Sun May 18 15:12:49 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The O.V. Vijayan Literary Awards were presented at the O.V. Vijayan Memorial in Thasrak. Minister for Culture and Fisheries Saji Cherian presented the awards to E. Santhosh Kumar (novel), Santhosh Echikkanam (short story), and Shafi Poovathinkal (youth story). The event also marked the inauguration of a renovated road to the memorial, funded by the Fisheries department. The awards included a plaque, certificate, shawl, and prize money. Several dignitaries attended the event and spoke on the occasion.
**News Article:**
**Literary Luminaries Honored at O.V. Vijayan Awards Ceremony**
**THASRAK, May 18, 2025** – Celebrated authors E. Santhosh Kumar, Santhosh Echikkanam, and Shafi Poovathinkal were recognized for their outstanding contributions to literature at the O.V. Vijayan Literary Awards held at the O.V. Vijayan Memorial in Thasrak on Sunday. The ceremony was presided over by Minister for Culture and Fisheries Saji Cherian, who presented the prestigious awards.
E. Santhosh Kumar received the award in the novel category for his acclaimed work, “Jnanabharam,” while Santhosh Echikkanam was honored in the short story category for his anthology, “Kavana.” Shafi Poovathinkal took home the award in the youth story category for “Raqeebinum Atheedhinum Idayile Nunakal.”
In addition to the awards ceremony, Minister Cherian also inaugurated the newly renovated road leading to the memorial. The project, funded by the Fisheries department at a cost of ₹92 lakh, aims to improve access to the cultural site.
The awardees were selected by a distinguished jury panel comprised of C.P. Chithrabhanu, Manoj Veettikkad, and Rajesh Menon. Each winner received a plaque, a certificate of appreciation, a shawl, and a cash prize.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including V.K. Sreekandan, MP, and Kathakali artiste Kalamandalam Sivan Namboothiri. Other dignitaries such as A. Prabhakaran, MLA, and district panchayat president K. Binumol also graced the occasion.
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