Deva Matha English Literary Association
Overview
The English Literary Association of Deva Matha College, Kuravilangad — popularly known as DMELA — is the premier student literary organization of the Department of English. Founded as a platform to nurture literary sensibility, creative expression, and cultural engagement among students, DMELA has grown over the decades into a vibrant and multifaceted association that stands as one of the most active student bodies in the college.
DMELA brings together students who share a passion for literature, language, theatre, film, and the arts. Through its diverse programmes and sub-wings, the association fosters intellectual curiosity, artistic experimentation, and a deep engagement with both classical and contemporary literary traditions.
Rainbow — The In-House Literary Journal
One of DMELA’s most enduring contributions to campus literary culture is Rainbow, its in-house literary journal. Published since 1993, Rainbow has served as a creative and critical forum for students to showcase their writing — poetry, fiction, essays, reviews, and more.
Over the years, Rainbow has evolved into a respected platform that reflects the intellectual and creative energy of the department. It documents the literary journey of successive batches of students and preserves a living record of the association’s rich tradition.
ALAG — Avon Legend Awareness Group
ALAG (Avon Legend Awareness Group) is the theatre sub-wing of DMELA, dedicated to the dramatic arts. Named in homage to Shakespeare’s Avon — a nod to the Bard’s enduring legacy — ALAG has produced several landmark stage productions that have left a lasting impression on students, faculty, and audiences alike.
ALAG’s productions are known for their ambitious scope, choosing works from world theatre that challenge performers and provoke thought. Major productions include:
- Antigone by Sophocles — the timeless Greek tragedy of duty, conscience, and power
- Blood Wedding by Federico García Lorca — the passionate and poetic Spanish tragedy
- Rhinoceros by Eugène Ionesco — the absurdist masterpiece on conformity and mass hysteria
- Hayavadana by Girish Karnad — the celebrated Indian play exploring identity and incompleteness
- Harvest by Manjula Padmanabhan — the provocative dystopian drama on commodification of the human body
A notable alumnus of ALAG is film actor Prasanth Murali, who was an active member of the association during his time at Deva Matha College. He played key roles in productions of Hayavadana and Blood Wedding, and has since gone on to establish himself as a prominent figure in Malayalam cinema.
Other Major Activities
Res Novae — The Literary Fest
Res Novae (meaning ‘new things’ in Latin) is DMELA’s flagship literary festival, bringing together students from across institutions for a celebration of literature, language, and ideas. The fest features competitions, performances, and discussions that highlight the richness of the literary world.
Intercollegiate Literary Quiz
The final year degree students take the initiative to host an intercollegiate literary quiz competition every year under the auspices of the Department, where students from colleges across various districts of Kerala compete. The ever rolling trophy for the winning team has been donated by the BA students of 1996-99 batch as a token of their love and gratitude to Prof. K.M.Chacko, the former HoD of the English Department from 1996-99
Pu-Pa — Pusthakam Parichayappedal
Pu-Pa, short for Pusthakam Parichayappedal (meaning ‘getting familiar with books’), is a unique initiative that encourages a culture of reading and book appreciation among students. Through presentations, discussions, and reviews, Pu-Pa introduces students to a wide range of literary works and helps them develop a deeper relationship with books.
Bheri — The Talk Show
Bheri is DMELA’s in-house talk show, providing a platform for students to engage in informed, thoughtful conversations on literary, cultural, and social themes. Named after the traditional drum that announces significant events, Bheri signals the association’s commitment to meaningful dialogue and intellectual exchange.
Invited Lectures and Literary Discussions
DMELA regularly organises invited lectures and literary discussions, bringing eminent writers, critics, academics, and artists to the campus. These events provide students with invaluable opportunities to interact with leading voices in the literary and cultural world, broadening their horizons beyond the classroom.
YouTube Channel
In keeping with the digital age, DMELA maintains an active YouTube channel where it archives performances, discussions, lectures, and other events. The channel extends the association’s reach beyond the campus, making its programmes accessible to a wider audience and preserving its activities for posterity.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNa9gBf7CrtoJRvoODuA2aA/videos
A Legacy of Literary Excellence
Over the years, DMELA has built a proud legacy of literary and cultural engagement. From staging world-class theatrical productions to publishing a journal that has run for over three decades, from fostering a love of books to producing artists who have made their mark on the wider world, the association embodies the spirit of the Department of English at Deva Matha College. DMELA continues to inspire, challenge, and celebrate the transformative power of literature — one event, one performance, one page at a time. It is a matter of pride that the English Association has continued its glorious tradition by becoming the Arts Champions for the 17th consecutive year and securing the runners-up position in the Annual Athletic Meet in 2026
