Literature empowers society to question established norms, says Kanimozhi Karunanidhi - The HinduUpdated - September 07, 2026 07:15 pm IST - KOTTAYAMLiterature 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.Ms. Kanimozhi also urged the youth to seek an enriching life and engage with literature and the arts as means of understanding society and questioning established norms.The lecture was followed by an interactive session in which students and faculty engaged with the MP.Rev. Dr Joseph Kaniyodickal, college manager, presided over the meeting. Felix Padickamyalil, global president of the World Malayalee Council Youth Forum, and Santhosh Manarcad, vice-president of the World Malayalee Council (India Region), were the special guests.Published - September 07, 2026 07:13 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 }