Renowned poet and lyricist Yusuf Ali Kechery won this year’s Vallathol award. The prize includes Rs. 1,11,111 and a citation. The judging panel adjudged that the poet’s contribution is an invaluable wealth to Malayalam literature.

The renowned poet entered into the tinsel world with his first song for the movie ‘Moodupadam‘ in 1962. He bagged the national award in 2000 for the film ‘Mazha‘. Apart from this the poet was honoured with Kerala Sahithya Academy award, Odakuzhal award, Kavana Kauthukam award, Changampuzha award and Nalappad award. He also worked as chairperson of Kerala Sahithya Academy.

His major works include ‘Sainaba’, ‘Aayiram Navulla Mounam’, ‘Anchu Kanyakakal’, ‘Nadabhramam’, ‘Amrithu’, ‘Kecheripuzha’, ‘Aalila’, ‘Kadhaye Premicha Kavitha’, ‘Perariyatha Nombaram’. He directed three movies ‘Neelathamara’ (1979), ‘Vanadevatha’ and ‘Maram’.