Thiruvananthapuram: Writer Benyamin has bagged this year’s Vayalar Ramavarma Literary Award. The 45th Vayalar Award was given to Benyamin for his book ‘Manthalirile 20 Communist Varshangal’. 

The award was declared by the jury including K R Meera, Dr George Onakkoor and Dr C Unnikrishnan. The Vayalar Memorial Trust office bearers informed that a cash award of Rs 1 lakh, felicitation letter and a sculpture made by sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman will be given as the award. It will be handed over to the writer at an event to be held on Vayalar's death anniversary which falls on October 27.

Benyamin reacted to the award saying that he feels utmost blessed and happy to have received the Vayalar award for the book that contains the essence of his soul. He added that ‘Manthalirile 20 Communist Varshangal’ is a book that is close to his heart because it is a work that was created by mapping the political scenario which he witnessed while growing up and his perspective towards Travancore’s ideologies.