Thiruvananthapuram: In a tribute to the writer M T Vasudevan Nair who passed away recently, the General Education Department has renamed the main venue of the 63rd Kerala School Kalolsavam as MT-Nila.

This change aims to honour both the celebrated author and his beloved river, Nila, which held a special place in his heart and works. Previously, the venue at the Central Stadium was to be named Bharathapuzha, another name for the same river. However, under the direction of Education Minister V Sivankutty, the organisers have opted for the more evocative Nila to reflect MT's enduring connection to the water body.

Adding to the tribute, a famous quote by M T Vasudevan Nair that "more than the vast oceans impregnated with innumerable wonders, I love the Nila that I know'', will feature prominently at the main venue and its entrance.

All 25 festival venues of the State School Arts festival, which is slated to begin at Thiruvananthapuram on January 4 , have been named after rivers in the state.