KOCHI: The 3rd Vaikhari award in memory of Dr T Bhaskaran was presented to Prof M Thomas Mathew by eminent writer Dr M Leelavathy at a function organised at the Changampuzha Cultural Centre at Edappally here the other day.
Dr Leelavathy delivered the memorial lecture. Author K L Mohana Varma presided over the meeting. Prof M K Sanu was the chief guest.
The award instituted by Dr T Bhaskaran Memorial Trust with the co-operation of the Kerala Sahithya Mandalam carried a cash prize of `25,000, a statuette and a commendation letter.
A jury comprising Dr M Leelavathy, Dr C K Ramachandran and Dr P V Krishnan Nair selected Prof Thomas Mathew for the award for his contributions to Malayalam literary criticism.
Fr Paul Thelakkattil talked on the contributions of Prof Thomas Mathew to Malayalam literature. Prof Thomas Mathew delivered the award acceptance speech. Niranj T Bhaskaran proposed a vote of thanks.
Author of over 30 books and scores of essays, eminent litterateur Dr Bhaskaran’s work ‘Brahmarishi Narayanaguru’ is being translated and published in 23 languages, including English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil and Kannada.
He had taught Malayalam and Sanskrit for several years at Kollam SN College, Palakkad Victoria College and Ernakulam Maharaja’s College. He retired as the Director of the Kerala University Manuscript Library. He was a recipient of several awards, including M K Raghavan award, Olappamannamana Deviprasadam award and Sahodaran Ayyappan memorial award.
The Kochi-based Dr T Bhaskaran Memorial Trust was formed for the publication of the works of Dr Bhaskaran and to extend support for the flourishing of Malayalam literature, according to Managing Trustee Niranj T Bhaskaran (9446031415) and Trustee S Ratnakumar (9447042964).