THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Eminent writer Methil Radhakrishnan has been chosen for the prestigious Ezhuthachan Puraskaram 2026, the Kerala government’s highest literary honor. The award comprises a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a citation, and a plaque.
The unanimous selection was made by a jury chaired by renowned poet KG Sankara Pillai (KGS), who received the honor last year. The jury panel included distinguished writers Kalpetta Narayanan, K Satchidanandan, and Sarah Joseph, with MP Surendran serving as the member secretary.
Commending his vast literary contributions, the jury noted that Methil introduced a novel sensibility to Malayalam literature through his distinct aesthetic perspective and intellectual rigor, seamlessly fusing elements of science, philosophy, and psychology within his creative output.
Describing him as a pivotal figure in post-modern Malayalam literature, the jury highlighted that his diverse body of work—spanning novels, short stories, poetry, and scientific essays—is underpinned by an original philosophical framework, making him a writer for both present and future generations. The committee stated that Methil, who has continually refreshed the Malayalam language over decades, is a deeply fitting recipient for an award named after Ezhuthachan, the father of modern Malayalam poetic diction.
The jury further remarked that Methil’s writings constantly challenge readers to refine their literary sensibilities, representing a structural shift in Malayalam prose and poetry. Instituted in 1993 and first conferred upon Sooranad Kunjan Pillai, the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram enters its 34th edition with Methil as its latest laureate.
Characterizing Methil as a poet regardless of the medium—whether fiction, long-form novels, or short essays—the jury lauded him as a master architect of the short story. Landmark works such as Sangeetham Oru Samayakalayanu, Hitchcockinte Idapedal, Kayarinte Attam, Nayakanmar Shavapetakathil, Melinjavarude Manashastram, and Engane Oru Pazhutharaye Kollam were cited as intricately layered compositions unique to his craftsmanship. His deep engagements with world poetry, philosophy, environmental studies, musicology, anthropology, history, and entomology bestow a distinctive quality upon his fiction.
Born on August 24, 1944, at Puthiyankam in Alathur, Palakkad, to Parakkat Govinda Menon and Methil Kamala, Methil completed his higher education at Government College, Chittur, and Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur. Professionally, he served for many years as the head of the IT department at a Norwegian shipping enterprise and later as a senior technical writer with the Chennai branch of US-based Nest Software.
His celebrated works include Sooryavamsham, Chuvanna Vidushakarude Anchampathi, Bra, Penguin, Dylan Thomasinte Panthu, Methil Kathakal, Methil Kavithakal, Romam, Daivam Manushyan Yanthram, Albatrossinte Karachil, Moonnuvara, Sooryamalsyathe Vivarikkal, Choondunna Eli Choondeli, Ivide Oru Vavval Illa, and Zebra Crossing. His wife, Prabhavathi, predeceased him. He is survived by his son, Julian, while his daughter, June, passed away earlier.
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