Ace Malayalam film director Kamal was all praise for the 'Arts and Medicine' project, being organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation at the Government General Hospital here.
"It is really admirable that an organisation like the Kochi Biennale Foundation is involved in such a noble initiative," he said after inaugurating a musical programme conducted by hospital staff as part of the project at the hospital premises today.
The Arts and Medicine project largely focuses on music. The healing power of music is incredibly strong and it is more effective than words when it comes to alleviating one's sufferings, he said, adding he was aware of its healing power from therapy sessions conducted by popular music composer Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri.
Kamala is one of the most versatile filmmakers in the Malayalam film industry, who has given several hits, including 'Mazhayethum Munpe', 'Perumazhakkalam' and most recently 'Celluloid', which received seven Kerala State Film Awards, including for the best film.
The staff at the general hospital, who participated in the programme regardless of their official status, received a standing ovation from a packed audience, including their colleagues, patients and bystanders.
Junior superintendent Devdas sang 'Etho Nidrathan' from Kamal's movie 'Ayal Katha Ezhuthukayanu' as a mark of respect to the veteran director. The staff enthralled the audience by singing popular film songs including 'Thenum Vayambum', 'Kanne Kalaimane' and 'Keralam Keralam'.
Mehboob Memorial Orchestra is giving musical support to the Arts and Medicine project, being implemented with guidance from Iva Fattorini, Chair of Global Arts and Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, and the Ernakulam district administration.
Ever since its launch in February this year, the programme has grabbed the attention of the several hospital authorities and art lovers across the state, Bonny Thomas, KBF research co-ordinator, said.
"The KBF has decided to include different art forms in the project. Next week, we plan to organise a contemporary drama for the patients. Talks are on with various Universities and their respective departments in this regard," he added.
