Episode 49 of the Literary Lens series, organized by the Literary Club of MITC Ponnani, featured Jismiya I.J. from the B.Ed. Mathematics 2023–2025 batch. The session was conducted virtually via Google Meet on May 16, 2025, at 7:30 PM.
Jismiya presented an insightful review of Ormayude Arakal (The Cells of Memory), a memoir by renowned Malayalam author Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. Originally serialized in Chandrika Weekly and published as a book in 1973, this work offers a rambling, incomplete kind of autobiography, blending personal anecdotes with broader social commentary. Basheer’s narrative encompasses his childhood experiences, reflections on religion, and interactions with various individuals, including conversations with figures like Sreedharan, B. M. Gafoor, and I. V. Sasi.
In her presentation, Jismiya highlighted Basheer’s unique storytelling style, characterized by simplicity, humor, and profound insights into human nature. She discussed how the memoir delves into themes of communal harmony, the essence of religious beliefs, and the author’s personal journey through life’s challenges. By examining Basheer’s reflections, Jismiya shed light on the socio-cultural context of Kerala during the mid-20th century and the enduring relevance of his observations in today’s world.
