Case Study: Perumkulam - Kerala's First Book Village

 

Introduction

Perumkulam, a serene village in Kerala, has earned the unique distinction of being the state’s first book village. Recognized for its deep-rooted literary culture, Perumkulam (also known as Pusthakagramam) stands as a testament to the power of books and the transformative potential of literature in community development. M. T. Vasudevan Nair, a legendary Malayalam writer, acknowledged this remarkable transformation, further cementing its place in Kerala’s cultural landscape. Perumkulam was officially declared as Kerala’s first book village by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in 2021.

Background

Situated 5 km from Kottarakkara, Perumkulam is located along the historic Veluthampi Dalawa Road. It was once a typical Kerala village, thriving on agriculture and traditional livelihoods. However, a collective vision to integrate books into everyday life has redefined its identity. The idea was simple yet powerful: make books accessible to all, instilling a culture of reading among the villagers.

Literary and Cultural Landmarks

Bappuji Smaraka Vayanasala, the village library, has been instrumental in fostering Perumkulam’s identity as Pusthakagramam (Book Village). It played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Pusthakappura initiative—India’s largest book sculpture—symbolizing the transformative power of literature. Pusthakakkodu (open book kiosks) are also part of this movement, ensuring free and easy access to books for all.

Key Initiatives

Pusthakakkodu –The Pusthakakkodu (open book kiosks) initiative, pioneered in Perumkulam, ensures free and easy access to books for all. Inspired by its success, the Kerala Library Council has adopted this model and begun implementing Pusthakakkodu across Kerala, extending the village’s literary revolution statewide.

Pusthakappura – India’s Largest Book Sculpture

Perumkulam is home to India’s largest book sculpture, Pusthakappura, a symbolic representation of the village’s literary spirit. The monument not only attracts book lovers but also serves as a landmark that underscores the significance of reading and intellectual growth in society.

Omkaranathan – The Majestic Mahadeva Sculpture

Omkaranathan is a striking Mahadeva sculpture set against a natural backdrop in Perumkulam, with a stream flowing through it. The sculpture embodies the presence of Lord Shiva, with one of its most unique features being the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ written by devotees, forming Shiva’s iconic matted locks. This artistic and spiritual masterpiece has become a major attraction, drawing visitors seeking both aesthetic inspiration and divine connection.

Other Community Initiatives

Several other organizations and initiatives contribute to Perumkulam’s literary and social fabric:

Kairali Soravarambu

A serene village park nestled in the heart of Pusthakagramam, where the golden embrace of swaying paddy fields meets the charm of rustic tranquility. A haven of nature, culture, and timeless village aesthetics.

Karuthal Charitable Society

Founded in 2015, Karuthal is an inspiring NGO with a mission that resonates in today's era of widespread self-care: 'Care for others.' Bucking the trend of self-centeredness, Karuthal relies on limited crowdfunding to provide vital financial assistance to individuals battling cancer, kidney, and cardiac diseases. The organization proudly boasts a track record of disbursing over 50 lakhs in aid to deserving recipients. In a groundbreaking move to address societal disparities, Karuthal has launched

Kuppaayakkoodu

A revolutionary dress-sharing initiative. Positioned prominently in a public space, this unique dress box allows individuals to contribute or acquire clothing freely. 'Kuppaayakkoodu' is accessible 24/7, 365 days a year, embodying Karuthal's unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of the less fortunate.

PESPOH (Perumkulam Sports Hub)
A dedicated platform to promote sports and physical well-being among the youth of Perumkulam, fostering community spirit and athletic development.

Community Engagement & Literary Events

Regular literary events, author interactions, and reading sessions are held in Perumkulam to encourage a love for books among people of all ages. Schools and local institutions actively participate, fostering a sense of community centered around knowledge and storytelling.

Integration with Village Tourism

As part of the KOKO initiative, Perumkulam is weaving its literary legacy into the fabric of village tourism. This evolving project invites visitors to immerse themselves in the village’s cultural richness, where books harmonize with nature, history, and the warmth of traditional Kerala hospitality.

KOKO is a dynamic, work-in-progress endeavor designed to transform Perumkulam into a premier village tourism destination. Through thoughtfully curated experiences, it celebrates the village’s heritage, offering a deep, authentic connection to its stories and traditions.

Impact & Recognition

Increased Literacy & Reading Culture:

The village has seen a significant rise in reading habits among children and adults alike.

Cultural & Tourism Growth

Perumkulam has become a destination for literary enthusiasts and travelers interested in cultural tourism.

Model for Other Villages

The concept of a book village is inspiring other rural communities to adopt similar initiatives, proving that literature can be a catalyst for social transformation.

Future Prospects

Perumkulam’s journey is far from over. Plans are underway to expand the book village concept with digital libraries, storytelling festivals, and collaborations with literary figures and institutions. The vision is to ensure that Perumkulam remains a beacon of knowledge and an inspiration for generations to come.

Conclusion

Perumkulam’s transformation into Kerala’s first book village is a remarkable example of how books can shape a community’s identity. From open book kiosks to monumental sculptures, and with the inclusion of the Bappuji Smaraka Vayanasala, Omkaranathan, and various community-driven initiatives, the village has successfully woven literature and culture into its social fabric. As a living library under the open sky, Perumkulam stands as a model for blending cultural heritage with intellectual progress, proving that knowledge, when made accessible, has the power to change lives.

By Prakash Varma
ideaFactory / Satva Design