Happy to be nominated for Moortidevi award: Veerendra Kumar

Rajya Sabha member and eminent writer M P Veerendra Kumar today said he was happy to have been nominated for the prestigious Moortidevi award for his Malayalam travelogue 'Haimavatha Bhoomiyil', which he never expected.
Speaking to reporters here, he said that he was happy for being nominated for the award.
"I am happy that I have been nominated for this award which I never expected," Kumar, also the Chairman and Managing Director of Mathrubhumi daily, said.
The travelogue unravels ancient trails of Indian culture and literature. It also reflects on lives of people who lived in the plains, valleys and mountains of ancient India, besides the country's journey from 'Indraprastha' and myths and legends surrounding it.

The award, to be presented next year, has been constituted by Bharathiya Jnanpith for a contemplative and perceptive work which expresses and underlines human values rooted in the broad vision of Indian Philosophy and human heritage.
It carries a cash prize of Rs four lakh, a plaque and the statue of Goddess Saraswathi.

The travelogue had won the prestigious Vayalar Award in 2008, given for the best literary work in Malayalam and also the Kendriya Sahithya Akademi award in 2010.
'Haimavatha Bhoomiyil' has more than 50 editions and has been translated into Hindi and Tamil.
Veerendra Kumar is also president of state Janata dal (United), a partner in the opposition United Democratic Front in Kerala.

He was elected to the upper house early this year.