Young creators across Kerala have a unique opportunity to blend poetry with digital storytelling. The Ayyappa Paniker Foundation has launched ‘Kavya Drishyam,’ a video and reel contest celebrating the birth anniversary of the revered late poet. This isn’t just another competition—it’s a chance to reinterpret Paniker’s verses through modern media, keeping his literary legacy alive for new generations.

Key facts

  • Open to youth aged 15 to 30, individually or in teams of up to four
  • Videos must be under 3 minutes, in Instagram reel format
  • All recitation and dialogue must be in Malayalam
  • Entries can use phones, cameras, AI, or animation

Honoring a Literary Giant

Ayyappa Paniker, who passed away in 2006, remains one of Malayalam literature’s most influential figures. His work challenged conventions and explored complex themes with striking originality. Now, nearly two decades after his death, the foundation bearing his name wants to see how today’s youth connect with his words. The contest asks participants to not just recite poems, but to visualize them—to find new meaning through camera angles, edits, and creative interpretation.

How to Participate

Registration is straightforward but time-sensitive. Aspiring filmmakers and poetry lovers must submit their entries through https://forms.gle/CjPRJCccLhbgbW5U6 by September 22, 2026. The foundation has kept barriers low: videos can be shot on anything from smartphones to professional cameras, and even AI-generated or animated content is welcome. What matters most is the emotional resonance with Paniker’s work and the clarity of Malayalam delivery.

Recognition and Rewards

Three standout entries will receive cash awards—₹5,000 for first place, ₹2,000 for second, and ₹1,000 for third. But every participant walks away with something meaningful: a digital certificate acknowledging their creative effort. It’s a gesture that recognizes not just winners, but everyone willing to engage deeply with poetry. For questions or details, the foundation can be reached at [email protected] or 9495854840.

This contest feels particularly timely. In an age of fleeting digital content, it asks young people to slow down, to sit with language, to find visual equivalents for rhythm and metaphor. That’s no small task—but it’s one that could yield surprisingly powerful results.