Poet Vijayalakshmi received the Kerala State Library Council (KSLC) award for the best poem published in 2012. She received the award from KSLC state president K Harikumar at Mahakavi G Auditorium at Ernakulam on Tuesday.
At the function, Kendra Sahitya Akademi award winner, writer and literary critic M K Sanu wished Vijayalakshmi more success in her poetic endeavours.
“There are only three or four people in Malayalam who write like Vijayalakshmi now. She has the capability to pen the most intriguing experiences of our times.
“Her poems transcend the level of comprehension and often live in our memory for a long time,” Sanu said.
He said Vijayalakshmi is unique in her minimalistic style and her poetic essays. “There is not a single word extra in her poems than what is necessary for the context. Her essays also have a poetic style which makes it even more powerful,” he said.
According to writer and literary critic Professor M Thomas Mathew, who was present for the function, the award is a recognition of Vijayalakshmi’s poetic journey. “This is our recognition of the ingenious portrayal of the deep and distressing internal duel in her life, which is no mean achievement. It indeed broadens one’s life and outlook,” he said.
Her style of poetry has many layers. There are many allusions which add to the grandeur of the poem. Even in the matter of style she is averse to giving up her aesthetic ideals in order to create a sense of modernity. Her aim is not closure, but the opening up of immense possibilities.
Receiving the award, Vijayalakshmi said she was humbled by the accolades showered on her and called the award as ‘Gyan Peeth of the poor’. “It’s a special honour for me to stand on this dais along with great writers like Professor M K Sanu and Professor Thomas Mathew. It’s like the poor’s ‘Gyan Peeth’ for me. While life has hit me with many difficulties, it’s always the appreciation of my readers, many of whom remain unknown to me but who still pulsate with my writings to them, that keeps me going. I thank each one of you for this award,” she said.
The award includes cash award of `50,000, a certificate of honour and a plaque designed by artist C N Karunakaran. KSLC district secretary A K Chandran and secretary John Fernandes were present.