Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan presented the prestigious Vayalar award to well-known Malayalam poet and lyricist Ezhacherry Ramachandran.

The governor presented the 44th edition of the award to Ramachandran at a low key function held at Raj Bhavan here adhering to COVID-19 health protocol. Apart from the award winner and governor, only the members of Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Trust took part in the event.

"I am indeed very happy to present the prestigious Vayalar award to Ezhacherry Ramachandran. The award instituted by the Vayalar memorial trust in 1977 has always been a benchmark of literary merit in Malayalam," Khan said.

Khan said the trust deserves admiration for instituting the award and choosing "writers and poets of great literary caliber to receive it."

Ramachandran bagged the award for his collection of poems, "A Virginian Veyilkaalam". The award includes Rs one lakh and a bronze sculpture by renowned sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman.

Trust president Perumbadavam Sreedharan chaired the function and poet Prabha Varma delivered welcome speech. Prof G Balachandran and Trust secretary C V Thrivikraman also attended the function.

The governor honoured secretary C V Thrivikraman by adorning him with a traditional shawl. He has been organising the Vayalar award related events for the past 44 years.

Vayalar Ganasandhya, music event also was held as part of the ceremony. Considering COVID protocol, online facilities were utilised in organizing the function.

Earlier this month, Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Trust chief and writer Perumbadavam Sreedharan had announced that the jury was unanimous in selecting the winner for the 44th edition of the award. Ramachandran has won many awards including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 2008.

(With inputs from PTI)