PADMARAJAN LITERARY & FILM AWARDS AND ‘AIR INDIA EXPRESS TALES OF INDIA’ AWARD PRESENTED
M.P. Lipin Raj Honoured with ‘Air India Express Tales of India’ Award for Outstanding Debut Work
Thiruvananthapuram: The prestigious Padmarajan Awards for 2023 were presented today in Thiruvananthapuram, celebrating outstanding achievements in literature and cinema. The awards ceremony, graced by actor Jayaram, who began his illustrious career with Padmarajan’s iconic film ‘Aparan’, presented the awards.
‘Attam’ movie was awarded for best direction and script. Director Anand Ekarshi received the award. G.R. Indugopan’s ‘Aano’ and Unni R’s ‘Abhinjanam’ won the awards for Best Novel and Best Short Story respectively. The ‘Air India Express Tales of India’ Award for Outstanding debut work was conferred on M.P. Lipin Raj for his novel Margareeta, celebrating his entry into the remarkable world of Malayalam literature. This award has become a signature recognition since its institution alongside the Padmarajan Awards. The award celebrates the spirit of new talent, felicitating winners with a unique crystal sculpture inspired by the tail of an Air India Express aircraft, along with a flight on the Air India Express network, which now spans over 45 destinations.
Since launching its refreshed brand identity in October 2023, Air India Express has continued its tradition of showcasing variable tail fin designs inspired by India’s rich art and craft heritage, with each new aircraft featuring a distinctive design. One of its brand new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, registered VT-BXU, has its tail art inspired by the traditional “Bandhani” design of Gujarat. The ‘Air India Express Tales of India’ award sculpture draws inspiration from this intricate art, reflecting the airline’s commitment to celebrating the country’s cultural diversity.
The Padmarajan Awards’ film jury was chaired by director Syamaprasad, while the literary awards were judged by a distinguished panel led by VJ James.
A new edition of Padmarajan’s screenplay ‘Desadana Kili Karayarilla’, published by Nostalgia Publications, was released at the ceremony, as a nostalgic homage to one of the most revered storytellers in Malayalam cinema and literature.