In a significant recognition of scholarly excellence, distinguished educator and linguist V R Prabodhachandran Nair has been selected as the recipient of the esteemed S Guptan Nair Foundation award for the year 2026. The award celebrates his monumental contributions to the study and understanding of the Malayalam language.
Jury Decision and Award Details
A high-profile jury, chaired by Travancore Devaswom Board president K Jayakumar, made the unanimous decision to honour Prabodhachandran. The distinguished award comprises a cash prize of Rs 25,000, a formal citation, and a special badge of honour, acknowledging a lifetime of academic dedication.
Profile of the Awardee: A Pillar of Malayalam Linguistics
V R Prabodhachandran Nair, the former head of the Linguistics Department at Kerala University, is a towering figure in his field. His work has fundamentally shaped modern linguistic studies in Kerala. He is widely revered as the pioneer in the phonology of the Malayalam language, systematically studying its sound systems. His academic interests extend beyond phonology to include syntax and stylistics, making his scholarship remarkably comprehensive.
Adding to his accolades, Prabodhachandran is also a recipient of the President's medal. Demonstrating a versatile intellect, he has authored several influential books and has an impressive creative output, having composed approximately 600 classical songs.
Ceremony and Legacy of the Award
The award will be formally presented at a function in Thiruvananthapuram on February 6, as confirmed by trust secretary M G Sasi Bhooshan and treasurer S P Harikumar. The S Guptan Nair Foundation award has a rich history of honouring Kerala's literary and cultural luminaries.
Previous recipients of this prestigious award include an array of celebrated personalities, cementing its status as a premier honour. The past awardees are:
- M Leelavathi
- Sukumar Azhikode
- ONV Kurup
- Panmana Ramachandran Nair
- M K Sanu
- Chathanathu Achuthanunni
- S K Vasanthan
By selecting V R Prabodhachandran Nair, the foundation continues its tradition of recognising individuals who have profoundly impacted Malayalam language and literature, ensuring their legacy inspires future generations.
