Thiruvananthapuram: "I still remember his first visit to our rented house here in Vazhuthacaud; his resonant laughter and that thunderous voice. And as I grew up, I realised that his literary works had an echoing impact on Malayalam literature just like his voice," recalled writer and poet B Sugathakumari as she received the 13th edition of the P Kesavadev Literary Award from devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran here on Thursday."We now live in a society where we fear to defend or raise our voice against the increasing instances of drug use, sexual assaults and other social evils. If Kesavadev was here, he would have used his voice and writings to speak against all this," said Sugathakumari.At the event, the minister also handed over the Diabscreen Kerala Kesavadev Award to magician Gopinath Muthukad for his magic show campaigns based on themes like prevention of drug and alcohol abuse and environmental preservation."Kesavadas was a revolutionary writer which is reflected in his autobiography titled 'Ethirppu'. He vehemently criticised the society and his works were based on stark realities and gain significance even in this age. He wrote for the progress of the society and I don't think any other writer in his times had dared to write a work like 'Enikkum Jeevikanam' which is based on the life of a sex worker,'' said Surendran. The minister also said that the state government will hand over Rs 10 lakh for P Kesavadev trust as a token of reverence for the great writer and for the charity works being carried by the trust."His literary works had the language of the common man. The forward thinking, leftist writer wrote about the uncommon elements of common man just like the title of his works 'Olakka' and 'Rowdy','' said writer P K Rajashekaran in his speech.Minister for water resources Mathew T Thomas and Kesavadev 's wife Seethalekshmy Dev were other dignitaries who were present at the event.

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