Kozhikode: Sara Joseph, who emerged as a prominent voice of feminist thought in Malayalam fiction and storytelling, has been chosen for the Mathrubhumi Literary Award 2024. The award, considered one of the most prestigious honours in Malayalam literature, carries a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh, a citation and a sculpture.

The winner was selected by a jury comprising N S Madhavan (Chair), M Leelavathi and E Santhosh Kumar. The award was announced by Mathrubhumi Managing Director M V Shreyams Kumar and Chairman and Managing Editor P V Chandran. The award presentation will take place in the first week of May.

Born in 1946 in Kuriachira, Thrissur, into a conservative Christian family, Sara Joseph served for many years as a lecturer in various colleges across Kerala. A trailblazer of the feminist movement in the state, she played a vital role in the 1980s as a driving force behind the Manushi movement. Her activism and literary voice often intertwined—both powerful and inseparable.

Her novels such as Aalahayude Penmakkal, Mattathi, Othappu, Oorukaval, Aalohari Anandam, Aathi, Budhini and Kara have cemented her place in the forefront of Malayalam fiction. She has also published around 15 collections of short stories, including Papathara, Nilavu Nirayunnu and Oduvilathe Sooryakanthi.

Sara Joseph has previously been honoured with both the Central and Kerala Sahitya Akademi Awards, the Vayalar Award and many other major literary accolades in Malayalam.