The award carries a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, a citation and astatuette.
A jury headed by eminent poet Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri selected Sanu for the award, Mathrubhumi Managing Director M P Veerendra Kumar, MP, said in a release today.
Malayalam writer, literary critic and educationistDr M Leelavathy, author and scientist C Radhakrishnan were the other members of the jury committee.
"Changampuzha Krishnapilla", "Nakshtrangalude Snehabhajanam", "Narayanaguru Swami", "Mruthyunjayam" "Kavyajeevitham", "Viswasathilek Veendum American Sahityam" and "Prabhatha Darshanam" are some of his important works.