Celebrating Literary Greatness: All India Malayalee Association Chooses a Legend

The All India Malayalee Association (AIMA) has proudly announced Sreekumaran Thampi as the recipient of the prestigious “Aksharamudra” Award for 2025, recognizing his outstanding and comprehensive contributions to Malayalam literature and cinema.

This proud declaration was made during a gathering of prominent AIMA leadership, with the active presence of:

  • Shri A.K. Prashant, President AIMA Kerala, Shri Ravindran Poyiloor, Secretary AIMA Kerala and Smt. Anitha Palaria, Chairperson, AIMA National Women’s Wing etc.

The award decision was based on the unanimous recommendation of a distinguished jury comprising Kalavoor Ravikumar, Dr. R. V. M. Divakaran, and Dr. T. V. Suneetha, and endorsed by AIMA’s central leadership, showcasing the organization’s unified cultural vision.

A Journey Through Malayalam Cinema

Sreekumaran Thampi’s cinematic journey began in 1966, when he was introduced to the Malayalam film industry by P. Subramaniam as a lyricist in the film Kaattumallika. Over the decades, his contributions expanded to include:

  • 25 films produced
  • 29 films directed
  • 85 film scripts written
  • Thousands of evergreen Malayalam songs

His films such as Chandrakantham, Gaanam, Mohiniyattam, Maalika Paniyunnavar, Jeevitham Oru Gaanam, and Ambalavilakku are celebrated for their artistic depth. Commercial successes like Naayattu, Aakramanam, and Idi Muzhakkam proved his ability to balance critical acclaim and popular appeal.

Among his notable achievements in cinema:

  • National Award for Best Book on Cinema for Kanakkum Kavitayum
  • Kerala State Film Awards for Gaanam and Mohiniyattam
  • J. C. Daniel Award (2017), Kerala’s highest honor in cinema

His famous songs include:

  • Chandrikayilaliyunna Chandrakaantham
  • Hridayasarasile Pranayapushpame
  • Swanthamenna Padathinendhartham

A Prolific Literary Career

Apart from films, Thampi has left a lasting mark in Malayalam literature through his work as a poet, novelist, and autobiographer. He has penned:

  • Four novels: Kakkathampuraatti, Kuttanad, Kadalum Karalum, Njanoru Kadha Parayam
  • Poetry collections including:
    • Engineerayuday Veena
    • Neelathaamara
    • En Makan Karayumpol
    • Sheershakamillatha Kavithakal
    • Achante Chumbanam
    • Ammakkoru Tharaattu
    • Puthralaabham
    • Avaseshippukal

His anthology Hridaya Sarassu, a compilation of 1001 selected songs, is now in its sixth edition. His poems have also been translated into Hindi, under the title Sreekumaran Thampi Ki Kavithayem.

In 2023, his autobiography Jeevitham Oru Pendulum won the Vayalar Award, adding yet another literary jewel to his crown.

Awards and Recognitions: A Legacy of Honors

Sreekumaran Thampi’s excellence has been acknowledged through a wide array of prestigious awards, covering both film and literature.

Film Awards:

  • National Film Award (1989) – Best Book on Cinema
  • Kerala State Film Awards (multiple years)
  • Filmfare Award South – Best Director (1976)
  • Numerous Lifetime Achievement Awards from:
    • Prem Nazir Foundation
    • Dubai Priyadarshini
    • Swathi Foundation
    • G. Devarajan Master Puraskaaram
    • U.A.E Devarajan Foundation
    • Amrita TV, Radio Mirchi, ACV, and many others
  • Living Legend Awards and Music Awards from institutions across India and the Gulf

Literary Awards:

  • Odakkuzhal Award (2010) – Ammakkoru Tharattu
  • Mahakavi Muloor Poetry Award, Revathi Pattathanam Krishnageethi Award
  • Asan Smaraka Kavitha Puraskaram, Padmaprabha Literary Award
  • Thakazhi Literary Award, Balamani Amma Award, Harivarasanam Award (2023)

These honors recognize his literary purity, emotional depth, and value-based creativity across all forms of writing.

Personal Life: A Foundation of Culture and Service

Born on 16 March 1940 in Haripad, Alleppey, Thampi is the son of Kalarikkal Krishna Pillai and Karimpalayathu Bhavaniamma Thangachi. A graduate in Mathematics and Civil Engineering, he pursued parallel careers in engineering and creative arts.

His family is deeply rooted in Kerala’s literary and professional circles:

  • Brother P. Vasudevan Thampi was a noted novelist (Sreekrishnaparunthu)
  • Brother Adv. P. Gopalakrishnan Thampi served as Director General of Prosecutions
  • Siblings include professionals like Prasannavadanan Thampi of Oracle and others

He is married to Rajeswari, daughter of legendary drama artist Vaikom M. P. Mani. Their daughter Kavitha is also involved in the arts. His son, the late Rajkumaran Thampi (Raj Aditya), was a filmmaker in the Telugu industry.

Conclusion: AIMA Salutes a Creative Icon

The AIMA Aksharamudra Award 2025 is not just a recognition but a tribute to the lifelong dedication of Sreekumaran Thampi in elevating the cultural soul of the Malayalee community. With active support and participation from AIMA’s national and state leadership, the award reaffirms the organization’s commitment to honoring literary purity, cultural richness, and creative brilliance.

As the Malayalee community across India and the world celebrates this recognition, AIMA stands proud in placing this honor upon one of its greatest cultural ambassadors.