Tirur: For 70 years, the Paragon Arts Society in Tirur has thrived in the attic of an old building in Pungottukulam, where melodies and rhythms have echoed through generations. One can almost picture the countless artists who once climbed those narrow stairs to fill the space with song.

 M S Baburaj, Vincent, Kozhikode Abdul Khadar, Ustad Shah, Mannissery Hameed and Pottachola Abdurahman - the list goes on. Music has continued uninterrupted at Paragon, operating from that attic for 70 years. Now, the 70th anniversary celebrations are underway.

Paragon Arts Society was founded on November 9, 1955, by a group of 13 art enthusiasts, including K M Kasim, K Radhakrishnan, and K A Raheem. Over the years, the society became a hub for drama and music, with the sound of percussion never ceasing. Renowned dramatists and actors such as P J Antony, Thilakan, N N Pillai, Shankarady, S L Puram Sadanandan, Thoppil Bhasi, K T Muhammed, C O Anto, and Tirur Vijayan have staged memorable productions at Paragon.

Musical instruments used by maestros like Baburaj for composing melodies are still preserved here. Handwritten manuscripts of literary giants such as S K Pottakkad, Thoppil Bhasi and rare drama scripts are carefully safeguarded. Today, the club boasts a collection of nearly 1,000 books.

As part of the 70th anniversary, efforts are on to establish a history museum and digital library, along with a much-needed facelift for the building. A grand celebration is planned for April, and Paragon is actively publicising the event, promising evenings filled with music in Pungottukulam.

The anniversary programme is packed with events: a ghazal concert by singer Abhilash today; a concert by Mappilakala Academy tomorrow; a programme by Samskara Kalasamskarika Vedhi on December 27; a concert by Beats of Tirur on the 28th; a cultural evening by Lalithakala Samithi on the 29th; a performance by singers from Tirur on the 30th; and a musical showcase by Paragon artists on the 31st. Senior artist Seltty Tirur will also be honoured at today’s function, said club president Nisar Paragon.