Governor of Goa, PS Sreedharan Pillai, was felicitated for completing 50 years in pursuit of literature at a function held at the Press Club in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday.

Film director Adoor Gopalakrishnan honoured Governor Pillai with a memento on the occasion. Thomas Jacob, former editorial director of Malayala Manorama, addressed the gathering.

Adoor lauded Governor Pillai for writing extensively; from poems to travelogues to politics. “In 50 years, he penned over 200 books. One might wonder if it's humanly possible to write so many books, but Sreedharan Pillai made it possible,” said Adoor.

“To govern well, one needs a good sense of arts and literature. It is imperative for those in politics too and only those who have these qualities can engage with the public,” Adoor said hailing the Governor.

Thomas Jacob said it was remarkable that Governor Pillai set aside valuable time to write despite leading a busy life, as an advocate and later as a politician. “Sreedharan Pillai always makes headlines for good reasons,” said Jacob.

Sreedharan Pillai said that his fondness for newspapers and the circumstances of his village life had moulded the writer in him. "But what deepened my writing skills were my close bond with people and my experiences as a public worker," Pillai said.

During the occasion, the Goa Governor also inaugurated the new courses offered by the Press Club Institute, Thiruvananthapuram.

Fear of ED raids silenced film fraternity: Adoor Gopalakrishnan

Meanwhile, Adoor Gopalakrishnan said that the fear of an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid had forced many in the film industry to remain silent about the disagreeable things that happen in the society. 

"But just the way I am open about the good things, I have no inhibitions in pointing out what is wrong," the filmmaker said during the event.