 |
P.J.Cherian
( Ed ) Essays on the Cultural Formation of Kerala literature, Art, Architecture, Music, Theatre, Cinema |
T.K. Ramakrishnan
Minister for Cultural Affairs
Chairman, Advisory Board
Kerala Gazetteers.
I am extremely happy that the long delayed publication of this volume of the State Gazetteer series - Essays on the Cultural Formation of Kerala - Literature, Art, Architecture, Music, Theatre and Cinema is coming through now. As the minister for Cultural Affairs, I have felt the writing of forewords to be one of my more pleasant duties.
I understand that this volume discusses the various strands that constitute the cultural formation of Kerala. It is a collaborative effort in which a number of experts from various areas have participated. A casual perusal tells me that this collection of essays will be a significant contribution to the area of cultural studies.
Though I am no expert to comment on these essays I have a desire that they should help us all to analyse the contemporary age. My own involvement in the cultural sphere has provided me valuable insights and contributed to my understanding of life and society. No other activity has provided me the same kind of internal disturbance, rage and refinement. Cultural activity, I am convinced, can be a crucial warfront of people's struggles. I hope this volume carries sparks of this liberative element.
I congratulate the new State Editor and his team for all the efforts they have taken for the publication of this work. This, I hope, will be an asset to all those who want to seriously study the cultural formation of Malayalees.
| 25-3-1999 |
T.K.
Ramakrishnan. |