Amma awarded this year’s Amritakeerti Puraskaram to the eminent poet and scholar, Professor V. Madhusoodanan Nair. With a joyful face, he sincerely expressed his gratitude to Amma.
The award comprises a cash prize of ₹1,23,456, a sculpture of Goddess Saraswathi crafted by the celebrated artist Namboothiri, and a certificate.
Prof. Nair served as Professor and Head of the Malayalam Department at St. Xavier’s College, Thiruvananthapuram. He has been recognised with numerous accolades, including the Sahitya Akademi Award by the Government of India and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award.
His notable works such as Samayaakaashangalil Ramayana teertham, Valmiki Ramayanam (Sanskrit with Malayalam commentary), Vaakkinte Vishwaroopam, and Naaraanathu Bhraantan reflect his profound scholarship.
In addition to his academic achievements, Prof. Nair has played key roles in various esteemed organizations, serving as a member of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Advisory Committee, the governing body of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi, and as Chairman of the Kumaran Asan National Cultural Institute.
The award committee was chaired by Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Vice-Chairman of Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM), and included Swami Turiyamritananda Puri, Trustee of MAM, Dr. K.S. Radhakrishnan, Dr. Lakshmi Kumari, and Sri P. Narayana Kurup.
Swami Turiyamritananda remarked, “This recognition honours Prof. Nair’s exceptional contribution to literature, especially his work in blending Vedic philosophical ideas with modern imagery and symbols in an elegant writing style.”
Since 2001, the award has honoured distinguished personalities for their significant and inspiring contributions to Indian literature, culture, and Vedic knowledge.
