Malayalam writer Mukundan selected for Ezhuthachan award

Noted Malayalam novelist and short story writer M Mukundan has been selected for the Kerala government's highest literary award 'Ezhuthachan Puraskaram' for this year.

The 76-year old writer has been chosen for his overall contributions to the Malayalam literature, an official release said here Thursday.

In his reaction, Mukundan said the award was an acknowledgement of the "stern stand" taken by him on various social issues.

The award, named after Ezhuthachan -- the father of Malayalam literature, carries a cash prize of Rs five lakh and a citation.

Considered as one of the pioneers of modern Malayalam literature, Mukundan is known as "Mayyazhiyude Kathakaran" (storyteller of Mayyazhi - Mahe).

Hailing from Mahe, a former French colony and an enclave of Union Territory of Puducherry in Kerala, Mukundan's works include novels, short stories and non-fiction.

"Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil", "Daivathinte Vikrithikal", "Kesavante Vilapangal" and "Delhi Gadhakal" are among his popular works.