Renowned Malayalam writer Methil Radhakrishnan has been chosen for the prestigious 2026 Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, the highest literary award presented by the Kerala government. The honour recognises his significant contribution to Malayalam literature and his distinctive approach to creative writing. The award includes a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, a citation and a plaque.

Methil Radhakrishnan Selected Unanimously by the Jury

The selection was made unanimously by a jury headed by poet K. G. Sankara Pillai (KGS), who received the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram in 2025. The other members of the selection panel included writers Kalpetta Narayanan, K. Satchidanandan and Sarah Joseph. MP Surendran served as the member secretary.

Announcing its decision, the jury praised Methil for introducing a distinctive literary sensibility to Malayalam writing through his exceptional aesthetic vision and intellectual depth. It highlighted his ability to bring together science, philosophy and psychology in an imaginative and original manner.

A Distinctive Voice in Modern Malayalam Literature

According to the jury, Methil occupies an important position in the postmodern phase of Malayalam literature. His literary contributions span novels, short stories, poetry and science essays, all connected by an original philosophical perspective.

The panel described him as a writer whose influence extends beyond the present generation, making his work relevant to future readers as well.

The jury also observed that Methil has continuously enriched and renewed the Malayalam language over several decades. His selection is particularly meaningful because the award is named after Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan, widely regarded as the father of modern Malayalam literature, who played a defining role in shaping the language's literary tradition.

His writings, the jury noted, encourage readers to constantly expand their literary preferences while challenging established conventions and introducing a significant shift in Malayalam literary sensibility.

Jury Highlights His Contribution to Poetry and Short Stories

The jury emphasised that Methil's poetic sensibility is evident across all forms of his writing, whether he is creating a novel, a short story or even a brief literary note.

Describing him as an architect of the short story, the panel highlighted several of his notable works, including Sangeetham Oru Samayakalayanu, Hitchcockinte Idapedal, Kayarinte Attam, Nayakanmar Shavapetakathil, Melinjavarude Manashastram and Engane Oru Pazhutharaye Kollam.

These works, according to the jury, are layered literary creations that reflect Methil's distinctive imagination and creative abilities.

His wide-ranging interests in international poetry, philosophy, environmental studies, music, anthropology, history and entomology have also played an important role in shaping the uniqueness of his novels.

From Palakkad to a Distinguished Literary Career

Born on August 24, 1944, in Puthiyankam, Alathur, Palakkad district, Methil Radhakrishnan is the son of Parakkat Govinda Menon and Methil Kamala.

He completed his education at Government College, Chittur, and Kerala Varma College, Thrissur.

Apart from his literary career, Methil also has professional experience in the technology and corporate sectors. He served for several years as the head of the computer department at a Norwegian shipping company. He later worked as a senior technical writer at the Madras branch of Nest Software USA.

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Notable Literary Works of Methil Radhakrishnan

Over the years, Methil has produced an extensive body of literary work across different genres. Some of his prominent publications include:

His literary contributions have established him as an influential voice in contemporary Malayalam writing.

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Ezhuthachan Puraskaram: A Prestigious Literary Recognition

Established in 1993, the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram is the Kerala government's highest literary recognition. The award was first presented to Sooranad Kunjan Pillai and has since honoured distinguished literary personalities for their contributions to Malayalam literature.

Methil Radhakrishnan becomes the 34th recipient of this prestigious recognition.

The 2026 selection celebrates not only his extensive literary achievements but also his enduring efforts to challenge conventional storytelling, explore new intellectual perspectives and expand the creative possibilities of the Malayalam language.

Methil's wife, Prabhavathi, is no more. He has two children, Julian and the late June.