Literature empowers society to question established norms, says Kanimozhi Karunanidhi
MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi spoke at a memorial lecture about the power of literature to challenge established norms and rigid social systems. She emphasized that literature and the arts are essential tools for youth to understand and question society.
Why it matters
Reflects the intersection of political discourse, education, and the role of humanities in democratic societies.
Literature offers access to the closest version of truth and can empower society to question the rigidities of the existing system, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, MP said here on Monday.
Delivering the third Rev. Dr Jose Joseph Pulavelil Memorial Lecture, organised by the Postgraduate Department of English at Alphonsa College, Pala, on the theme “Literature, Language and Democracy: The Power of the Word”, Ms. Kanimozhi said diversity was the soul of India and that the country’s true strength lay in its unity across caste, class and religion.
Citing Malayalam literary figures Ezhuthachan and Kunjan Nambiar, she said their poetry reflected the politics and power of literature. The power of the word, now amplified through social media and reels, continued to intimidate governments, demonstrating the ability of art to transform society, she said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in