Kozhikode: Writer and screenwriter P F Mathews was conferred with Akbar Kakkattil Memorial Award for his collection of short stories titled ‘Chila Pracheena Vikarangal’. The award comprises a purse of Rs 50,000, a sculpture designed by Paul Kallanod and a felicitation letter.

Akbar Kakkattil Trust president Sathrughnan handed over the award at an event organised to commemorate the author. A jury including writers Sara Joseph, N S Madhavan and K V Sajay selected the book for the award.

Kerala Sahitya Akademi vice president Dr Khadeeja Mumthas opined while remembering the writer that Akbar Kakkattil was a writer who portrayed the cultural open-mindedness of Malabar in his writing.

Writers P K Parakkadavu, N P Hafis Muhammed, M S Saji, Rafeeq Orma, P Hareendranath, Akbar Kakkattil’s wife Jameela and family members also attended the event.