Speaker’s last-minute withdrawal triggers protest at unveiling of Kanayi’s sculpture in Kasaragod

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The uncertainty over the unveiling of sculpture done by artist Kanayi Kunhiraman in Kasaragod on Friday (November 13) triggered a row after Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, who was scheduled to inaugurate the installation, failed to turn up at the last minute.

The unexpected development triggered protests and sharp criticism from elected representatives, cultural activists, and members of the art fraternity, who viewed the speaker’s absence as an insult to the veteran sculptor.

When the organisers proposed Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan as an alternative chief guest, the protesters demanded that Mr. Kunhiraman himself unveil the sculptures.

P. Sudhakaran, co-author of Kanayi’s autobiography, openly expressed disappointment over the speaker’s last-minute withdrawal. He said the development had hurt the sculptor and the artistic community. He pointed out that Kanayi had undertaken the project without accepting any remuneration despite having several other professional commitments.

The protest intensified when documentary filmmaker and art historian A.T. Mohandas removed the ribbon tied across the square to register his opposition to the change in plan. Eventually, Mr. Kunhiraman formally unveiled the creation.

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