Thiruvananthapuram: Renowned writer M Mukundan has cautioned against hastily entering marriage and stressed the need for careful consideration in ‘living together’ relationships, highlighting potential challenges for women in such arrangements. 

Speaking during a session with critic and writer S Gopalakrishnan at the seventh edition of the Malayalam Book and Literature Festival (MBIFL 2026), Mukundan said that while living together can offer personal freedom, it often results in vulnerable situations, including single motherhood, in many contexts.

“Such relationships must be chosen thoughtfully. No matter where life takes you, there should always be a home to return to,” Mukundan said. “Marriage should not be rushed. It is wiser to spend time dating and truly getting to know one another. Even those who claim to have taught others how to love may not have experienced it themselves. Life becomes disorderly without care and understanding.”

The four-day literary festival, inaugurated on Wednesday with the ceremonial hoisting of the festival flag at the historic Kanakakunnu Palace, runs until 1 February. It features a range of discussions, talks, and performances by leading writers and thinkers.

Mukundan’s remarks come at a time when conversations around live-in relationships and personal freedom are gaining traction in India and abroad. He noted that even in Europe, societies are beginning to recognise the limitations and complexities of living together without formal commitment.