Sopana musician Harigovindan joins Muslim League; accepts membership in Panakkad

MALAPPURAM: Renowned Sopana musician Njeralathu Harigovindan has joined the Muslim League. He reached Panakkad and accepted the membership. Harigovindan said Panakkad Saddiq Ali Shihab Thangal is a person who upholds universal humanity and that belief led him to join the league. Harigovindan praised Thangal for being the first person to come running when the Angadipuram temple was burnt. He clarified that he will be active in the UDF's campaign venues from now on.

Although joining the league was a decision made in advance, Harigovindan also said that he had told them that membership would be accepted only after the nomination submission date. This decision was taken because joining the league would be interpreted as a candidacy.

Harigovindan is the son of Njeralath Ramapothuval, who was the first to popularize Sopana music, confined to temples as part of rituals, outside the temples. He has performed Sopana music at many venues in and outside India.