Valsala chosen for Ezhuthachan Award

Writer P.Valsala has been chosen for the 29th Ezhuthachan Award, the Kerala Government's highest literary honour of the Kerala government. Announcing the award here on Monday, Culture Minister Saj

Writer P.Valsala has been chosen for the 29th Ezhuthachan Award, the Kerala Government's highest literary honour of the Kerala government. Announcing the award here on Monday, Culture Minister Saji Cherian said that she was chosen for the award for her contributions to Malayalam literature through her acclaimed novels and short stories.

She was chosen by a jury consisting of was chosen by a jury headed by Kerala Sahitya Akademi President Vysakhan and comprising academic B.Iqbal, writer Alancode Leelakrishnan, writer and activist K.E.N.Kunjahammed and Cultural Affairs Department Principal Secretary Rani George. The award comprises a cash prize of ₹5 lakhs, a citation and a plaque.

The jury noted that she represented the lives of the marginalised in her writings. She was able to bring into her novels, which were rooted in Kerala's culture, the peculiarities of the various regions and identities. Through her works, she gave space for the cries of the destitute and the oppressed, while remaining vigilant on issues affecting humanity. She dreamt of liberation from all kinds of conservatism. She has voiced her opinions whenever women have faced attacks and during instances of environmental destruction.