Reading culture shaped Kerala’s humanism and secularism: K. Jayakumar - The HinduPublished - August 01, 2026 07:43 pm IST - KOLLAMAuthor K Jayakumar inaugurating the programme ‘Tarangam – Ezhuthum Vaayanayum’ in Kollam.Author, poet, and lyricist K. Jayakumar has said that Kerala owes its defining identity of humanism and secularism to its rich book-reading culture.He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Tarangam – Ezhuthum Vaayanayum’, a monthly event jointly organized by the P.N. Panicker Foundation, Kollam District Administration, and the General Education Department at V Park, Kollam, aimed at preserving the reading tradition across generations.Emphasizing the transformative power of literature, Jayakumar observed that writing finds its true purpose only when it is read. “Reading is essential for understanding life and the era one lives in. The medium does not matter as long as the quality of reading remains high,” he said. Presiding over the function, District Collector Anie Jula Thomas said that the future and hope of the country rest upon a generation that understands the depth of knowledge.The event, which saw active participation from school students and teachers, featured recitations and renditions of poems and songs by Vayalar Ramavarma and K. Jayakumar. A discussion was also held on Vayalar Ganarachanayile Gandharvam, a book authored by K. Jayakumar, which was formally introduced to the audience by publisher K. G. Ajith Kumar. Organizing committee convener K. S. Jyothi, along with members Dr. R. Maniappan, G. R. Krishna Kumar, S. K. Padmaja, B. Uthaman, and A. S. Sugathakumari, also addressed the gathering.Published - August 01, 2026 07:43 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }