Filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan said Balamaniamma was a poet of all times and the selection of Yusufali Kecheri for the award, who had brought in intense moods and emotions in his lines, was a fitting tribute to her. He was speaking at a function at the ongoing International Book Festival at Ernakulathappan grounds in the city after giving away the Balamaniamma Award to Yusufali Kecheri.
Cultural Affairs Minister K.C. Joseph inaugurated the cultural programme for giving away the Balamaniamma award for poetry, instituted by the Kochi International Book Festival committee, to Yusufali Kecheri, poet and lyricist. The Minister said the selection was most appropriate. Yusufali deserved to be complimented for the poetic imageries that brought a flourish to Malayalis’ thoughts. His lyrics were in perfect harmony with the motherly affection that became the hallmark of Balamaniamma’s poetry.
M. Achuthan, litterateur, who presided over the function, said that it could be interesting to study how children became the focal point of Balamaniamma’s poems.
ADVERTISEMENT
The poems of both the poets exuded the beauty and splendour of Indian culture, said National Book Trust Chairman Sethu.