Expressnews
Chennai, April 2026 — Thoughtloom, the cultural initiative by Palam Silks, invites connoisseurs of heritage and ideas to an evocative evening titled ‘Trial of Purity – The Agnipravesam’, exploring one of the most profound and debated episodes of the Ramayana — Seetha’s trial by fire — through the singular poetic vision of Kamban, the celebrated Tamil bard.
The event will be held on Tuesday, 11 April 2026 at Thoughtloom, Palam Silks, 22 Oliver Road, Mylapore, Chennai – 600004, and promises to be a richly layered afternoon of intellectual discourse, classical music, and cultural reflection.
About the Programme
Kamban, the celebrated 12th-century Tamil poet, daringly reimagines the relationship between Rama and Seetha in his Kamba Ramayanam — depicting them as falling in love before their wedding, a romantic and deeply human portrayal that sets his retelling apart from the Valmiki tradition. Yet this tender love story takes a sharp and consequential turn when Seetha is compelled to undergo the Agnipravesam — the trial by fire — as a test of her purity.
This session aims to bring audiences a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on this divine test of love: its literary significance, its cultural resonance, and its continuing relevance in contemporary discourse around womanhood, devotion, and justice.
Featured Speaker
The evening’s talk will be led by Dr. Priya Ramachandran, a Senior Paediatric Surgeon and celebrated author of five books on the Kamba Ramayanam. A rare combination of medical acumen and literary scholarship, Dr. Ramachandran brings a deeply researched yet accessible perspective to this ancient epic. Her insightful commentary on Kamban’s verse has earned her a devoted following among both scholars and lay readers of Tamil classical literature.
Programme Schedule
• 3:30 PM — Veena Rendition by Ms. Veena Venkatramani
• 4:00 PM — Talk Show featuring Dr. Priya Ramachandran
• 5:00 PM — Hi-Tea
