K.P. RamanunniThiruvananthapuram: Renowned Malayali writer K P Ramanunni has received this year's Kendra Sahitya Akademi award for a novel with Prophet Muhammad as its protagonist, months after receiving threats from fundamentalists for his articles.
In July, Ramanunni had received an anonymous threat letter warning him that his right arm and left leg would be chopped off if he did not convert within six months.
The award, announced Thursday for his novel Daivathinte Pusthankam (The book of God), is a vindication of his stand on secularism and religious harmony, Ramanunni said.
"It is more than just a coincidence for me...and I am so happy that I got this honor not too long after receiving the threat letter," Ramanunni told PTI over phone.
The 700-page novel is a blend of religion, history, and science.
"The book shares the dream of a beautiful world where people live together, setting aside their differences," he said.
A novelist and short story writer, Ramanunni is a recipient of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award and Vayalar award among other literary honors. A film was also made on his debut novel 'Sufi Paranja Katha'.
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