T.D. Ramakrishnan’s novel Sugandhi Enna Andal Devanayaki has been chosen for this year’s Vayalar Ramavarma Literary Prize. The novel was chosen for the award by a three-member jury comprising literary critic Thomas Mathew, Sahitya Akademi secretary K.P. Mohanan and Emeritus Professor of Malayalam Anil Kumar.
The award, in its 40th year, would be presented to Mr. Ramakrishnan at a function to be held here on October 27, the death anniversary of the late poet and lyricist Vayalar Ramavarma. It carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a citation, and a statuette designed by sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman. The award function will be held at the Tagore Theatre here at 5.30 p.m.
The jury had arrived at a unanimous decision in choosing the novel for the award.
‘‘T.D. Ramakrishnan has a narrative style of his own which he used effectively in this work. The novel brings together history and myth seamlessly. It also works as a pointer to some of the concerns of contemporary life,’’ said Mr. Mathew.
Mr. Mohanan said the novel, set in the background of the struggle for Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka, highlights the anti-democratic and anti-women nature of revolutionary organisations.
Mr. Anil Kumar said that though the novel was set around the struggle in Sri Lanka, it went beyond that and talks about the marginalisation of the struggling masses across the world, and about how power structures and hierarchy work.
Vayalar Trust president and littérateur M.K. Sanoo presided over the judging committee meeting on Sunday. The trust had asked 316 individuals to choose three of the best works written in the past five years. Out of this, 112 individuals responded, with a total of 110 suggestions. From this, five works which had got the most points were sent to a 20-member committee. The top three selections from this committee was submitted to the three-member judging committee.
