About the Vayalar Ramavanrma Award
The Vayalar Award is a prestigious award of Kerala given to the best personalities for excellent literary work in Malayalam. The Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Trust first introduced the Vayalar Award in the memory of veteran poet and lyricist Vayalar Ramavarma. The first Vayalar award winner is Lalithambika Antarjanam, who has received this award for “Agnisakshi.”
Vayalar Ramavarma was one of the most influential poets and lyricists of India, best known for his great contribution to Malayalam literature. His beautifully crafted, meaningful lyrics give a strong social message to the readers. He was born on 28th March, 1928, in the small village of Kerala.
- Contribution to Malayalam literature
In his early life, he was quite popular for his rural developmental work. He published his first poems, titled “Kavitakal,” in the year 1945. He wrote songs for more than two hundred films and stage plays in Malayalam. His novels, short stories, and plays are the golden gems of Malayalam literature. Her incredible contribution to Malayalam poetry is unforgettable. Aayisha, Utsavappattu, and Nalacharitam are excellent innovations that feature the perfect combination of nature, lifestyle, and love.
- Prestigious award received
He had received numerous awards for his tremendous contribution to Malayalam literature, such as the “Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award,” Padma Bhusan, Padma Sri, and the “National Film Award for Best Lyrics.” Besides this, he has been conferred with “Kerala State Film Awards” multiple times for his influence and inspirational social message in literature.
Key points:
- Vayalar Award Instituted in: 1977
- Date of award conferring: 27th October of every year
- Prize Money: Rs.1,00,000 INR
- First Vayalar award winner: Lalithambika Antarjanam
About Lalithambika Antarjanam, First Winner
Lalithambika Antharjanam was a renowned Malayalam social reformer and author who has made significant contributions to Malayalam literature. She was a truthful follower of Mahatma Gandhi and actively involved in social reform movements. She won the Kendra Sahitya Academy Award and the Kerala Sahitya Academy Award. Her incredible creations in Malayalam literature are “Agnisakshi,” “Adyathe Kathakal,” “Kilivatililoode,” “Kodunkattil Ninnu“, “Sita Mutal Satyavati Vare,” and “Takarna Talamura.” Her writing reflects the women’s role in society and the family of her time. She has written a total of nine volumes of short stories, novels, two books for children, and six fabulous collections of Malayalam poems.
FAQ
Why is the 27th October Vayalar award distributed?
27th October is chosen to confer the awardee for showing tribute to the veteran Malayalam laureate Vayalar Ramavarma on his death anniversary.
What was the prize amount of the Vayalar award at the time of institution?
The first Vayalar award winner, Lalithambika Antarjanam, was awarded Rs. 25000 INR and a silver plate with a certificate as a memento in the year 1977. Later, the amount of the prize has been increased to Rs. 100000.
Who was the winner of the Vayalar award in 2024?
Ashoka Charuvil won this prestigious award for his outstanding contribution to the novel “Kattoorkadavu.”
Where did the ceremony for the Vayalar award take place in 2024?
It was celebrated at Nishagandhi Auditorium, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
How many Vayalar awards have been given till 2024?
A total of 48 Vayalar awards have been awarded till now.
