Mahakavi Vallathol birth anniversary: Managalam panchayat to conduct Vallathol literature fest

Tirur: “I will not accept this pattum valayum (silk over cloth and ornamental golden bangle presented as symbols of honour by the king) as long as my country doesn’t receive freedom,” proclaimed great poet Vallathol, refusing to accept the honour given by the Prince of Wales.

He expressed his great love and admiration for his country in the lines, “Bharathamenna Peru Kettalabhimanapoorithamakanam Antharangam, Keralemennu Kettalo Thilakkanam Chora Namukku Njarambukalil” (The word Bharat should invoke pride in our hearts while our blood should boil with love hearing the word Keralam). Readers and poetry enthusiasts read out these lines as loud as they could, exhibiting their love and honour for the motherland. 

October 16 is celebrated as Mahakavi Vallathol’s birth anniversary. Vallathol Narayana Menon was born as the youngest child of Vallathol Kozhiparambil Kuttiparu Amma and Mallissery Damodaran on October 16 1878, in Vallathol Kondayoor house in Mangalam Chennara. He learned Sanskrit from his uncle Ramanunni Menon and the philosophy of dialectics from Kaikulangara Rama Warrier. Narayanan stepped into the world of poetry when he was only 12 years old. His bold and expressive poetry earned him the title of Mahakavi (great poet). 

 Narayana Menon was inspired by his love for his motherland, Gandhiji, national movement, Kathakali, arts and poetry. He was honoured by countless awards and recognitions for his excellent contribution to poetry and literature.

Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales decided to honour the poet by presenting the iconic Pattum Valayum. However, Vallathol was adamant that he wouldn’t accept this honour unless his country is free from clutches of foreign rule. 

Vallothol wrote many poems that exuded with patriotic fervour like the ‘Pora Pora Nalil Nalil’ that filled the freedom fighters with renewed energy. The first time Vallathol went to meet Gandhiji, he couldn’t see the Mahatma.

Sad and dejected, he wrote that he missed the chance to prostate in front of the Mahatma due to huge crowds. Later, Vallathol was able to meet Gandhiji during the historic Vaikom Satyagraha.

Gandhiji asked the poet, “Do you know how to make thread on the spinning wheel?” Vallathol replied, “No, we poets are creatures of imagination; we can only make others spin the wheel”. Gandhiji then said, “Tagore too says the same”. 

The great poet’s memories are still preserved in his ancestral home at Kondayoor Chennara. The room in which Vallathol was born, his cradle and clock that was gifted to him could still be seen here.

Meanwhile, Mangalam panchayat is organising a literature fest at Chennara from today onwards to celebrate Vallathol’s birth anniversary.