Tamil poet R Ramamurthy was conferred with the Kulothungan Award by Ilakiyapeedam, an organisation which promotes Tamil literature, for his contribution in the field.

Ramamurthy was presented yesterday with the award at a function which marked the release of 100th issue of Ilakiyapeedam’s monthly magazine.

The occasion also marked the conferment of ‘Ilakiya Shritpi’ award on the Tamil litterateur K Shanmugasundaram, Subrabalan, Pinnalur Vivekanandan, Yoga and Panayapuram R B Paari.

Journalist and industrialist ‘Thirisakthi’ Sundar Raman, speaking on the occasion, said more awards and financial assistance were required to encourage Tamil writers and poets. He announced that his company would sponsor three awards with a total cash prize of Rs 30,000 from next year. ‘Our publication will also come forward to publish any work of Tamil poet Bharathiyar on a non-profit basis,’ he said.

Earlier, Tamil writer and poet Vikraman welcomed the gathering. Ilakiyapeedam chairman Rama Veerapan and orator Thenkatchi Swaminathan was also present on the occasion.