The prestigious Heritage Congress Awards for the upcoming year 2025 have been officially declared, recognising outstanding contributions in the fields of regional history, language, and architectural preservation. The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Tamil Nadu early next year.
Meet the Distinguished Awardees
The jury, comprising eminent personalities M G Sasibhooshan, S Rajasekharan Nair, Bettimol Mathew, and Pratap Kizhakke Madham, made the final selections after careful deliberation.
In a significant honour, S Rajendu from Adakka Puthur in Palakkad has been selected for the VVK Valath Award. This award acknowledges his profound and substantial work in writing regional history. Rajendu, a Fulbright Fellow at the University of Texas, has authored multiple books, with notable works focusing on the rich cultural history of the Valluvanad region.
Champions of Language and Built Heritage
The award dedicated to Malayalam language heritage has been conferred upon Rachana Velappan Nair. She is being honoured for her dedicated efforts in nurturing the Malayalam language and its literature. Her work is channeled through Rachana, an alternative educational institution based in Neyyattinkara.
For his exemplary work in heritage preservation, the award goes to Sai Nath Menon, also from Palakkad. Menon is distinguished for his research and active preservation efforts in traditional architecture. He is notably known for leading insightful journeys that trace the historical sources and significance of the ancient festival Mamankam.
Award Ceremony Details
The awards will be formally presented to the winners on January 10. The presentation is scheduled to mark the opening of the second Heritage Congress. The event will be held at Thanjavur Amma Veedu (Mitra Niketan City Center) in Thanjavur, bringing together scholars and heritage enthusiasts from across the region.
These awards highlight the continuing importance of grassroots scholarship and dedicated activism in preserving India's diverse cultural, linguistic, and historical tapestry for future generations.
