KOCHI: Writer and filmmaker C Radhakrishnan has been chosen for this year’s Ezhuthachan Award. The award constituted in the name of Thunjathhu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, who is regarded as the father of Malayalam language, consists of a cash prize of `1.5 lakh, citation and statuette.
The award, considered as the highest literary honour bestowed by the State Government since 1993, was announced by Cultural Affairs Minister A K Balan at Radhakrishnan’s residence at Kaloor here on Tuesday afternoon. “I had this award in my mind for long, and have achieved it now. I am feeling happy about it,” said Radhakrishnan.
According to Radhakrishnan, the theme of his next work will be the ‘world after 1000 years. “I need a lot of reading to complete the work,” he added.
Born on February 15, 1939, at Chamravattam near Ponnani in Malappuram, Radhakrishnan is a writer who also doubles up as a teacher, journalist and a filmmaker.
His works include Theekkadal Kadanju Thirumadhuram, Pullippulikalum Vellinakshatrangalum, Ullil Ullathu, Kaivazhikal, Karal Pilazhum Kaalam and Iniyoru Nizhakannu Chiri. Also, as a director, he has four movies to his credit - Agni, Kanalattam, Pushyaragam and Ottayadi Paathakkal.
Radhakrishnan is recipient of popular awards such as the Kendra Sahitya Academy Award , Kerala Sahitya Academy Award, Odakkuzhal Award, Lalithambika Award, Olappamanna Award and the Bala Maniyamma Award. The judging panel consisted of Kerala Sahitya Academy president Vaishakhan; poets Sughathakumari and Prabha Varma; and historian K N Panikkar.