THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ‘Bhasha Samman’ award function of Sahitya Akademi organised here on Sunday was a memorable occasion for the city-based literary lovers. Legendary writers of various languages were present at the function to receive the awards and to share there literary experiences.
Noted writers Puthussery Ramachandran (Malayalam), Motiraj Bjanu Rathod, Ramachandra Ramesh Arya (Banjara) and B Lalthangliana (Mizo) were present at the function held at Kanakakkunnu Palace.
The awards for Sumerchand Kesarichand Jain (Classical and Medieval literature) and the late Mahadeo Savji Andher (Warli) were accepted by their sons Nithin Sumerchand Jain and Vijay Mahadeo Andher respectively.
Sahithya Akademi president Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari handed over the awards that comprised a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and plaque. Noted Malayalam writer Sugathakumari was the chief guest at the event. She said that the capital city was happy to witness the award function organised by the Sahithya Akademi.
“The function provided us some pride moments, by bringing some eminent faces of various Indian languages to our city. We, the people in the royal city, are happy to witness the function,” she said.
She added that Puthusherry Ramachandran, who is a poet as well as a Communist, is a legend who has contributed some noted works to Malayalam language.
While addressing the gathering after receiving the award, Puthusherry Ramachandran said that he was happy to receive the award during a period in which the ‘Malayalam language’ gained Classical language status.