KOCHI: The Balamani Amma award instituted by Kochi International Book Festival in the name of poet Balamani Amma was presented to literary critic M Achuthan.
Eminent Odhisha writer Pratibha Ray presented the award at the book festival venue at Eranakulathappan ground here on Wednesday.
“The character and values of Balamani Amma have deeply influenced people like me. She never wrote in excess. Her works were born in absolute calmness. She had clear vision of what she was writing and that balance reflected in the writings”, Achuthan said. He added that he was delighted at receiving the award. Justice Gopinath presided over. Festival convener E M Haridas welcomed the gathering. Writer Sreekumari Ramachandran, writer and daughter of Balamani Amma Sulochana Nalapat, among others were present.