Sethu, a well-known novelist of Malayalam language, has been picked for the coveted Ezhuthachan Award, the state government’s highest literary honor, for his overall contribution to the Malayalam language and literature. The prize includes a ‘5 lakh reward, a citation, and a statuette.

A panel comprised of Kerala Sahithya Academy President K Satchidanandan, Professor M K Sanu, Vaisakhan, Kalady Sanskrit University Vice-Chancellor M V Narayanan, and Cultural Secretary Rani George unanimously nominated Sethu for this year’s highest literary prize. Cultural Affairs Minister V N Vasavan announced the prize, describing Sethu as a writer who has influenced many generations.

Sethu has carved himself his niche in Malayalam writing, whether it’s a short story or a novel. The 80-year-old writer, a banker by profession, has received several Malayalam literary accolades. Beyond literary movements and trends, Sethu has attempted to modernize and make literature more current. He was continually looking for new themes and writing styles. Sethu’s creative life has been compared to a journey by M T Vasudevan Nair, the doyen of Malayalam literature.