Malayalam poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri has been chosen for the 55th Jnanpith Award (2019).
About Akkitham
- Akkitham, as he is popularly known, was born in 1926.
- He has authored 55 books out of which 45 are collections of poems including “Khanda Kavyas”, “Katha Kavyas”, “Charitha Kavyas” and songs. Some of his celebrated creations include “Veeravadam”, “Balidarsanam”, “Nimisha Kshethram”, “Amrita Khatika”, “Akkitham Kavithaka”, “Epic of Twentieth Century” and “Antimahakalam”.
- Apart from Padma Shri, Akkitham has won several literary accolades including the Sahitya Akademi Award (1973), Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (1972 and 1988), Mathrubhumi Award, Vayalar Award, and Kabir Samman.
About Jnanpith Award
- The Jnanpith Award is presented by the Bharatiya Jnanpith, established by the Shahu Shanti Prasad Jain.
- Instituted in 1961, the recipients of Jnanpith award are given a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, a citation plaque and a bronze replica of Goddess Saraswati.
- Malyalam author G.S. Kurup was the first recipient of this award.
