Ashokan Charuvil wins Vayalar Award for Kattoorkadavu

Thiruvananthapuram: Writer Ashokan Charuvil has been selected to receive the prestigious Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Literary Award for 2024 (48th edition) for his novel Kattoorkadavu. The political novel was chosen by a three-member jury comprising writers Benyamin and Gracy, along with prof K S Ravikumar, for the Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Trust.The jury, which convened on Sunday, announced the award, which includes a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a bronze sculpture crafted by Kanayi Kunhiraman, and a certificate. The award will be presented on Oct 27, the death anniversary of Vayalar Ramavarma, at 5.30pm at the Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram, according to a press release.The jury praised Kattoorkadavu as one of the most widely discussed works in recent years, highlighting its self-reflective examination of the contemporary socio-political landscape and its portrayal of the ordianry people involved in the Left movement in Kerala. The novel incorporates newe ideas and ways of writing, including social media, the committee added.This year, 1,265 individuals were invited to recommend the top three works published during the eligible period. From these, 323 respondents suggested 320 works. The six works with the highest points were shortlisted and evaluated by 20 readers, who ranked them by points. The top three works were then submitted to the jury, which selected the final award winner.The award is open to original Malayalam works from any genre—fiction, poetry, or criticism—published within the five years preceding December 31 of the year before the award.The announcement was made by G Balachandran, vice president and treasurer of the Vayalar Trust, along with the jury members. The award ceremony will also feature a special musical tribute, Vayalar Gaananjali, where renowned singers will perform songs and poems written by Vayalar Ramavarma.