Kasaragod: The Prof. Joseph Mundassery Award instituted by the Kerala government has gone to teacher and folklore writer Chandran Muttathu this year. The literary award, which carries a cash prize of Rs 10,000, citation and a statute, has been conferred on a science literature.
The award-winning work is a scientific treatise on the origin of Theyyam, a ritualistic art form in Kerala. It has been published by Kerala Bhasha Institute under the state government's department of culture. The awardee is selected by a committee chaired by the director of public education.
Chandran had earlier been accorded several awards including the Kerala Folklore Academy Special Award, National Integration Award, Chirackal T Balakrishnan Nair Award, among others.
'Subhash Chandra Bosinte Marana Rahasyam', 'Karshaka Theyyangal', 'Anushtana Jeevithathinte Kaanappurangal', 'Kallummakkaya' and 'Mother Teresa' are among 12 books he has written.
Born to Pokkott Karutha Kunji and Muttath Madhavi of Pilikode Vayal in Kasaragod, Chandran, is a teacher with Herur Meepiri School at Manjeswaram.
A literary critic and educationist Joseph Mundassery was the education minister in the ministry led by Kerala's first chief minister, EMS Namboothiripad.
