Kozhikode: Renowned writer Sarah Joseph will be presented with the 2024 Mathrubhumi Literary Award on June 7 at a formal ceremony to be held at KP Kesava Menon Hall in Kozhikode at 5:00 PM. The award, which includes a cash prize of ₹3 lakh, a citation, and a sculpture designed by MV Devan, will be presented by Jnanpith laureate and noted writer Pratibha Ray from Odisha.

The event will begin with a welcome address by PV Chandran, Chairman and Managing Editor of Mathrubhumi. The function will be presided by MV Shreyams Kumar, Managing Director of Mathrubhumi. Eminent writers E Santhosh Kumar and R Rajashree will offer felicitations, while P.V. Nidhish, Joint Managing Editor will deliver the vote of thanks.

The award recipient was selected by a distinguished jury chaired by N.S. Madhavan, with

M Leelavathi and E Santhosh Kumar serving as members. The committee unanimously chose Sara Joseph for this year’s honour, stating that her literary contributions represent 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.