Jnanpith laureate Pratibha Ray confers Mathrubhumi Literary Award to Sarah Joseph

Kozhikode: Renowned writer Sarah Joseph has been conferred with the 2024 Mathrubhumi Literary Award at a formal ceremony held on Saturday at KP Kesava Menon Hall in Kozhikode.

The prestigious award, which includes a cash prize of ₹3 lakh, a citation, and a sculpture designed by the celebrated artist MV Devan, was presented by Jnanpith laureate and eminent writer Pratibha Ray from Odisha.

The event commenced with a welcome address by PV Chandran, Chairman and Managing Editor of Mathrubhumi. The function was presided over by MV Shreyams Kumar, Managing Director of Mathrubhumi. Eminent writers E Santhosh Kumar and R Rajashree offered felicitations, while P.V. Nidhish, Joint Managing Editor, delivered the vote of thanks.

The award recipient was selected unanimously by a distinguished jury chaired by noted writer N.S. Madhavan, with members M Leelavathi and E Santhosh Kumar. The committee recognised Sarah Joseph’s literary contributions as a “revolution of love” woven through cultural history with words.

About Sarah Joseph

Born on February 10, 1946, in Kuriachira, Thrissur district, Sarah Joseph is the daughter of Louise and Kochumariam. She received her early education at Mar Thimotheus High School, Chelakkottukara, and retired as a professor from Government College. A pioneering figure in Kerala’s feminist movement, she has also served as a member of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi.

Sarah Joseph has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and the Sahitya Akademi Award (2003) for her celebrated novel Aalahayude Penmakkal. She also won the Cherukad Award, the Vayalar Award (2004), and the inaugural O. Chandu Menon Award for Mattathi. Other recognitions include the Abu Dhabi Arangu Award, Kuwait Kala Puraskaram, Padmaprabha Award (2007), Muttathu Varkey Award, O.V. Vijayan Award, Basheer Award, Saraswati Samman, Kalaignar Karunanidhi Literary Award, Odakkuzhal Award, and Crossword Award, among others.

Notable Works

Sarah Joseph has made significant contributions to Malayalam literature across genres. Her major novels include: Manasile Thee Mathram Kadinte Sangeetham Nanmathimakalude Vriksham Papathara Nilavu Ariyunnu Oduvilathe Suryakanthi Kadithu Kandayo Kantha Puthu Ramayanam – Ramayana Kathaigal Veendum Parayumbol Oru Parama Rahasyathinte Ormakku (Short Stories) Aalahayude Penmakkal Mattathi Othappu Ooru Kaval Aathi Aalohari Anandam Bhootini Kara

She has also written acclaimed novels such as:

• Thejomayam

• Saraayiyude Marudesangal

• Esther

• Shelter

In the field of anthologies, her notable collections include:

• Bhagavad Geethayude Adukkalayil Ezhuthukaar Veavukkunnath

• Nammude Adukkala Thirichupidikkuka

She has contributed to children’s literature as well, with works like Lillyappa.