KANNUR: Folklore artist V Balan has been selected for the P K Kalan Award for his unique contributions to folklore in Kerala, Cultural Affairs Minister K C Joseph has said.The award, instituted in memory of P K Kalan, Gaddiga artist, and former chairman of the Kerala Folklore Akademi, carries a purse of `1 lakh, a statuette and a citation.
Born to a family of traditional folk artistes, Balan has been trained in Parapoothankali, Bhadrakaliyattam, Kuttichathanattam, Karinkaliyattam and Malavazhiyattam. He formed the Harijan Nadan Kalasanghom in 1976 and has been engaged in giving training to students and youths in folk art forms. He is the recipient of many awards, including the Kerala Folklore Akademi Award and the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi Award.