New Delhi, Nov 29 (UNI) Noted Malayalam poet 'Akkitham' Achuthan Namboodiri on Friday became the recipient of the 55th Jnanpith Award.
According to a statement here, the selection committee of the Bharatiya Jnanpith, decided to bestow the award that includes a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh and a bronze replica of the deity Saraswati, on the top Malayalam poet and litterateur.
'Akkitham' is the sixth Malayalam writer to be conferred this award after G Sankara Kurup, Thakazhi, SK Pottekatt, M T Vasudevan Nair and ONV Kurup.
Born on March 18, 1926, 'Akkitham,' is known for a simple and lucid style of writing. He is also the recipient of Padma Shri, Ezhuthachan Award, Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry, Odakkuzhal Award, Vallathol Award, Vayalar Award and Aasan Prize.
His literary works began to gain wide attention in the early 1950s and Irupatham Noottandinte Ithihasam (Epic of the 20th Century), a khandakavya is one of the first truly modernist poems in Malayalam literature. In 1952, the book fetched him the Sanjayan Award.
'Akkitham' has published 45 books comprising poetry anthologies, plays and short stories. Balidarsanam (The Vision of Bali), Arangettam, Nimisha Kshetram, Idinju Polinja Lokam, Amritaghatika, and Kalikkottilil are some of his notable poetry anthologies.
Through his association with Yogakshema Sabha, ' Akkitham' has strived to bring in reforms in social reforms in the lives of the Namboothiri Brahmins of Kerala.
UNI PY RP1808