We are a readers’ group that has been continuously engaged in reading Kamban since 2021, now marking five years of this journey. The group is coordinated by A.Srinivas and C.Bhargavi. What began with three sessions a week has now evolved into two regular sessions, currently held on the Clubhouse app. We primarily follow the text published by the Kovai Kamban Kazhagam (New Century Book House), while also referring to a range of other commentaries for deeper understanding and comparative insight.

Our approach moves away from the traditional teacher-led model, instead, we embrace a modern literary reading style centered on open discussion and shared exploration.

At the end of each Kāndam (canto), we host a celebratory reading event, vāsippu kaliyāttu, where the verses are brought to life through dramatic reading – recited, sung, and voice-acted – to complete the canto in an engaging way.

We also regularly organize talks and conversations. In particular, our joint presentation format, where two participants come together in podcast style, to speak on a shared theme, has been especially well received.

We are also working towards reviving older commentaries and interpretive traditions on Kamban, and systematically archiving them for future readers and researchers.

Our endeavour is to read the entirety of the epic and, through this sustained collective effort, contribute meaningfully to the appreciation and continuity of classical literature.

Contact – imbarvari@gmail.com