A new annual award in memory of legendary Tamil writer Jayakanthan was announced here today to encourage Russian and Tamil scholars.
The award 'Jayakanthan Natpuravu Parisu,' (Jayakanthan Friendship Prize), carrying a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, was announced by Indo-Russian Cultural and Friendship Society at an event held to pay tributes to Jayakanth who passed away recently. The late writer was the founder chairman of the society.
The award, in association with Tamil magazine 'Puthiya Parvai' will honour and encourage Tamil and Russian writers, Secretary General of the Society, P Thangappan said, adding, it will be given from next year.
Besides the cash prize, the award will carry a medal and a citation and it will be given on April 24 every year coinciding with the birth anniversary of Jayakanthan.
Earlier, Russian Consulate General in Chennai, Sergey L Kotov opened a photo exhibition of Jayakanthan and Indo-Russian friendship.
Consulate general Kotov, Vice-consul and Director, Russian Centre of Science and Culture Chennai, Mikhail Gorbatov, Chairman of Kasturi and Sons, publishers of 'The Hindu', N Ram, industrialist Gem R Veeramani and "Puthiya Parvai" M Natarajan Thangappan were among those who paid glowing tributes to the renowned author of several Tamil works.
