P. T. Bhaskara Panicker (1921-1997)
Visionary intellectual and activist.
P T Bhaskara Panicker, visionary intellectual and activist, played
a key role in shaping movements that made modern Kerala.
On the
political landscape, this school-teacher shot into prominence in 1954
as the new President of the Malabar District Board -- the first
communist in India to assume power by the ballot box. He was only 33 then, but his legendary
leadership and progressive administration in Malabar District of Madras Province, moulded the image of the
Communist Party as one 'fit to rule', and helped the Party win
legislative assembly elections in Kerala in 1957.
Later, PTB quit electoral politics and served as Member of Kerala
Public Service Commission. After retirement, he pioneered social movements that shaped
modern Kerala. Most notably, he was associated with the founding of the
science literacy movement, and the spread of the library movement. An able organiser,
he worked for and inspired the setting up of numerous voluntary organisations across
Kerala, including KANFED (for non-formal
education), INDIS (for inter-disciplinary studies) and Place Names
Society.
He was also a sought-after editor of encyclopaediae and the author of several books in Malayalam. PTB's
simple living, innovative ideas and infectious enthusiasm endeared him to his collaborators.
More information
P T Bhaskara Panikker Smritirekha (2001), a collection of Malayalam essays by eminent personalities and PTB's collaborators -- portrays PTB's activities as political activist, administrator, science literrateur, organiser, and educator.
Published by: PTB Memorial Trust, Adakkaputhur, Palakkad, Kerala, India
Price: Rs.100/- (excluding postage)- The State Institute of Children's Literature (Government of Kerala), in its series on great personalities, has published a book on PTB in Malayalam.
RELATED LINKS
My article on P T Bhaskara Panicker Memorial Exam
The article at The Hindu newspaper's website ('Spirit of Inquiry')
More newspaper articles by the author
Contact the author
Copyright 2003-2004 Ashok R Chandran