Jnanpith award an honour for Malayalam poetry: O N V Kurup

"I consider this as an honour for Malayalam poetry. I truly believe that Malayalam poetry does not lag behind poetry in any other language and I accept this honour recalling the invaluable contributions from the illustrious pioneers of Malayalam literature," Kurup, on a tour of the Gulf, said in his reaction.

Kurup is the fifth recipient of the country's highest literary honour for Malayalam language, after G Sankara Kurup, S K Pottekkat, Thakazhi Shivashankara Pillai and M T Vasudevan Nair. He is the second among Malayalam poets to receive the honour after the first-ever Jnanpith was awarded to the late G Sankara Kurup.

Sharing the elation of the literary fraternity, Vasudevan Nair said this was a moment of great joy for entire Kerala. "O N V has been writing poetry for over six decades. He still retains the poetic flair in his mind without losing its vibrancy."

Kerala Culture Minister M A Baby said he considered this as an honour for entire Keralites as Kurup continues to be the `beloved poet' of Malayalees.