KA Francis’s Essence of Aum wins first Pranavakshar Puraskar
By S Chandrasekhar
Leading artist and Chairman of Kerala Lalithakala Academy, Sri KA Francis’s book, The Essence of Aum, won the first Pranavakshar Puraskar, instituted by Haridwar-based Abhetha Gangamaiya Trust.
An expert in Tantric art, he developed interest in Aum and has been doing research on it for several years. He was also fortunate to learn Vaishnavite Tantric Art in Haridwar. A strict vegetarian, he has held exhibitions on Tantric Art, world over, and has painted more than 2000 Mahalakshmi and Vishnu Padams (feet).
The Essence of Aum, published in English in January this year, has also been translated into Malayalam. Spanish and Portuguese translations are due shortly. The book gives a total perspective of Aum as said by sages and Upanishadas. The book says Aum is similar to a child in mother’s womb and the spiritual magic of the Aum sound is explained in many dimensions.
The book was released by Defence Minister AK Antonty in the presence of Oscar Award winning Resul Pookutty. Resul Pookutty spoke about the importance of Aum and its role in the creation of sound at the Oscar Award Winning function.
