Governor Rajendra Arlekar inaugurated the 'Thunchan Smrithi Library' at Lok Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, featuring a collection of 10,000 books open to the public.
- The new library is named after Thunchathu Ezhuthachan, the father of modern Malayalam literature.
- The facility houses approximately 10,000 books across diverse academic and literary subjects.
- The library is now officially open to the general public.
- The premises were renamed from Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan in December 2025.
In a significant move to honor linguistic heritage, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar inaugurated a new library at the Lok Bhavan premises in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. The facility has been named the ‘Thunchan Smrithi Library’ in honor of Thunchathu Ezhuthachan, the legendary poet and writer revered as the father of modern Malayalam literature.
During the inauguration, Governor Arlekar emphasized the necessity of preserving and carrying forward the immense legacy left by Ezhuthachan. He noted that the library was established as part of a larger initiative to make the Lok Bhavan campus more accessible and useful to the common citizens of Kerala.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that transitioning official residences into public-access intellectual hubs like Lok Bhavan represents a shift toward democratic institutionalism. By opening high-quality literary resources to the public, the state is fostering a culture of lifelong learning and community engagement.
Naming a public institution after a literary titan ensures that cultural identity remains at the heart of civic progress.
The library boasts a massive collection of nearly 10,000 books. The curated sections include History, Fiction, Poetry, Culture, Political Science, Science, Economics, Philosophy, Music, Journalism, and Psychology. Furthermore, the collection spans religious texts covering Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism, as well as specialized works on agriculture, medicine, and the Indian Constitution.
Notable additions to the collection include the complete works of Swami Vivekananda and various titles by the renowned English humorist P.G. Wodehouse. This blend of local and global literature ensures a well-rounded academic environment for visitors.
Library Section Overview
| Department | Available Subjects |
|---|---|
| Humanities | History, Philosophy, Psychology, Political Science |
| Science & Economy | Science, Economics, Agriculture, Medicine |
| Arts & Letters | Poetry, Fiction, Music, Journalism |
| Religion & Law | Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Constitution |
The inaugural event saw the presence of distinguished figures, including writer George Onakkoor, filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, and Kerala University Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) Mohanan Kunnummal. The Governor concluded by inviting suggestions from the citizens of Kerala to further enhance the library's facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many books are available in the Thunchan Smrithi Library?
The library currently houses a diverse collection of approximately 10,000 books.
2. Is there an entry fee for the public?
The Governor stated that the library is being made open to the public as part of the Lok Bhavan accessibility initiative.
