Vayalar Award for E. Santhosh Kumar

Writer E. Santhosh Kumar has been chosen as the winner of the 49th Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Literary Award for his novel Tapomayiyude Achan. The award, instituted by the Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Trust, carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a sculpture designed by Kanayi Kunhiraman and a citation. A judging committee consisting of writers T.D. Ramakrishnan, Priya A.S. and N.P. Hafiz Mohamed chose Mr. Santhosh Kumar for the award, which was announced at a press conference here on Sunday (October 5, 2025).

Writer Perumbadavom Sreedharan, the trust president, announced the award. The committee in its initial screening process considered around 300 books for the award. Three books made it to the final round, from which the committee chose Tapomayiyude Achan as the winner. Mr. Ramakrishnan said that the jury had arrived at a unanimous decision in choosing the novel. Mr. Mohamed said Tapomayiyude Achan is a remarkable work of fiction which touches upon the pertinent global issue of migration. The novel, set in North East India, is notable for its inventive use of language and its narrative craft.

Mr. Santhosh Kumar, who won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award twice, is known for his novels including Andhakaranazhi, Jnanabharam as well as short story collections such as Chaavukali, Galapagos and Pasupatham.

The award will be presented at a function to be held at the Nishagandhi auditorium on October 27, on Vayalar’s death anniversary.