Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan handed over Ezhuthachan Award to writer Paul Zacharia. The chief minister said during the award ceremony that Zacharia’s works motivates the society and communities for a self-evaluation.

Ezhuthachan Award is the highest literary honour given by the state government in memory of Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan, father of the Malayalam language. The award comprises a purse of Rs 5 lakh, a plaque and a felicitation letter.

Zacharia criticises the religions that divert from values and virtues. While censoring the progressive movements, he also welcomes all progressive thoughts and concepts. He never intended to please or hurt anyone through his remarks, the chief minister said while presenting the award.

The award ceremony was held at Durbar Hall in the Secretariat. Minister A K Balan chaired the event online. Chief secretary Dr Vishwas Mehta, cultural department principal secretary Rani George and Kerala Sahitya Akademi secretary Dr KP Mohanan also attended the event.