Poet Prabha Varma’s Shyama Madhavam , a collection of poems, has won the 37th Vayalar Rama Varma Memorial Literary Award for 2013.
Mr. Varma’s work was selected by a jury comprising Anil Vallathol, Head of the Department of Malayalam, Calicut University; N. Anil Kumar, Head of the Department of Malayalam, Kerala Varma College, Thrissur; and Ambalappuzha Gopakumar. Vayalar Rama Varma Memorial Trust president M.K. Sanoo chaired the judging committee meeting.
Jury members told reporters here on Saturday that Mr. Varma had portrayed Lord Krishna in an entirely different vein, much different from the manner in which he was seen in the epics. The work was a blend of tradition and modernity. Mr. Varma is the Resident Editor of the Desabhimani .
The award comprises Rs.25,000, a statuette designed by sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman, and a citation. Original literary works published during the past five years such as novel, poetry, and criticism are considered for the award.
The committee had sought three nominations each from 210 persons.
As many as 124 persons suggested 130 works. Five works which got the highest points were forwarded to 20 selected persons. And based on their suggestions, three works were shortlisted and submitted to the jury for the final selection.
Prof. Sanoo will present the award at a function to be held at University Senate Hall here at 5.30 p.m. on October 27, the death anniversary of Vayalar Rama Varma.
