The auspicious occasion of Chowallur Krishnankutty’s 80th birthday was an event that Guruvayoor and its cultural society would cherish for years to come. The two-day celebration turned out to be a confluence of artists, writers, film personalities, musicians and other dignitaries, and artistic performances covering all genres. It saw a galaxy of eminent personalities sharing their memories and commemorating the contributions that Chowallur made to a multitude of sectors ranging from journalism to devotional music.

Held on August 28 and 29, 2016 at Guruvayoor Townhall, the birthday celebration was attended by friends, family members and representatives from all walks of life. Many esteemed personalities visited his residence to wish him well ahead of the official event. Veteran actor Madhu, director Sathyan Anthikkad and Kummanam Rajasekharan were among the eminent guests who visited Chowallur in advance with their birthday greetings.

To commence the event an enchanting Panchavadyam, led by Annamanada Parameshwara Marar, Chottanikkara Vijayan, and Thichoor Mohanan, gave accompaniment to the ‘prasadam’ from Guruvayoor temple to the venue.

“Chowallur is the embodiment of vernacular language and culture, and the true reflection of Kerala’s heritage” was how Kerala Assembly Speaker Sreeramakrishnan described the much-acclaimed journalist-writer-lyricist-scenarist at the inaugural function. Guests on the first day of the celebration included Minister V.S. Sunilkumar, K.V. Abdul Khader MLA, Therambil Ramakrishnan, Prof M. Madhavankutty, Mathrubhumi Managing Director P.V. Chandran, Anjam Madhusoodhan Namboothiri, Thanthri Azhakath Shastra Sharman Namboothiri, P.P.P Namboothiri and Jayaraj Warrier among others.

The devotional music programme by T.S Radhakrishnan had eminent singers P. Jayachandran, Madhu Balakrishnan and Jayashree Rajeev soulfully singing the songs penned by Chowallur. Making the event highly endearing, renowned singer K.J Yesudas who has immortalised many a devotional song written by Chowallur, including the timeless “Oru neramenkilum kaanaathe vayyente..” shared his wishes over the phone and the audience of the’Krishnakripasagaram’ event were thrilled to hear that divine voice. T

The second day’s programmes started with Ashtapadi, Keli and Nadaswaram recital that moved on to a mesmerising Panchavadyam by Padmasri Peruvanam Kuttan Marar.

It was followed by a session on Media and Art which was inaugurated by Thomas Jacob, Editorial Director of Malayala Manorama. Renowned author C. Radhakrishnan presided over the programme which was attended by Dr P. Madhava Warrier of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, and T. Haridas from London. Of the eight books which were released as part of the celebration, two were released in this session.

More than 1500 guests were part of the birthday feast which was made more memorable by the Pancha Thayambaka that followed it, led by Kalloor Ramankutty Marar and Poroor Unnikrishnan.

A panel discussion of Chowallur’s friends was the next programme as the celebration moved forward. Director Shaji N. Karun, V.K Sreeraman, Madambu Kunjukkuttan, musician Vidyadharan, P.V Gangadharan of Grihalakshmi Productions, lyricist R. K Damodharan, Padmasri Mattannur Sankarankutty, Padmasri Kalamandalam Gopi, P. Balaram, Padmasri Dr P.R Krishnakumar of Coimbatore Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, and A.S Madhavan, Flyjac, Mumbai were the key speakers.

The two-day event came to a close with a valedictory function that was inaugurated by M.T. Vasudevan Nair. “Chowallur truly derseves the description of a multi-faceted personality”, MT said at the programme that was presided over by Artist Namboothiri. MT released “Ormakalude Uthirmanikal” a book written by Chowallur. Therafter he presented a memento to Chowallur on behalf of the forum of people who organised this memorable event. The Kathakali performance of Kalamandalam Gopi, Nalacharitham Naalam Divasam, offered the befitting conclusion to the two-day programme in honour of a person who played a key role in the promotion of art and culture in Kerala.