The Soul and Light of Navarang

Author: Kannan Palakkad
September 4, 2024

A great theatre artist and practitioner who worked alongside modern theatre legend Prof. G. Sankara Pillai as both a theatre scholar and practitioner, K. Govindan dedicated his life to theatre in Kerala. He embraced the modern theatre stage and sowed the seeds of modern theatre in Palakkad, his theatrical domain.

In the 1970s, while residing in Palakkad, he was the backbone of the Palakkad Arts Theatre. After the passing of actor Dr. Shivadas, who was part of that group, it was renamed Shivadas Arts Theatre, and Govindan Palakkad became its guiding force.

Under the guidance of eminent personalities like Prof. G. Sankara Pillai, Prof. S. Ramanujam, C.N. Sreekantan Nair, G. Aravindan, Kavalam Narayana Panicker, Venukuttan Nair, and Vayala Vasudevan Pillai, Govindan organized numerous theatre performances and workshops during the 1970s and 1980s. He left his mark as an exceptional organizer and theatre activist.

Govindan Palakkad was an inspiring, joyous, and enthusiastic presence among the theatre artists of that era. Deeply saddened by the demise of Prof. G. Sankara Pillai in 1989, which was a profound loss to the modern theatre scene in Kerala, he distanced himself from the stage.

Years later, recognizing Govindan’s absence from the Palakkad theatre scene, Prof. S. Ramanujam motivated him to lead the formation of a new theatre group. This encouragement led to the meaningful emergence of Navarang Palakkad under Govindan’s leadership.

Govindan Palakkad’s dedication and commitment to theatre became a driving force for Navarang, serving as an inspiration to other theatre artists until 2009. On September 19, 2009, without much notice, Navarang lost its soul and guiding light when this great artist bid farewell to both theatre and life. Sadly, Govindan was a genius whose contributions the people of Palakkad failed to fully recognize or appreciate.