that resonated deeply with the local spirit of Malappuram. Chandrika editor Kamal Varadoor shared his experiences covering multiple FIFA World Cup tournaments, vividly portraying the passion of the people who live and breathe the game.
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The session, moderated by P. C Saifudheen from MediaOne, also featured thought-provoking insights from K.T. Ahmadkutty Mavoor, SBT Basheer, and Zubair Vazhakad.
The evening session on literature, moderated by Najma Tabsheer, witnessed a compelling dialogue between P.K. Parakkadavu, O.P. Suresh, and Balakrishnan Olavattur. Parakkadavu reflected on his 2006 publication on Gaza, reminding the audience that “what happens there is not war—it is a relentless genocide.” He emphasized how even then, the killing of children was an unending tragedy inflicted by Israeli aggression.
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The “Kaalikam” (Contemporary Issues) session featured Rahul Easwar and Shareef Sagar, who analyzed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, drawing connections between global events and local intellectual responses.
In the “Kathaparyam” (Storytelling) session, P.T. Muhammad highlighted how history, literature, and journeys remain deeply intertwined, shaping human understanding across generations. The concluding session featured reflections from K.M. Shafi and Mujeeb Rahman Vazhakad.
The inaugural function was presided over by Vaheed Hudavi, with a welcome address by E.T. Rishad. Vazhakad Grama Panchayat President Adv. M.K. Noushad, and League leaders Siddique Master, Mujeeb Master, E.T. Arif, C.T. Rafiq, and T.P. Ashraf also led various sessions, adding to the event’s cultural legacy.
