Kollam, 19 September (H.S.) :Former Governor, lawyer and prolific author P. S. Sreedharan Pillai has been selected for the 2026 Amritakeerthi Award instituted by the Mata Amritanandamayi Math.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs 1,23,456, a Saraswati sculpture designed by renowned artist Namboothiri and a citation. It will be presented during a function at the Amritapuri campus of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham on the evening of September 26. The ceremony will be held as part of the Math's Vishwa Seva Day celebrations.

Instituted in 2001, the Amritakeerthi Award honours distinguished personalities who have made significant contributions to spirituality, scholarship and science.

Sreedharan Pillai was selected by a committee chaired by Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri. The other members of the selection panel were K. S. Radhakrishnan, M. Lakshmi Kumari and Swami Turiyamritananda Puri.

Announcing the selection, Swami Turiyamritananda Puri said Sreedharan Pillai possessed profound knowledge of Indian philosophy and spirituality. His belief that the essence of spirituality rests on the relationship among God, nature and humanity was reflected in his life, writings and public speeches, he said.

The Math also praised Sreedharan Pillai for maintaining an active literary and intellectual career alongside his work in the legal and political fields. His continued contribution to literature while discharging responsibilities in constitutional office was particularly commendable, it said.

A prolific writer, Sreedharan Pillai has authored 270 books across a wide range of subjects. His published works include poetry, essays, legal studies, travelogues, political commentary and writings on spirituality and philosophy.

The award recognises his extensive body of work and his efforts to bring Indian philosophical and spiritual ideas into contemporary public discourse through literature, speeches and public service.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman