E Santhosh Kumar Wins Vayalar Award for 'Thapomayiyude Achan'

Thiruvananthapuram: Renowned Malayalam writer E Santhosh Kumar has been awarded the prestigious Vayalar Award for his novel Thapomayiyude Achan, the organisers announced on Sunday.

The accolade, instituted in memory of the legendary poet- lyricist Vayalar Ramavarma, carries a cash prize of one lakh rupees, a citation, and a commemorative sculpture. This is the 49th edition of the Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Literary Award, administered by the Vayalar Ramavarma Trust.

Perumbadavam Sreedharan, eminent writer and Trust president, told reporters that the jury, which included T D Ramakrishnan, N P Hafiz Mohamad, and Priya A S, selected Santhosh Kumar for the honour. An established novelist and short story writer, Santhosh Kumar has previously been recognised with the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award.

The award will be presented at a ceremony in Nishagandi Auditorium on October 27, the death anniversary of Vayalar Ramavarma, according to the Trust.