Mathrubhumi Study Circle, Aranattukara
An independent forum of young writers and readers in Aranattukara, remembered for the plays its members wrote and staged.
The Mathrubhumi Study Circle in Aranattukara was a small, independent group of young people with a love of books and writing.
Meeting at the principal’s house
Members used to gather at the home of Prof. O.J. Antony, principal of St. Aloysius College, an English scholar with a fine literary sense. The group’s coordinator was Vincent Puthur, a writer and socialist activist. The book describes the members as bright, independent cultural workers, alert to new ideas.
On stage
The circle is best remembered for its theatre. Its members staged Parithranam, written by Vincent Puthur and directed by John Kokkan, which won second place in a district drama competition at the Regional Theatre, Thrissur. They also performed Agnihothram, a musical drama about the Emergency, in the open auditorium of the Aranattukara church.
We do not yet know when the circle began or how long it lasted. If you were a member, please share your memories and photographs.