The great poet Akkitham was presented with the Jnanpith award. Akkitham is the sixth Malayalee to win the award. The Jnanpith award was presented by Minister AK Balan at his residence in Kumaranellur. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the award ceremony via video conference.
The award recognizes Akkitham’s outstanding contribution to the language, which has left its mark on various literary genres. The Jnanpith will cost Rs 11 lakh and a Saraswati sculpture. The poet received the award at the age of 93. Akkitham, a native of Kumaranalloor, Palakkad, is a poet who has contributed more than 40 works to Malayalam.