Zacharia says people must act with discernment to avoid falling into communal forces hands

Kochi / February 4, 2026

Kochi, Feb 4: The Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF) today commenced a three-day literary conference, titled “Short Stories, Long Shadows: Contemporary Malayalam Voices, to bring to the spotlight contemporary voices of the Malayalam short stories and their distinctive style and features.

The conference, which is happening at the Pavilion, Bastion Bungalow, Fort Kochi, brings together contemporary Malayalam writers, thinkers, and cultural practitioners to engage in discussions around the evolving form, themes, and voices of the Malayalam short story.

Today’s panel featured Haritha Savithri, Shahina K. Rafiq, Francis Noronha, Hareesh S., and Bonny Thomas, with Aswathy Gopalakrishnan as moderator.

Inaugurating the seminar series, renowned author N. S. Madhavan, in his keynote address, shared significant insights into the structural evolution and future of the short story. He noted that modern short stories are often characterised by open endings, rather than concluding with a traditional sense of finality.

He explained that today’s short stories typically do not end with a marriage or a death, but instead remain open-ended, allowing writers to present multiple possibilities to readers regarding how the story might proceed.

Mr Madhavan also highlighted the core element that distinguishes the short story in modern creative studies. “The condition of the characters at the beginning of the story is never the same as it is when the story ends. This specific element of change or transformation is what is used globally today as the definitive hallmark of a short story.”

He added: “Over the next three days, you will hear the contemporary voices of the Malayalam short story in this backdrop. As we begin this seminar series, we first need a definition of what a short story truly is.”

In a discussion between renowned writer Paul Zacharia and V. S. Ajith, the duo explored a diverse range of subjects spanning cultural identity, technological advancement, and generational shifts.

Mr Zacharia stated that the children of today are significantly smarter than the older generation, possessing a unique and inherent talent for handling modern technology.

“While older individuals often hesitate or show reluctance in learning new things, the new generation is effortlessly navigating the complexities of the digital age. For today’s youth, the entire world is literally at their fingertips, marking a notable shift in how knowledge is accessed and utilised in the contemporary era,” he observed.

Ms Gopalakrishnan opened the session by questioning whether the expectation for writers to respond to their times acts as a limitation or a restriction on their creative freedom.

During a panel discussion, novelist Haritha Savithri noted that in an age dominated by rapid technology and social media reels, many readers—especially the younger generation—lack the time for lengthy novels. Consequently, she views the short story as the most effective medium for communicating contemporary issues and ensuring their significance is truly understood by the public.

Renowned Malayalam author Francis Noronha said his reading habits are highly selective and driven by what supports his own creative work. He noted that while he once engaged in extensive and diverse reading, his current approach is more purposeful. He described his present reading practice as “selfish,” as he primarily seeks material that benefits his writing.

Mr Noronha said a key priority for him is protecting his unique narrative voice and style. “I continually strive to refresh and evolve my writing and am therefore cautious about the influence of other authors,” he added.

 He stated that if he encounters a book—no matter how highly acclaimed—that threatens to pull his language or narration away from his intended path, he chooses not to read it.

“Time influences writers differently. For me, an experience from my life later became stories, often without my own awareness,” said Bony Thomas, a Kochi-based short story writer and illustrator.

 Writer and filmmaker Shahina K Rafiq reflected on how digital distractions, such as constant phone usage and WhatsApp groups, have affected her reading habits, noting that she is now making a conscious effort to reclaim her lost focus.

She admitted to a long-standing habit of finishing every book she starts, regardless of how tedious or difficult it may be, almost treating it like studying for an exam. After realising that more than half of the nearly fifty books she read last year felt like a waste of time, she resolved to be far more selective in the current year.

 

ENDS