Sugathakumari bags first ONV literary prize

Eminent poet-activist Sugathakumari has been chosen for the first ONV literary prize, instituted in memory of Jnanpith laureate, late ONV Kurup.
The octogenarian poet was chosen for the recognition considering her overall contributions to Malayalam literature, filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan told reporters here today.
The award, instituted by ONV Cultural Academy, comprises a purse of Rs three lakh, citation and plaque, he said.
A panel, comprising critic M Leelavathi and literarians C Radhakrishnan and Prabha Varma, selected Sugathakumari for the honour.
Young writers Arya Gopi and Sumeshkrishnan bagged 'ONV Yuva Sahitya award' for their books "Avasanathe Manushyan" and "Rudraksharam" respectively.
The award comprises cash prize of Rs 50,000, citation and plaque. The award-winners would share the prize money.

The awards would be distributed at a function here on May 27, the birth anniversary of the poet who passed away last year.