The literary and cultural scene of Mumbai’s Malayalee community is set to mark an important milestone, with the Sahitya Vedi in Matunga entering its 60th year. The organisation, which has played a significant role in nurturing Malayalam literary activities in Mumbai, continues to provide a platform for writers, poets, journalists and literary enthusiasts.
At a recent meeting of the Sahitya Vedi Sangam held in October, tributes were paid to late V. T. Vasudevan, a long-standing associate of the Vedi and president of the V. T. Gopalakrishna Memorial Trust. The gathering recalled his contributions and his close association with the literary activities of the organisation.
The meeting also witnessed the election of C. H. Gopalakrishnan as the new Convener of the Sahitya Vedi. The proceedings reflected the organisation’s continuing commitment to keeping literary discussions and creative activities alive among the Malayalam-speaking community in Mumbai.
Two short stories by noted writer and journalist Kattoor Murali were presented at the meeting, which was chaired by Madhu Nambiar. S. Harilal inaugurated the literary discussion.
Kattoor Murali addressing the gathering
Kattoor Murali, who has had a long association with journalism in Mumbai, spoke about his approach to writing and the inspiration behind his stories. He said that he had attempted to portray in his writings the images of urban life that he has seen and experienced as a journalist in Mumbai. His stories reflect the city’s diverse social environment and the experiences of people living and working in the metropolis.
The literary gathering brought together several prominent personalities associated with Mumbai’s Malayalam literary and cultural circles. Among those who participated were C P Krishnakumar, Joy Guruvayur, Balan Thripunithura (Balaji ), Rajan, Adv. Rajkumar, Ambili Krishnakumar, M. Vijayan Pillai, Leena Nair, S. Shilpa, E. A. S. Sajeevan, Dr. P. P. Radhakrishnan, P. Viswanathan, Mohan C. Nair, P. V. Jayashankar, E. Harindranath, A. K. Jayachandran, T. Suresh Kumar, C. H. Gopalakrishnan, Premarajan Nambiar, Jyothi Panicker, Bindu Priyan, Harikumar Kurup and Prakash Kattakada.
C. H. Gopalakrishnan
K. P. Vinayan, Convener, and several other literary enthusiasts also participated in the programme.
The 60th year of the Sahitya Vedi is particularly significant as it represents six decades of sustained literary engagement in Mumbai. Over the years, such forums have provided Malayalee writers and readers living away from Kerala with opportunities to meet, exchange ideas, present their works and remain connected with Malayalam language and literature.
The milestone also highlights the continuing presence of Malayalam literary activity in Mumbai, where generations of writers, journalists, poets and cultural activists have contributed to the growth of the language and its literary traditions.
The Sahitya Vedi’s entry into its 60th year is therefore not merely a celebration of an organisation, but also a reminder of the rich literary legacy built by generations of Mumbai Malayalees.