For her acclaimed travelogue “Aamcho Bastar”

In a proud moment for Malayalam literature, noted writer and travelogue author Smt. Nandini Menon has been selected for the 14th Avaneebala Literary Award (2025). This prestigious honor, instituted in memory of Dr. S. Avaneebala, a respected teacher and literary researcher, is conferred exclusively upon outstanding women writers in the Malayalam language.

The award recognizes Nandini Menon’s evocative travelogue, “ആംചൊ ബസ്തർ (Aamcho Bastar),” a poignant narrative that captures the essence of tribal heartlands with sensitivity and depth. The jury—comprising Dr. Valsalan Vathussery, Dr. Sheeja Vakkam, and Dr. Nithya P. Vishwam—unanimously selected the work for its literary richness, cultural engagement, and innovative style.

The award includes a cash prize of ₹10,000, a citation, and a commemorative sculpture. The formal presentation of the award will take place on August 6, 2025, at the Avaneebala Memorial Meeting to be held at the Kollam Press Club Hall.

🏡 Smt. Nandini Menon hails from Visakhapatnam and is an active member of the All India Malayalee Association (AIMA), Andhra Pradesh Unit. Her literary achievements reflect both her deep cultural roots and her national reach within the Malayalee community.

A Journey Through Bastar: The Power of Place and People

“Aamcho Bastar” (which translates to Our Bastar) is not merely a travelogue—it is an intimate exploration of a land often forgotten in mainstream discourse. Nandini Menon brings the reader close to the life, rhythms, and resistances of tribal communities in Chhattisgarh. Her ability to blend storytelling with social insight makes the book a compelling piece of literary reportage.

Through her lens, Bastar becomes a character in itself—vibrant, resilient, and poetic. Her narrative traverses the personal and the political, offering readers a layered experience that resonates far beyond the pages.

A Celebrated Literary Voice

This is not the first time Nandini Menon’s travel writings have been celebrated. In 2023, she received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Best Travelogue, marking her as a distinctive voice in contemporary Malayalam literature.

Her recent release, “വിശുദ്ധ ഭ്രാന്തന്റെ വഴിത്താരകൾ” (The Paths of the Holy Madman), published by Mathrubhumi Books, continues this literary journey. Set in the tranquil yet spiritually rich landscape of Bhutan, this work merges poetic prose with deep cultural observation.

Bhutan: A Meditative Expedition

In “വിശുദ്ധ ഭ്രാന്തന്റെ വഴിത്താരകൾ”, Menon doesn’t just document Bhutan’s scenic beauty—she brings alive the soul of the land. Her writing echoes the rustling of Himalayan pines, the soft whirl of prayer wheels, and the inner silence of ancient monasteries. It is both a personal journey and a cultural homage, reminding readers of literature’s power to connect, heal, and transform.

Conclusion: Honoring a Literary Torchbearer

With the conferment of the 2025 Avaneebala Award, Nandini Menon’s contributions to Malayalam literature—especially in the realm of travel writing—receive another well-deserved accolade. Her works transcend geographical boundaries, allowing readers to journey inward while they journey across lands.

As the literary community gathers on August 6 in Kollam, it will not only honor a writer but also celebrate the enduring legacy of Dr. S. Avaneebala, in whose name this award continues to inspire a new generation of women writers.