Pusthakappura: The Ideation Journey of India’s Largest Book Sculpture

 A Tribute to Books, Knowledge, and Perumkulam’s Identity

One evening, Team Bappuji called me for a discussion about planning a year-long program following the announcement of Perumkulam as Pusthakagramam. The idea was to organize one event or program each month, leading up to a significant milestone in the 12th month—an installation that would symbolize the identity of Pusthakagramam.

As we brainstormed, I instinctively reached for books from the library and began stacking them, shaping a basic structure right in the middle of our discussion. It was an unplanned moment, but the symbolism was undeniable—books, knowledge, and a shelter of wisdom. The team immediately resonated with the concept, and we decided to move forward with it.

That night, I returned home and used books from my father’s collection—Dr. K Ravi Varma, an avid reader—to refine the first look of what would eventually become Pusthakappura. It was a deeply personal process, and in many ways, it felt like I was carrying forward my father’s passion for books through this structure.

From Concept to Reality

With a clear vision in mind, I developed a detailed sketch of Pusthakappura and shared it with Team Bappuji. They embraced the idea, and we finalized sculptor Guruprasad Ayyappan for the execution. Before moving into the physical construction, I first designed an initial version in Illustrator and shared it with Guruprasad. We later created a 3D model to further refine its visual representation, though the core concept remained unchanged from the original book stack idea.

Guruprasad Ayyappan, known for executing only projects ideated by himself, made a rare exception for Pusthakappura. His involvement in the project was invaluable, and we are grateful for his dedication in bringing this vision to life. Through multiple briefing calls and discussions, he meticulously worked to transform the idea into reality, ensuring that Pusthakappura stood as a powerful symbol of knowledge and culture.

The project was made possible with the generous sponsorship of the Dr. Ratheesh Babu Charitable Foundation, whose support helped turn this vision into reality.

A Moment to Remember

On June 19, 2022—National Reading Day, Pusthakappura was unveiled by legendary lyricist Shri Vayalar Sarathchandra Varma. Seeing the structure finally take form, knowing it all began from a spontaneous idea during a discussion, was an overwhelming experience. It was a testament to how ideas, when nurtured with passion and collaboration, can turn into something monumental. 

Beyond a Sculpture

More than just a sculpture, Pusthakappura represents a legacy. It is a tribute to literature, to my father’s love for books, and to Perumkulam’s journey as Pusthakagramam. It stands as a reminder of the transformative power of reading and the importance of preserving knowledge for generations to come.

I invite you to visit Pusthakappura, to experience the story behind its creation, and to reflect on the role of books in shaping our world.

(Do share your thoughts in the comments! What does reading mean to you? How have books influenced your journey?
Let’s celebrate the power of stories together.)

Prakash Varma
ideaFactory / Satva Design