‘Beyond Tomorrow' meet moots creative incubator to explore new avenues
Speakers at the conference, which was organised in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Arts Outreach Society (TAOS), observed that the country was having 30 lakh people employed in various economic activities involving talent and skill.
Sanjay Kaul, joint Secretary at the Ministry of Culture who opened the event, pointed out that the Central government had already set up a national creative work database to nurture the creative sector. He said the aim was to create a network of opportunities in the sector.
KSUM Chief Executive Officer Anoop Ambika said the Beyond Tomorrow conference was aimed to announce its full support to the unorganised community that had been handling the creative part in the digital sector. 'Also, it would strive to lend sustainable economic growth to the AI revolutions,' he added.
Sanjoy K. Roy, FICCI Tourism and Cultural Committee C-Chair, pointed out that literary conferences were found contributing 'hugely' to the economy, like any other sector. He observed that Kozhikode would be able to tap its potential as a venue for such events in the State.
Mayor Beena Philip and former Chief Secretary V. Venu were among the key speakers at the inaugural ceremony, which was followed by a series of interactive sessions led by stakeholders from different creative sectors. A 'Tholpavakoothu' show by shadow-puppeteer Ramachandran Pulavar and his son Rajeev was also staged on the occasion.
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The Hindu
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- The Hindu
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3 days ago
- NDTV
Can India Help Pull Putin Away From Xi? Or, Should It?
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New Indian Express
4 days ago
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Tholpavakoothu finds new voice against addiction
PALAKKAD: In the dim glow behind a white screen, leather puppets dance to ancient rhythms. Their gestures are precise, their shadows vivid, and their story - startlingly modern. This is not the tale of Rama and Ravana, as traditionally told. This is the story of a teenager battling addiction. This is Tholpavakoothu for today's world. The centuries-old ritualistic art form of Tholpavakoothu, once confined to the sacred koothumadams (mandapams) of Devi temples in Kerala, has found a powerful new purpose. No longer just a retelling of epics, it is now becoming a poignant messenger in the fight against substance abuse. Traditionally performed during temple festivals, Tholpavakoothu (literally, leather puppet play) is known for its intricately crafted leather puppets, elaborate storytelling, and hypnotic musical rhythms. Performances often stretch over three, with puppeteers narrating the Ramayana in a blend of Malayalam, Tamil and Sanskrit. But today, this ancient form is stepping out of temples and into public spaces - schools, colleges, and community halls - carrying with it stories that resonate deeply with the present. This transformation has been spearheaded by Rajeev Pulavar, a noted puppeteer and son of Padma Shri Ramachandra Pulavar - one of India's most revered Tholpavakoothu artists. 'The shift from mythological to social themes wasn't accidental,' he says. 'It was a response to what we saw around us - young lives destroyed by alcohol and drugs. We realised that if we wanted to save our art, we also have to save our people.' Rajeev developed an original story centred on a teenager caught in the spiral of addiction. Alongside he boy's personal downfall, the narrative also traces the emotional trauma faced by his family. Since its debut on June 22, the performance has been staged more than 30 times across Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Alappuzha. 'The reception has been overwhelming,' says Rajeev. 'Young audiences especially were deeply moved. They see themselves or someone they know in the characters.'
