‘Mannum Mazhai Neerum’ (Soil and Rain water) , a Tamil book authored by a 45-year-old life convict Radhakrishnan, who is now lodged at central prison in Tiruchy, has been selected for Bharathidasan Award by the International Institute of Tamil Studies, Chennai.
The award will be presented in a function to be held in Chennai on April 29 on the occasion of the celebration of Bharathidasan’s birth anniversary.
Radhakrishan , a celibate and hailing from Azhagiya Pandipuram in Kanyakumari district, was convicted in a murder case and sentenced to life imprisonment on October 27, 2003. After serving his term for five years in Palayamkottai central prison, he was shifted to central prison, Tiruchy on March 29, 2008.
Though he has been languishing behind bars for the past 14 years, the iron bars of the prison cell appear not to have dampened his spirits and thoughts.
Radhakrishnan , who holds a bachelor’s degree (BA) in Tamil Literature, started writing this book after being inspired by the feelings of love and social thoughts.
The book containing 186 pages was formally released on December 23, 2014 when he had gone to his native on parole. Later, he sent a copy of the book to the Director, Tamil Development Department, Chennai on July 7, 2015.
Radhakrishnan, who is now pursuing MA (Social Work) through correspondence mode, has given the copyright of his book to the International Cancer Care Centre , run by CSI Medical Mission, at Neyyoor in Kanyakumari district.