Mundakkottukurissi: The village that breathe life into Anitha Nair's stories

In the quaint village of Mundakkottukurissi, Palakkad, one can catch a glimpse of the diverse scenery that has inspired the celebrated writer, Anitha Nair. Seated in the front yard of her ancestral home, one can observe the picturesque landscapes and the daily lives of villagers, akin to characters from her remarkable novels.

For Anitha Nair, Mundakkottukurissi holds a special place in her heart. The village and its people breathe life into the characters she creates in her literary works, often providing a window into their everyday lives. While her real-life village is Mundakkottukurissi, the village depicted in her novels is called Kaikkurishi. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Mundakkottukurissi serves as the backdrop for her latest book, "Bipathu and the Very Big Dream."

Wandering through the village's market, one can still spot the flex boards of the most recent football World Cup. The boys actively participate in sevens events and play spirited games of football on the school grounds. However, the central theme of Anitha Nair's latest book revolves around a question that lingers in the village: why aren't there any girls playing football? The protagonist, Bipathu, carries hints of Anitha Nair's own love for football. 

"Writing a story while being at the location where it is based is difficult for me. I could reflect on the location and its conditions while sitting and writing from a distance. I wrote most of this novel while in Himachal Pradesh. When I think of this place while I'm in a faraway place, a wonderful feeling comes over me," Anitha Nair said. 

Born to the couple PK Soumini and Bhaskaran Nair, Anitha Nair is married to Suresh Parambil, and they reside in Bengaluru. Nevertheless, she maintains a deep bond with her roots and frequently visits her beloved village.

To celebrate the launch of her book, "Bipathu and a Very Big Dream," a special event is planned on Monday at Mundakkottukurissi. The translated version of the book, published by Mathrubhumi Books, will be unveiled by writer TD Radhakrishnan.