Beypore (Kozhikode): The ‘Akasha Mittayi’ memorial dedicated to legendary Malayalam writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer was opened to the public here on Sunday, marking the completion of the first phase of the project and the launch of its second phase. Tourism and Public Works Minister P A Mohammed Riyas inaugurated the first phase and flagged off further works, with Mayor O Sadasivan presiding over the function.
Renowned actor and director Prakash Raj, who attended the event as chief guest, shared a deeply personal connection to the occasion. He later said the experience of visiting Basheer’s home ahead of the function was emotionally overwhelming and beyond words.

 

Addressing the gathering, Minister Mohammed Riyas said Akasha Mittayi had taken shape as the collective dream of people across the world who cherish humanity and literature, values central to Basheer’s life and writings. He noted that the completion of the first phase was made possible not only through government intervention but also through the committed efforts of many individuals. The memorial, he said, would evolve into a space that encourages people to see fellow human beings with empathy and dignity.
 

Mayor O Sadasivan said the project was a matter of pride for Kozhikode, while Basheer’s son Anees Basheer thanked the state government and minister for taking a firm and principled stand in shaping the memorial.