Malayalam poet Akkitham wins 55th Jnanpith Award

Malayalam poet Akkitham wins 55th Jnanpith Award

Eminent Malayalam poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri has been chosen for the 55th Jnanpith Award, according to the Jnanpith Selection Board, which was headed by the famous odia writer Pratibha Rai. The award consists of Rs 11 lakh, a statue of Vagdevi, a citation and a memento.

About the Poet:

• Born in 1926, Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri popularly known as Akkitham is one of the most revered names in Malayalam poetry.
• Apart from poetry, his literary excellence has footprints in genre like drama, reminiscence, critical essays, children's literature, short stories and translations. 
• Some of his celebrated creations include Veeravadam, Bali Darshanam, Nimisha Kshethram, Amrita Khatika, Akkitham Kavithaka, Epic of Twentieth Century and Antimahakalam.
• A Padma Shri awardee, he has won several literary accolades including the Sahitya Akademi Award (1973), Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (1972 and 1988), Mathrubhumi Award, Vayalar Award, and Kabir Samman.
• G Sankara Kurup is the first winner of  Jnanpith Award.