New leadership for Keralam’s cultural institutions after four-month vacuum

Following a leadership vacuum that had persisted for over four months, the government of Keralam has taken decisive action to fill key positions within its major cultural institutions. Prominent individuals from diverse fields have been appointed to lead these organizations, restoring stability and ensuring the continued growth and development of Kerala's cultural landscape.

Kalpetta Narayanan, a renowned poet, writer, and public speaker, has been appointed chairman of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi, while M.P. Surendran, a writer and journalist, has been named its new secretary. G. Venugopal, a celebrated singer and music director, will take the helm as chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. Hemanthkumar, a theatre and cultural activist, has been appointed vice-chairman of the same institution. N.V. Pradeepkumar, a young and energetic secretary, will serve as its new secretary.

Prof. Prakash Moorthy, an internationally acclaimed animator and production designer, will lead the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi as chairman, with T.R. Udayakumar, an accomplished artist, appointed as its vice-chairman. Vaikom M.K. Shibu, a respected member of the cultural community, will serve as secretary. Actor and cultural activist Prem Kumar, who has previously held leadership roles within the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, has been appointed chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC). Alappy Ashraf, a director and producer, will serve as its vice-chairman.

M. Ranjith, a film producer and industry organiser, has been appointed chairman of the Kerala Cultural Activists Welfare Fund Board, which oversees welfare measures for artists and cultural workers. Suresh Babu Elayavoor, a folklore and cultural activist, has been appointed chairman of the Kerala Folklore Academy, with Sreeraman Koyyon, a tribal rights activist and cultural worker, serving as its vice-chairman. Pradeepkumar M. Payyannur, a former secretary of the academy, will return as its member-secretary.

The government's appointments have come at a crucial time, following a prolonged period during which several cultural institutions were operating without full-fledged leadership due to a recent change in government. These appointments are aimed at bringing stability and ensuring the continued progress and growth of Keralam's rich cultural heritage.