On November 6, at the Jikji International Calligraphy Exhibition in Cheongju, South Korea, something historic happened: for the first time ever, an Indian was appointed Honorary President (Director) of the World Calligraphy Association. The honor went to Narayana Bhattathiri, a soft-spoken artist from Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, who has spent more than four decades shaping the visual identity of Malayalam. For Kerala, it was a moment of pride. For India, a moment of recognition. For artists, a moment of inspiration. But for Bhattathiri, it was simply the continuation of a lifelong journey, one built on discipline, beauty, and a deep love for the Malayalam script.

From Vazhuthacaud to the World Stage

Calligraphy, for many, is just beautiful handwriting. For Bhattathiri, it became a lifelong language, one he began speaking as a child. Growing up in Trivandrum, he developed an early fascination with letters. He practised obsessively, copying shapes, curves, and strokes until the Malayalam script felt like an extension of his own hand. As he grew older, he began taking writing assignments for college magazines and political posters. These small steps were the beginning of an extraordinary journey. His passion deepened during his years at the College of Fine Arts, Trivandrum, where he formally studied painting. It was here that he realized calligraphy was not just text; it was art.

A Pioneer Who Transformed Malayalam Calligraphy

In 1982, when Kalakaumudi designated him Kerala’s first calligrapher, the state barely had a vocabulary to describe what he was creating. Calligraphy was a niche art, and Malayalam calligraphy was even more rare. But Bhattathiri pushed boundaries. He revived traditional letterforms. He created new, stylized forms of Malayalam script. He treated every stroke as an aesthetic experience. His work gave Malayalam a new visual identity—fluid, bold, expressive, and deeply rooted in culture. Over time, his unique style became instantly recognizable, inspiring art students, designers, and filmmakers. There are dissertations written about his work. There are artists whose careers began in his workshops. There are thousands who unknowingly grew up seeing his lettering on screen.

The Hidden Artist Behind Malayalam Cinema

For decades, Malayalam film audiences have admired beautiful title cards without knowing the hand that crafted them. Bhattathiri’s calligraphy appears in films ranging from beloved Padmarajan classics to modern Malayalam cinema, such as, Ennu Ninte Moideen, Clint, and several others He shaped the way titles appear, how letters move, and how Malayalam itself feels on screen. Yet he remained quietly in the background, letting the script and the culture shine instead of himself.

KaChaTaThaPa: A Living Museum of Malayalam Script

In Vazhuthacaud lies a place that every Malayali should know: KaChaTaThaPa, India’s only dedicated Malayalam calligraphy gallery, founded by Bhattathiri. Entry is free, because he believes art should belong to everyone. The space showcases his original works, lettering styles, and the evolution of Malayalam calligraphy. Regular workshops bring young artists closer to the craft. For visitors, KaChaTaThaPa is more than a gallery; it is a living, breathing celebration of Malayalam’s beauty. It’s the kind of space that reminds us how rich our script truly is.

Recognition Beyond Borders

Bhattathiri’s talent has crossed continents, earning him global recognition and deep respect in the world of calligraphy. He is a recipient of the prestigious South Korean Jikji Excellence Award, and his Malayalam calligraphy is permanently engraved at the Calligraphy Stone Park in China, an honor shared by only a select few international masters. Over the years, he has been featured in numerous international exhibitions and cultural collaborations, carrying the beauty of Malayalam script to audiences far beyond India. 

At this year’s Jikji Exhibition, he not only took charge as the newly appointed director of the World Calligraphy Association but also served as a jury member, further solidifying his stature as a global authority in the field. A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the World Script Calligraphy Association of the Republic of Korea and the KaChaTaThaPa Foundation led by Bhattathiri. The agreement outlines a wide range of collaborative efforts, including artist exchange programs, joint exhibitions, workshops, and research initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural understanding and connecting Kerala’s script to the wider world through the universal language of art.

A Moment of Pride for Trivandrum and India

As Trivandrum grows as a cultural hub, artists like Bhattathiri remind us that a city’s real identity lies not in its buildings or beaches, but in the people who shape its soul. Through his work, the Malayalam script has found a place on the world map, its curves and lines now showcased in international galleries. His journey has revealed the artistry hidden in every letter we write, proving that Malayalam is not just a language but a visual heritage. Narayana Bhattathiri stands today not merely as an artist but as a cultural bridge—connecting Kerala to the world through ink, imagination, and profound dedication.