Thiruvananthapuram: Malayalam poet and film lyricist ONV Kurup, who won India's prestigious literary prize Jnanpith, was given a rousing reception here on Saturday, when he flew down to Thiruvananthapuram after a visit abroad.
He was in the Gulf when the award was announced on Friday.
ONV Kurup was awarded the 43rd Jnanpith award. ONV, as he is better known in literary and social circles, is the fifth writer from Kerala to win the award.
A large crowd including political leaders and well-wishers from social and literary circles gathered at the airport when ONV arrived.
Kerala Minister for Culture M.A. Baby was also at hand to congratulate the poet. Baby said the government would seek to have the award bestowed in Kerala, instead of in Delhi as usual.
Responding to the warm reception at the airport, the poet said he was moved by the love shown by so many people. He said he was grateful for the "bouquets of love all of you are giving me, and I thankfully accept them".
The 79-year-old poet was conferred with the Padmashree in 1998.
