The recent news of the 55th edition of the Jnanpith Award stirred the literary world, as it announced renowned Malayalam poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri as its honouree. This prestigious award is recognized as India’s highest literary prize, setting benchmarks for esteemed writing in English and other Indian languages. The award acknowledges only Indian citizens on an annual basis.
About the 55th Jnanpith Award
The award is synonymous with exquisite prestige and monetary benefits, featuring a cash reward of Rs. 11 lakhs. In addition to this remarkable amount, the awardees receive a citation and a bronze replica of Vagdevi (Saraswati) – the goddess of learning. The Bharatiya Jnanpith, a cultural organization, graciously sponsors this award.
The spotlight of the 2019 edition of the award was beamed on author Amitav Ghosh, making him the first English language writer to become a Jnanpith laureate.
Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri: The Celebrated Poet
Akkitham, as he is popularly known, is the sixth writer from the Malayalam literature to secure the honourary Jnanpith award. He shares this accolade with famous Malayalam writer G Sankara Kurup who became the first winner of the award in 1965.
Akkitham has been instrumental in introducing modernism to Malayalam poetry. He stands as the only living poet bestowed with the title ‘Mahakavi’ (great poet) in Malayalam.
Acclaimed Works and Accolades
Akkitham has gifted his readers numerous works of depth and beauty, including ‘Pathalathinte Muzhakkam’, ‘Irupatham Noottandinte Ithihasam’, and ‘Balidarshanam’. His work ‘Balidarshanam’ fetched him both State and Central Sahitya Akademi Awards in the year 1972-73.
His relentless contributions to Malayalam literature were recognized nationally with the prestigious Padmashri award in 2017.
Additional Honours for Akkitham
Akkitham has been conferred numerous honours throughout his literary journey. Notable among these are the Ezhuthachan Award, which is the highest literary honour given by the Kerala government, and the Odakkuzhal Award for commendable literary works in Malayalam.
Over all, Akkitham is not only a celebrated poet and an established luminary in the field of Malayalam literature but also a symbol of modernism, ushering in new styles and narratives in Malayalam story-telling.