The Kerala Sahitya Akademi or Academy for Malayalam literature is an autonomous body established to promote the Malayalam language and literature. It is situated in the city of Thrissur, Kerala in India.
It is also known as the Kerala Literary Academy, is an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the Malayalam language and literature in the Indian state of Kerala. It plays a significant role in the development and recognition of Malayalam literature and culture. The Kerala Sahitya Akademi was established on 15 October 1956 in Thrissur, Kerala by Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the former king of Travancore, in Thiruvananthapuram. It was shifted to its present location at City of Thrissur in September, 1957. It was founded under the patronage of the Government of Kerala.
The primary objective of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi is to promote and foster Malayalam literature. This includes recognizing outstanding literary works, supporting writers, organizing literary events, and preserving literary heritage. The academy recognises superior literary works through its annual literary awards for Poetry, Novel, Story, Drama, Literary criticism, Biography – autobiography, Travelogue, Humour, Translation, Children’s literature etc. The Akademi instituted the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958. It is given annually to Malayalam writers for their outstanding books of literary merit to Malayalam literature in various categories like novels, short stories, poetry, and essays.
The Akademi publishes books, journals, and other literary publications to support and promote Malayalam literature. These publications include literary criticism, anthologies, and scholarly works. The Akademi regularly publishes three journals Sahithyalokam, Sahithya Chakravalam and Malayalam Literary Survey (in English).Apart from recognizing and supporting writers, the Kerala Sahitya Akademi also plays a significant role in organizing cultural events, seminars, conferences, and literary festivals to encourage the exchange of ideas and discussions related to Malayalam literature and culture.
The Akademi also has a library and research center that facilitates research in Malayalam literature and provides resources for scholars and researchers. Among the Academy’s assets, the most important one is, undoubtedly, its vast collection of books. In keeping with contemporary tastes and expectations, a digital library was begun in 2008. Library members are also provided with facilities such as a local library network, internet connectivity, digital versions of rare and valuable books, e-journals and so on.
The Kerala Sahitya Akademi often collaborates with other cultural and literary organizations to promote and celebrate the rich literary tradition of Kerala. Preservation and documentation of rare and important literary works, manuscripts, and historical documents related to Malayalam literature are among the important activities of the Akademi.
The Kerala Sahitya Akademi has played a vital role in nurturing and promoting the Malayalam language and its literature. It has been instrumental in recognizing and encouraging numerous talented writers and poets from the region, contributing to the cultural and literary heritage of Kerala.
