THIRUVANATHAPURAM: ‘‘I consider this a recognition to my modest contributions to Malayalam language and literature,’’ Malayalam’s own poet O N V Kurup told reporters who crowded ‘Indeevaram’ on Tuesday evening, after the announcement came from New Delhi that the poet would be honoured with the Padma Vibhushan.
Only a few months ago, a similar scene was enacted at ‘Indeevaram’ at Vazhuthacaud, when the poet of ‘Ujjaini’ and ‘Bhoomikkoru Charamageetham’ was awarded the nation’s highest literary accolade, the ‘Jnanpith Prize.’ At the time, ONV and his wife had to rush home from abroad after the news broke.
The announcement of this year’s Padma Awards has brought much cheer to the city. Infosys CEO and managing director Kris Gopalakrishnan, who is from Thiruvananthapuram, and Kathakali maestro Madavur Vasudevan Nair, who is from Kilimanoor, have won the Padma Bhushan. The capital has also three Padma Shris - film director Shaji N Karun, architect G Shankar and Ananthapuri Hospitals director and neurologist Dr Marthanda Pillai.
‘’It is a sign,’’ said Shankar, responding to the news. ‘’I feel cost-effective architecture has been recognised through this honour,’’ he said. ‘’Of course, Laurie Baker has been honoured with the Padma Award before. So has Ganapathi Stapathi, another traditional architect.’’
Shankar said he was planning to focus more on community-based architecture, especially outside Kerala. ‘’I feel there is real work to be done among the marginalised people in other parts of the country. The Padma Award will add strength to my efforts,’’ he said.
Dr Marthanda Pillai said the Padma Award will be an inspiration to offer better and more efficient medical treatment to patients.
trivandrum@expressbuzz.com