Asan Memorial, Thonnakkal

The first memorial dedicated by the Kerala government to a poet, Kumaran Asan National Institute of Culture

His poems were very much like this memorial – elegant, meaningful and sublime. Every inch of the Asan memorial speaks a lot about the life and contributions of the great poet and social reformer Kumaran Asan. The first memorial dedicated by the Kerala government to a poet, the Kumaran Asan National Institute of Culture is located in Thonnakkal near the city of Thiruvananthapuram. The memorial is dedicated to him at this birthplace itself and attracts language lovers, scholars and tourists from all walks of life and corners of the world.

Credited with revolutionizing Malayalam poetry at the beginning of the 20th century, Kumaran Asan was one of the triumvirate poets of Kerala who has attained a legendary status. The Asan memorial is spread across three acres of lush green land, which is itself like a beautiful poem. The compound contains many rare medicinal plants that were planted and is being maintained by the noted sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman.

There are four sculptures and the distinguished ‘Freedom Gate’ within the premises that were created by Kanayi. The institute also has a conference hall, equipped with all facilities for organising events and meetings related to culture, literature and art. The institute organises various programmes around the year, of which the Jayanti celebrations in April are the main attraction.