A unique literary moment unfolded at Kozhikode’s historic Mittayi Theruvu as the novel Mangaluru by writer Sadiq Kavil was launched in the presence of the enduring legacy of legendary Malayalam author S.K. Pottekkatt. The book release took place beside the statue of S.K. Pottekkatt, whose iconic novel Oru Theruvinte Katha immortalised the spirit of the same street.
The launch symbolically bridged two literary streets — one from Kozhikode and another from Mangaluru — reflecting the continuity of storytelling across generations and geographies. The first copy of Mangaluru was released by Sumithra Jayaprakash, writer and daughter of S.K. Pottekkatt, who presented it to senior journalist P.P. Sasindran. The novel is published by Manorama Books.
Speaking at the event, Sumithra Jayaprakash said that no one can write a true street story without lived experience. Recalling her father’s writing, she noted that every character in Oru Theruvinte Katha was drawn from real life. She shared an anecdote where, after S.K. Pottekkatt received the Sahitya Akademi Award, someone silently left a flower pot on stage — which her father later identified as a tribute to the character ‘Omalji’ from his novel.
She also recalled similar real-life connections to characters from Vishakanyaka, validated by visitors from Wayanad. According to her, Mangaluru captures the streets of Mangaluru with the same authenticity, something readers will discover through the novel.
Senior journalist P.P. Sasindran described the launch as a rare moment that connected two different eras of Malayalam literature. Poet Murali Mangalath, who presided over the function, said the evening at Mittayi Theruvu was filled with the warmth and fragrance of literature. Journalist M. Firoz Khan attended as the chief guest, while Mahesh Paulose, Mustafa Olive, Boban Sreedharan, Prashobh Ravi, Smitha Vinod, and Isa Mariyam Kavil also spoke.
