Kerala Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024 announced: G. R. Indugopan wins Best Novel, Anitha Thampi awarded Best Poetry. See full list of winners, fellowships, and cash prizes.
Kerala Sahitya Akademi Announces 2024 Literary Award Winners
Literary Excellence Recognised Across Genres
On June 26, 2025, the Kerala Sahitya Akademi announced its prestigious 2024 awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to Malayalam literature across various genres. The awards aim to honour both emerging talents and veteran writers, reflecting the academy’s commitment to preserving and nurturing literary richness in Kerala
Best Novel: Aano by G. R. Indugopan
The coveted Best Novel Award was conferred upon G. R. Indugopan for his poignant work Aano. Known for his narrative finesse and thematic depth, Indugopan’s novel explores contemporary Kerala society with keen insight
Best Poetry: Muringa Vazha Kariveppu by Anitha Thampi
The Best Poetry Award went to Anitha Thampi for her evocative collection Muringa Vazha Kariveppu, a compilation praised for its lyrical intensity and cultural resonance
Best Short Story: Garisappa Aruvi Athava Oru Jalayathra by V. Shinilal
V. Shinilal received the Best Short Story Award for Garisappa Aruvi Athava Oru Jalayathra, a narrative noted for its powerful prose and compelling storytelling .
Notable Winners Across Categories
- Essay (Sibi Kumar Endowment): Pookkalude Pusthakam – M. Swaraj
- Drama: Sashidharan Naduvil
- Literary Criticism: G. Dileep
- Scientific Literature: Deepak V
- Biography/Autobiography: Dr. K. Rajashekharan Nair
- Travelogue: K. R. Ajayan
- Translation: Chinthu Prakash
- Children’s Literature: E. N. Sheeja
- Humour: Niranjan
Each awardee receives ₹25,000, a plaque, and a certificate
Special Honours: Fellowships & Lifetime Awards
- Kerala Sahitya Akademi Fellowships were granted to K. V. Ramakrishnan and Ezhacheri Ramachandran, recognizing their outstanding literary contributions
- Lifetime Contribution Awards (with cash prizes of ₹30,000 plus plaque, shawl, and certificate) were presented to P. K. N. Panicker, Payyannur Kunhiraman, M. M. Narayanan, T. K. Gangadharan, K. E. N., and Mallika Yunis
- Fellowship and Lifetime Contribution honorees also received ₹50,000, a two-sovereign gold medal, a citation, shawl, and plaque
Annual Vilasini Award Left Vacant
This year, no recipient was found worthy of the Vilasini Award, which is reserved for exceptional accomplishments in sprawling epic fiction
Why This News Is Important
Promoting Cultural & Literary Awareness
This announcement highlights Kerala’s robust tradition of literary excellence, reinforcing the importance of Malayalam literature in shaping regional identity. Recognition across diverse genres like poetry, criticism, humour, translation, and scientific writing underscores the academy’s support for varied expressions—critical knowledge for aspirants preparing for government exams, especially in civil services and education.
Implications for Exam Aspirants
Understanding Kerala’s literary landscape and familiarising oneself with award-winning authors—such as G. R. Indugopan, Anitha Thampi, and V. Shinilal—can benefit candidates in sections like General Studies, Indian Culture, and Essay Writing. Their works often reflect socio-political realities and cultural nuances, providing material for essay subjects or comprehension passages.
Reflection of Educational Policies & Trends
Awards like the Fellowship and Lifetime Achievement reflect the government’s commitment to supporting cultural figures with monetary honours and medals. Recognising political figures like M. Swaraj in essay categories may also facilitate discussion on the interplay between literature, politics, and public discourse.
Historical Context
About the Kerala Sahitya Akademi
Founded in 1956, the Kerala Sahitya Akademi serves as the state’s primary literary institution, dedicated to promoting Malayalam language and literature. It has played a pivotal role in nurturing literary talent and archiving Kerala’s cultural heritage.
Evolution of the Awards
Since its inception in 1958, the Akademi has expanded its awards to include categories beyond fiction and poetry, such as criticism, humour, biography, science writing, and translation. This variety ensures recognition of diverse literary accomplishments and contributes to the richness of Malayalam letters
Landmark Moments & Notable Recipients
Noteworthy past awardees include M. T. Vasudevan Nair, Sugathakumari, and Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri, recipients of Kerala’s highest literary honours. The Ezhuthachan Puraskaram—distinct from these awards—is the state’s top honour, often spotlighted alongside Akademi distinctions
Key Takeaways from “Kerala Sahitya Akademi 2024 Awards”
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | G. R. Indugopan’s Aano won the Best Novel award. |
| 2 | Anitha Thampi’s Muringa Vazha Kariveppu received the Best Poetry award. |
| 3 | V. Shinilal’s “Garisappa Aruvi Athava Oru Jalayathra” secured the Best Short Story award. |
| 4 | Fellowships and Lifetime Awards were bestowed upon K. V. Ramakrishnan, Ezhacheri Ramachandran, and six other veteran writers. |
| 5 | All recipients in major categories received ₹25,000, while fellowships included ₹50,000, gold medals, shawls, and plaques. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Kerala Sahitya Akademi?
The Kerala Sahitya Akademi is an autonomous literary organization established in 1956 to promote Malayalam literature and language. It functions under the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala.
Q2. Who won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Best Novel in 2024?
G. R. Indugopan won the Best Novel award for his literary work Aano.
Q3. Are there cash prizes associated with the Akademi Awards?
Yes, winners receive ₹25,000, a plaque, and a certificate. Fellowship recipients are awarded ₹50,000, a two-sovereign gold medal, a shawl, and a citation.
Q4. Why are Kerala Sahitya Akademi Awards significant for exam preparation?
They highlight important literary achievements, reflect state cultural policies, and are relevant for General Awareness, Art & Culture, and Essay sections of competitive exams like UPSC, PSC, SSC, and teaching exams.
Q5. Who received the fellowship from Kerala Sahitya Akademi in 2024?
The fellowship was awarded to K. V. Ramakrishnan and Ezhacheri Ramachandran for their outstanding contributions to Malayalam literature.
Q6. Was the Vilasini Award presented this year?
No, the Vilasini Award was not conferred in 2024 due to the absence of a suitable candidate.
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