Fri Mar 28 15:33:37 UTC 2025: ## Malayalam Translation of “Les Misérables” Celebrated in Centenary Seminar

**Thrissur, Kerala –** The centenary of the Malayalam translation of Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables,” titled “Pavangal,” was celebrated in a seminar held by the Kerala Sahitya Akademi on Friday. The event highlighted the significant impact of Nalapat Narayana Menon’s translation on Kerala’s literary and social landscape.

Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice R. Bindu lauded “Pavangal” as a pivotal moment in Kerala’s history, noting its profound influence on the worldview of Malayalis. She described the translation not merely as a literary achievement but as a catalyst for social transformation, challenging societal norms and exposing the realities of oppression.

Writer and critic K.E.N. Kunjahammed described the work as a “manifesto of humanity,” emphasizing its role in inspiring social change in France and its continued relevance in challenging archaic societal structures. He praised Menon’s translation for fostering intellectual discourse and enriching Kerala’s cultural landscape.

Kerala Sahitya Akademi president K. Satchidanandan also spoke, emphasizing the crucial role of translations in shaping Malayalam literature and highlighting “Pavangal’s” lasting impact on the Malayali psyche. The seminar included presentations on various aspects of the novel and its translation. The event underscored the enduring legacy of “Les Misérables” in Kerala and its ongoing influence on Malayalam literature, prose, poetry, theatre, and cinema.

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