The memories of artist Asanthan will reverberate across venues of the latest edition of Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) arts fest beginning here next week.
The organisers have decided to name the fest ‘Asantham’ as a tribute to the noted artist, who died here on January 31. ‘Asantham’ also reflected the growing intolerance across the country promoted by fascist forces, they said.
“By naming stage one at Rajendra Maidan as Asanthan Nagar, we want to register our protest against those who showed disrespect to the body of the artist when it was taken to the nearby Durbar Hall Art Centre for the public to pay homage,” said V.M. Junaid, general convener of the festival organising committee.
The varsity arts fest organisers said they wanted to bring in a political perspective to the festival of arts attended by about 7,000 students by naming it ‘Asantham’. “In a way, it also reflected the unrest and intolerance unleashed by fascist forces in the name of religion, caste and colour,” they said.
190 colleges
About 7,000 students from over 190 affiliated colleges of the Mahatma Gandhi University will attend the fest beginning here on March 9. Besides the main venue at Rajendra Maidan, the festival will be held at Ernakulam Maharaja’s College and Government Law College.
It was four years ago that the university arts fest was held in Kochi. The organisers said the registration for various on and off-stage competitions started from Thursday evening. The participants have to register online through www.mgkalolsavam.in. They have to make registrations through the colleges concerned. The last date for submitting the applications is March 7. More details may be had from 9048364036 and 7594852936.
