Mogral Puthur Renews Call for Memorial to Sufi Poet Icha Mastan
MOGRAL PUTHUR, Kerala: A tribute gathering held at C-View Resort in Mogral Puthur has renewed calls for the establishment of a permanent memorial in honour of renowned Sufi poet and spiritual thinker Icha Mastan, widely regarded as the “Omar Khayyam of Kerala.” The event brought together public representatives, literary figures, researchers and community leaders, who stressed the need to preserve his literary and cultural legacy for future generations.
The gathering urged authorities to construct a memorial in Mogral Puthur, the birthplace of Icha Mastan, describing it as a long-overdue recognition of one of Kerala’s most distinguished Sufi poets. Speakers said the initiative would not only honour the poet but also safeguard an important chapter of the state’s literary, cultural and spiritual heritage.
Addressing the gathering were Block Panchayat President Abdulla Kunhi Cherkala, Mogral Puthur Grama Panchayat President K.A. Abdulla Kunhi, noted Mappila song researcher Ameen Shah, former Kasaragod Sahithya Vedi Secretary Ashraf Ali Cherangai, and Thanima District President Abu Thai. They highlighted Icha Mastan’s remarkable contributions to Malayalam literature and underscored the importance of giving his works the recognition they deserve in Kerala’s cultural history.
Born in Mogral Puthur, Icha Mastan is celebrated for blending spirituality, humanism and philosophy in his poetry. Literary scholars estimate that he authored more than 12,000 poems, making his body of work one of the richest contributions to Malayalam Sufi literature. Participants observed that his writings remain an invaluable literary treasure and called for greater efforts to promote research, documentation and academic study of his works.
The meeting was informed that both the Mogral Puthur Grama Panchayat and the Block Panchayat have, in principle, extended their support for establishing the memorial. Organisers said the project would move forward once a suitable site is identified for its construction.
Speakers also proposed setting up a research and study centre, along with a library dedicated to Icha Mastan’s life, writings and the wider tradition of Malayalam Sufi literature. Such a facility, they said, would serve as a valuable resource for researchers, students and literature enthusiasts while ensuring that his contributions continue to inspire future generations.
Participants observed that preserving Icha Mastan’s legacy is not merely about commemorating a celebrated poet but about protecting Kerala’s rich Sufi tradition and regional literary history. They called upon the government, cultural institutions and the wider community to extend their support to the initiative.
The programme was chaired by M.A. Najeeb, with Moosa Basith delivering the welcome address, Jabir Kunnil proposing the vote of thanks and K.M. Irshad moderating the event.
Among those present were Abdulla Kunhi Mogral, Mogral Puthur Grama Panchayat Vice-President Arfana Najeeb, Standing Committee Chairpersons Mashitha Mohammed, Fousiya Zainudheen, Ameer Kottakkunnu, Jamal Ballur, Dharmapalan, Sameena Siddique, Siddique Bekal, Hameed Master, Eriyal Mohammed Kunhi, Kareem Chowki, Amsu Menath, Siddique Chakkara, Shafeeq Peebees, Basheer Padinjar, Abubacker Padinjar, Abbas Mogar, Nehru Kadavath, Kader Kadavath, Midlaj Lotus, Ashraf Madhathil, Jamsheer Kadavath, Irshad Eriyal, Althaf Chowki, Waseem Puthur, and several other cultural and community representatives.
