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Muslim incurs fundamentalists' wrath for learning Kathakali

D Jose in Trivandrum

Less than a fortnight after they were forced to eat humble pie in their campaign against a poor Muslim couple, Muslim fundamentalists have struck again in Kerala's Malappuram district.

Incurring their wrath this time is a poor Muslim youth who had chosen Kathakali to eke out a living.

Alleging that his decision would help propagate Hinduism, the fundamentalists have slapped a social boycott on Palthody Abdul Rasheed's poverty-stricken family, forcing him to give up his Kathakali classes.

The boycott played havoc with the nine-member family including six sisters. Palathody Khader, Rasheed's father, was forced to close down his teashop -- their only source of livelihood.

As the boycott raged, Rasheed lost his pocket money too. He was forced to stop his Bharata Natyam training sessions for various schools in Tirur town.

The fundamentalists cared little for Rasheed's childhood dream of becoming a Kathakali exponent. He had learnt the traditional dance form from popular Kathakali singer Kalamandalam Hyderali who believed that art transcends religious barriers.

Inspired by Hyderali's wisdom, Rasheed had learnt Bharata Natyam before turning to Kathakali. Little did he then know that he was asking for trouble. His woes began with the government-owned Kalamandalam refusing to admit him for its Kathakali course fearing a Muslim backlash.

However, he succeeded in getting admission at the Gandhi Seva Sadanam. His proficiency in Bharata Natyam stood him in good stead and he emerged as one of the brightest students at the Seva Sadanam.

When the 22-year-old drew applause for his Kathakali shows, the fundamentalists were furious.

When his family backed him, the fundamentalists ostracised them, ending patronage to their teashop.

The fundamentalists have also clamped a ban on the sale of Christian and Hindu symbols at shops owned by Muslims in the district. They had recently removed Christmas stars and the black cloth used by Hindu devotees for their Sabarimala pilgrimage from these shops.

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