E. Santhosh Kumar Honoured with Vayalar Award

E. Santhosh Kumar, a distinguished Malayalam writer from Thrissur, has been awarded the 2025 Vayalar Award for his novel Thapomayiyude Achan. This accolade is among the most esteemed literary honors in Kerala, India. The award includes a cash prize, a certificate, and a sculpture, and is presented annually on October 27, marking the death anniversary of poet-lyricist Vayalar Ramavarma.

The selection committee for this year's award, comprising T.D. Ramakrishnan, N.P. Hafiz Muhammad and Priya A.S. unanimously chose Kumar's novel for its profound exploration of the human psyche and its poignant treatment of themes such as migration and identity.

Set against the backdrop of northeastern India, Thapomayiyude Achan delves into the lives of refugees, capturing their struggles and resilience. The committee lauded the novel for its compelling narrative and its ability to resonate with readers across India, transcending regional boundaries. Kumar's literary journey commenced in the late 1990s, with his first short story, "Galapagos," published in 2000. Since then, he has authored over 25 works, including novels, short story collections, children's literature, and essays.

His notable works include Chavukali (2006), Andhakaranazhi (2011), Jnanabharam (2020), and Narakangalude Upama (2019). His writing has been translated into several languages, including English, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, Hindi, Gujarati, German, and Arabic, earning him national and international acclaim.

In addition to his literary achievements, Kumar has received several prestigious awards. He won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Short Story in 2006 for Chavukali and again in 2012 for his novel Andhakaranazhi. In 2024, he was honored with the Federal Bank Literary Award for Thapomayiyude Achan, further cementing his stature in the Malayalam literary community.

The Vayalar Award ceremony is scheduled for October 27 at the Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram. This event will not only celebrate Kumar's literary excellence but also highlight the enduring relevance of Malayalam literature in addressing contemporary issues. Kumar's work continues to inspire readers and writers alike, making a significant contribution to the rich tapestry of Indian literature.