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K.G. Sankara Pillai Honored with Kerala’s Ezhuthachhan Puraskaram 2025

In a landmark moment for Malayalam literature, the Kerala government has named poet K.G. Sankara Pillai the recipient of the Ezhuthachhan Puraskaram 2025, the state’s highest literary award. Named after Thunchaththu Ezhuthachhan, the father of Malayalam literature, this prestigious accolade recognizes lifetime achievements in enriching the language and literary tradition.

A Literary Legacy Spanning Decades

Born in Thiruvananthapuram in 1943, K.G. Sankara Pillai has been a defining voice in contemporary Malayalam poetry for over 50 years. His works, celebrated for their philosophical depth and lyrical elegance, explore themes of existentialism, human suffering, and societal transformation.

Notable Works and Contributions

• Manassile Ormakal (Memories in the Mind)
• Aranyakan (The Forest Dweller)
• Veedumattam (The Uninhabited House)

Pillai’s poetry seamlessly merges classical Malayalam traditions with modernist expressions, earning him critical acclaim and a devoted readership. Beyond his verse, he has influenced generations as a professor at the University of Kerala and through his incisive critical essays.

About the Ezhuthachhan Puraskaram

Established in 1993, the award includes a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, a citation, and a statuette. Previous winners include literary luminaries like O.N.V. Kurup, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and Sugathakumari, placing Pillai among Malayalam literature’s finest. The selection committee hailed his “unparalleled poetic vision and dedication to Malayalam.”

Official Reactions

Kerala’s Minister for Cultural Affairs, Saji Cheriyan, remarked:

“Pillai’s poetry transcends art—it reflects the soul of humanity. This award honors his lifelong service to literature.”

Pillai, humbled by the recognition, stated:

“Literature is a shared journey between writer and reader. This award belongs to all who found meaning in my words.”

Malayalam Literature’s Global Rise

The announcement coincides with growing international recognition for Malayalam writers like Benyamin and K.R. Meera. Pillai’s win highlights the vibrancy of regional Indian literature and its universal appeal.

Fans and peers have flooded social media with tributes, underscoring his impact on Kerala’s cultural landscape.

Final Thoughts: Celebrating a Master of Words

K.G. Sankara Pillai’s Ezhuthachhan Puraskaram is a testament to poetry’s timeless power. In an age of fleeting content, his work reminds us of literature’s capacity to provoke, heal, and inspire.

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