Methil Radhakrishnan selected for 2026 Ezhuthachan Award

NOTED Malayalam writer Methil Radhakrishnan has been selected for the 2026 Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, the Kerala Government's highest literary honour, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Malayalam literature.

The award was announced by Tourism, Cinema and Culture Minister P.C. Vishnunath on Sunday, coinciding with Kerala Piravi Day. It carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a citation and a plaque.

A jury chaired by eminent poet K.G. Sankara Pillai unanimously selected Radhakrishnan for the honour. The jury included writers Kalpetta Narayanan, K. Satchidanandan and Sarah Joseph, with M.P. Surendran as member secretary.

The jury observed that Radhakrishnan had introduced a new sensibility to Malayalam literature through his distinctive aesthetic vision, intellectual depth and innovative writing. His ability to creatively integrate science, philosophy and psychology into literature was particularly appreciated.

Born on August 24, 1944, at Puthiyankam in Alathur, Palakkad district, Methil Radhakrishnan is regarded as a distinctive voice in contemporary Malayalam literature. He has made significant contributions to novels, short stories, poetry and scientific essays.

His notable works include Sooryavamsham, Bra, Chuvanna Vidushakarude Anjam Pathi, Dylan Thomasinte Panthu, Methil Kathakal, Methil Kavithakal, Sangeetham Oru Samayakalayanu and Hitchcockinte Idapedal.

The writer studied at Government College, Chittur, and Kerala Varma College, Thrissur. He subsequently worked as head of the computer department at a Norwegian shipping company and as a senior technical writer at the Madras branch of Nest Software USA.

The jury described him as a poet in everything he writes, whether it is a novel, short story, essay or even a brief note. It also noted that his writings encourage readers to continually renew their literary tastes and have brought about a significant change in Malayalam literary sensibility.

The Ezhuthachan Puraskaram was instituted in 1993 in memory of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, regarded as the father of the Malayalam language. Methil Radhakrishnan is the 34th recipient of the prestigious award.

The award presentation ceremony is expected to be held in Kozhikode towards the end of November.