Alappuzha: Noted Malayalam poet Ezhacherry Ramachandran has bagged the Vayalar Award this year. His creation ‘Oru Virginian Veyilkalam’ won him the honour. The award consists of a memento designed in bronze by Kanayi Kunhiraman, certificate and a purse of Rs 1 lakh.

‘Oru Virginian Veyilkalam’ is a collection of 41 poems.

The award was announced at a press conference by Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Trust President Perumbadavam Sreedharan.

The jury consisting of Dr KP Mohanan, Dr N Mukundan and Dr Ambalappuzha Gopakumar selected the winner.

Ramachandran, a native of Ezhacherry near Meenachil in Kottayam, has won the Kerala state award for professional drama lyrics thrice. He has also worked as Kerala Sahitya Akademi executive committee member and Chalachitra Academy member.

He is also one of the vice presidents of Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham (Progressive Arts & Literary Organisation) and president of Literary Co-operative Society.

He has penned the over 30 songs including ‘Chandamanithavil Pathichari..’

Ardrasamudram, Bhandurangeepuram, Neeli and Kayyur are some of his noted works. Other works include Uyarum Njan Nadake and Kattuchikkiya Thelimanalil.