Illustrator C. Bhagyanath has been named the distinguished recipient of the inaugural Artist Namboothiri Samman. This esteemed award was established to honor the remarkable legacy of the late sketching and sculpting legend, Namboothiri, who passed away in 2023. Instituted by the Kochi-based Artist Namboothiri Samman Trust, the accolade includes a generous cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a certificate, and a unique sculptor created by Namboothiri himself.
Actor Mohanlal, the patron of the trust, officially announced the award, commending Mr. Bhagyanath for his profound and impactful contributions to the world of literary illustrations. The much-anticipated award ceremony will see Mohanlal personally present the honor to Mr. Bhagyanath on October 18, at 5 p.m. at TDM Hall, Ernakulam. This special event will also mark a part of the ongoing centenary celebrations dedicated to Namboothiri.
The selection process for this prestigious award was overseen by a distinguished jury, expertly led by veteran journalist and critic K.C. Narayanan.
A native of Thalassery, Mr. Bhagyanath is celebrated for his distinctive and captivating style of sketching. For an impressive 27 years, he has dedicated his talent to illustrating Malayalam literary works, contributing to nearly 25 novels. His extraordinary art has garnered widespread recognition, with his works having been featured in numerous exhibitions both within India and internationally.