Thiruvananthapuram: E Santhosh Kumar has been named the winner of the 49th Vayalar Award for his work 'Thapomayiyude Achhan'.The Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Trust accepted the recommendation of the judging committee, which met at the Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

The award carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a bronze sculpture crafted by renowned sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman, and a certificate of appreciation. The prize amount is exempt from income tax.

The judging panel comprised TD Ramakrishnan, Dr NP Hafiz Mohamad, and Priya AS, while Perumbadavam Sreedharan, president of the Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Trust, presided over the meeting.

The award ceremony will be held at 5.30 pm on October 27 at the Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram, coinciding with the death anniversary of Vayalar Ramavarma. The event will be conducted in line with the green protocol for a pollution-free Kerala.