Malayalam poet Akkitham wins 55th Jnanpith Award

Eminent Malayalam poet Akkitham has been chosen for 55th Jnanpith Award for the year 2019. The announcement in this regard was made by Jnanpith Selection Board chaired by novelist, scholar and Jnanpith laureate Pratibha Ray.

About Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri

Born in 1926, he was popularly known as Akkitham. He is one of the most revered names in Malayalam poetry. Apart from poetry, his literary excellence has footprints in genre such as drama, critical essays, children literature, short stories, reminiscence and translations.

He is a poet of rare integrity, a creator of many works, all considered as classics. His poetry reflects unfathomable compassion, imprints of Indian philosophical and moral values and a bridge between tradition and modernity.

Akkitham’s Work: He has authored 55 books out of which 45 are collections of poems. This includes Katha Kavyas, Charitha Kavyas, Khanda Kavyas and songs. His other celebrated creations include Akkitham Kavithaka, Veeravadam, Nimisha Kshethram, Antimahakalam, Balidarsanam, Amrita Khatika, and Epic of Twentieth Century.  His works have also been translated into many Indian as well as foreign languages.

Awards:  He has won Vayalar Award, Mathrubhumi Award, Kabir Samman Kerala, Padma Shri, Sahitya Akademi Award (1973), Sahitya Akademi Award (1972 and 1988).

About Jnanpith Award

Instituted in 1961, the Jnanpith Award is India’s highest literary honour.  With this award, the Bhartiya Jnanpith trust recognises Indian litterateurs who write in one of 22 Indian languages listed in Schedule VIII of Indian Constitution. The winners receive a cash prize of 11 lakh rupees, a citation and a bronze replica of Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and wisdom. First winner of Jnanpith award was famour Malyalam writer G.S. Kurup.