Mammootty inaugurates fifth edition of Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters

Thiruvananthapuram: Actor Mammootty officially inaugurated the fifth edition of the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL 2024) at Kanakakkunnu Palace on Thursday here. 

Inaugurating the festival, Mammootty said, “I have been associated with Mathrubhumi since the day I learned to read. But Mathrubhumi knew me after I became an actor. It is a name that is synonymous with upholding revolutionary stances."

"In this day and age when reading has moved from pages to (Facebook) walls, these literary events are essential for us. Just as the sun acts as a natural purifying agent against germs in the atmosphere, literary fests and dialogues help remove the germs from our mindsets and society at large. More such events should be held, preferably in smaller editions that could reach the remote villages in Kerala. Instead of limiting our world to ourselves, let's use these platforms to share our emotions. It will help remove many poisonous thoughts from society,” he said. 

Writer Sarah Joseph spoke about the significance of plurality in a day and age where voices of dissent are subdued and silenced. Democracy is in danger, and such public spaces of dialogues are where the protest against autocracy begins, she added.

Author and journalist Mansoura Ez-Eldin said that she never takes writing for granted and believes in the power of the written word. "We live where literature is very important. The visions present before us are often clouded, and literature is a bridge that can help us cross various barriers and see the world as it really is."

Mathrubhumi Joint Managing Editor, P.V. Nidhish delivered the welcome speech. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Mathrubhumi Managing Director, M.V. Shreyams Kumar, who also delivered the Chairman's address. 

Mathrubhumi Managing Editor P.V Chandran gave the Chief Patron's address. Mathrubhumi daily and digital editor Manoj K Das delivered the vote of thanks.