Sri Kalamandalam Padmanabhan Nair (1928-2007), known as the apostle of the pristine tradition of Kathakali, was one of the great masters of the art and former Principal of the Kerala Kalamandalam.
Since 2008 his birth anniversary is celebrated and death anniversary is commemorated respectively during the months October and April. by his disciples and grand disciples under the aegis of the organization dedicated to his memory The organization has been registered as Trust during November 2009.
The trust uphold his outstanding and unique contributions to the art of Kathakali as a trainer par excellence, performer and author of authentic books on its grammar and techniques; to preserve and promote the pristine tradition of Kathakali to which the master dedicated his life; to groom young, up and coming up artists; to disseminate the aesthetics of the form among the general public through a variety of programmes, etc., among others.
The functions include tribute, memorial speeches, honouring deserving artists, programmes to encourage young talents and performance by the masters of his school who are his disciples / grand disciples, with funds borrowed and taken from the pocket of the Trustees.
The memorial for the legendary Kathakali artist Pattikkamthodi Ramunni Menon (1880-1948) who redefined the art form has been founded in Kuruvattur, near Vellinezhi in Palakkad district of Kerala.The memorial including a Smriti Mandiram( memorial hall) and outdoor stage was built under the aegis of Vellinezhi Grama Panchayat ( mainly utilising the funds released by Palakkad District Panchayat) as a tribute to the legend who played a pivotal role in reviving and refining the Kalluvazhi Chitta tradition.Inaugurated on 23rd April 2025, the memorial is gradually becoming a hub for artists and Kathakali connoisseurs as it marks a symbol of honour for his historic contributions in instituting a school of thought in Kathakali pedagogy deeply rooted in the traditional Gurukula system.
The site is located where Ramunni Menon was laid to rest and the project was materialised by the donation of 20 cents of land by his daughter Cherukandath Padmavathi Amma(sister of Kalamandalam Padmanabhan Nair) in the year 2018.Training in various art forms like Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam and percussion like chenda is now being imparted in the memorial as a prelude to make it a centre of cultural legacy for the entire art community of Kerala.
Contact for more information: Sasi Kumar Venat, Member of Pattikkamthodi Memorial Committee
Mob: 9495881138 , 6282225289
