The Amritakeerti Puraskaram (Award) instituted by the Mata Amritanandamayi Math in connection with Amma’s birthday celebrations were presented to Vattapparambil Gopinathan Pillai and K B Sreedevi.
The award, instituted in 2001, is being given to those in the fields of theology, philosophy, literature and science for their exemplary work in the conservation and propagation of Sanatana Dharma. The award was not given last year since the birth anniversary celebrations were cancelled in view of the floods in Kerala.
K B Sreedevi was selected for the award for 2018 while Vattapparambil Gopinatha Pillai for 2019. The award includes a sculpture designed by artist Namboothiti and a purse of Rs 1,23,456 (US $13,500) The awardees were selected by the jury panel of eminent scholar P. Parameswaran, P.Narayana Kurup, Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri & Swami Turiyamritananda Puri.
The award was presented by Sri. Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India in a function held at Amritapuri on September 27, the birthday of Amma.
Gopinathan Pillai, who is well known as a teacher, translator, editor as well as a writer, is currently the faculty member of IMG. He is also in the Administrative Board of Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University, Kerala Bhasha Institute and Asan Smaraka Cultural Centre. He has authored various books which include Kathakali Praveshika, Paryayanikhandu, Malayala Vyakaranavum Rachanayum and had done studies on Aattakathakals Rukmini Swayamvaram, Ravanavijayam , Nalacharitham and Kumaran Asan’s works. He was also the Editor of Sabdatharavali and Kerala Bhashanigandu. He had been bestowed with various honours like Kathakali Pradeshika Award, M K Nair Puraskaram and Attukal Devi Trust Puraskaram. He hails from Ayiroorpara in Thiruvananthapuram.
K B Sreedevi , the most beloved storyteller from Thrissur, started writing at the age of thirteen. Yugantharangal is her first work. Sreedevi, who practised Karnatic music and veena, is one among the few women who forayed into literature from a Namboothiri family. The customs and the lifestyle of Namboothri families formed the major theme of her works. She has published many stories and novels through publications like Ezhuthachan Masika, Jayakeralam and Mathrubhumi.
Chanakakallu, Mukhathodu mugham, Thiriyuzhichil, Dasaratahm, Moonnam Thalamura, Agnihotram, Bhodhisatwar and Krishnakadha are her novels. Krishnanuragam, Chiranjivi, Pattamula, Pinneyum Padunna Kili and Commonwealth are her compilation of stories. She has also written a play titled Kurooramma. She also did the screenplay when her work Niramala was made into a feature film.
She has to her credit various awards like Kerala State Chalachitra Puraskaram, Kunkumam Award, Janmashtami Puraskaram and Purogamana Sahitya Samiti Puraskaram.
Amrita Keerti award recepients since its inception:
2017 – Dr M Lakshmi Kumari
