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Foraying into the world of letters, Kerala Tourism has joined hands with Harper Collins India publisher to unveil a bestseller that celebrates the hope, resilience, and intrinsic humaneness of Malayalis during the pandemic and depicts the ordinary in an extraordinary and authentic manner.
The book, Onam in a Nightie: Stories from a Kerala Quarantine, written by noted journalist-author Anjana Menon, was unveiled at a function in New Delhi on March 23, 2022.
Dr Shashi Tharoor, MP, and Mr Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog, unveiled the 230-page book that revolves around the Delhi-based author’s relationship with her parents living in Kerala, and her idea of belonging and identity. In the process, the non-fiction tome, with a series of slice-of-life stories, opens wide a window on the uniqueness of Kerala and what it is to be a Malayali.
Dr. Venu V, Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism), Government of Kerala, said the overarching theme adopted by Kerala Tourism is portrayal, not showcasing, of its abiding principles which are to present the ordinary in the state that is extraordinary, and the intense humaneness of its people. “We have moved away from the classical idea of hard selling destination. The book does not talk about places of touristy interest but about the ordinary people in a small town and their relationship imbued with intense humanness and some minuses too. The overarching principle should shine through whatever we do. That is why we are supporting this book which portrays and epitomises these abiding principles,” he pointed out.
Dr Tharoor said the author looks at Kerala and its people in a non-intrusive way. “Anjana isn’t sarcastic or judgemental; instead she is deeply observant. She gives deep little insights into the human mind and conduct,” he said. Mr Kant said the book is “extraordinary and it beautifully captures the life of Kerala and Malayalis.”
