In a remarkable fusion of art, literature, and cultural nostalgia, 27 iconic female characters from Malayalam literature have been vividly reimagined in California. This innovative project, spearheaded by Dr. Chino, a San Diego-based internal medicine specialist originally from Adoor, Kerala, brings to life characters like Karuthamma from Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai's "Chemmeen" and Indulekha from Oyyarathu Chandu Menon's eponymous novel. 

Titled "Through Her Eyes," the initiative involved American Malayali women embodying these literary figures through a series of stylized photo shoots. The culmination of this endeavor is a 70-page photo book published by the San Diego Malayali Association (SANMA), with proceeds dedicated to charitable causes. The project also featured a ramp walk, showcasing the transformed personas of these characters.

Dr. Chino's passion for literature, nurtured during her schooling in Ooty and Thiruvananthapuram, remained steadfast even after relocating to the United States for higher studies. Her vision for this project was to connect the diaspora with their cultural roots, celebrating the strength and depth of Malayalam literary heroines.

The participants, drawn from various professional backgrounds, portrayed characters such as Janu, Saramma, and Unniyarcha, highlighting the timeless relevance and universal appeal of these narratives. This cultural revival not only honors the legacy of Malayalam literature but also reinforces the enduring spirit of its female protagonists in a contemporary global context.