Ashokan Charuvil Wins Vayalar Award for Kattoorkadavu

Why in the news?

Ashokan Charuvil’s novel Kattoorkadavu is honoured with the 48th Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Literary Award, recognizing its portrayal of social and political upheaval amid flood devastation.

Ashokan Charuvil Wins Vayalar Award for Kattoorkadavu

Award Details:

  • Instituted by the Vayalar Ramavarma Trust, the award includes a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a sculpture by Kanayi Kunhiraman.
  • The selection committee, consisting of writers Benyamin, Gracy, and literary critic S. Ravikumar, chose Charuvil’s novel during a meeting on Sunday.
  • Nearly 300 books were initially reviewed, narrowing down to six finalists.

Presentation Ceremony

  • The award presentation will take place on October 27 at the Nishagandhi auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Ashokan Charuvil is known for his other works, including Oru Rathrikku Oru Pakal, Amazon, and Parichita Gandhangal.

Asokan Charuvil: Profile and Achievements

  • Birth: 1957, Kattoor, Trichur district, Kerala.
  • Education: Completed schooling at Karalam High School; attended SN College, Nattika, and SN Teachers Education Institution, Irinjalakuda.
  • Career:
    • Former officer in the registration department.
    • Member of the Kerala Public Service Commission.
    • General Secretary of Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham since 2018.

Notable Works

  • Sooryakanthikalude Nagaram (1987)
  • Parichitha Gandhangal (1993)
  • Oru Rathrikku Oru Pakal (1996)
  • Amazon
  • Kattoorkadavu

Awards

  • 1986: Cherukad Award
  • 1993:Abu Dhabi Sakthi Award (Parichitha Gandhangal)
  • 1995:Edasseri Award (Oru Rathrikku Oru Pakal)
  • 1998: Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Story (Oru Rathrikku Oru Pakal)
  • 2010: Padmarajan Award (Amazon)
  • 2014: Muttathu Varkey Award
  • 2024: Vayalar Award (Kattoorkadavu)

Sources Referred:

PIB,The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times