{"id":6690,"date":"2026-01-10T16:39:17","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T11:09:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/?p=6690"},"modified":"2026-01-10T16:39:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T11:09:17","slug":"kerala-honours-science-communicators-science-literature-awards-2024-announced","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/?p=6690","title":{"rendered":"Kerala Honours Science Communicators: Science Literature Awards 2024 Announced"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"102\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><em data-start=\"296\" data-end=\"394\">From Human Evolution to Artificial Intelligence: Kerala Celebrates Excellence in Science Writing<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"104\" data-end=\"591\"><strong><em data-start=\"104\" data-end=\"125\">Thiruvananthapuram: <\/em><\/strong>In a significant boost to science communication and public understanding of scientific thought, the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) has announced the recipients of the <strong data-start=\"334\" data-end=\"368\">Science Literature Awards 2024<\/strong>, recognising outstanding contributions to science writing in Malayalam. The awards honour authors and journalists whose works published in 2024 have successfully bridged science and society with clarity, depth and purpose.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"593\" data-end=\"899\">Instituted to encourage scientific temper and critical thinking among the public, the awards are presented in four categories. Each award carries a <strong data-start=\"741\" data-end=\"803\">cash prize of \u20b950,000, along with a plaque and certificate<\/strong>, underscoring the state\u2019s commitment to promoting science through regional language literature.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"901\" data-end=\"904\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"906\" data-end=\"965\"><strong data-start=\"910\" data-end=\"965\">Popular Science Award: Tracing Humanity\u2019s Evolution<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"967\" data-end=\"1315\">The <strong data-start=\"971\" data-end=\"1005\">Science Book (Popular Science)<\/strong> award has been conferred on <strong data-start=\"1034\" data-end=\"1058\">Dr. Biju Dharmapalan<\/strong>, Dean \u2013 Academic Affairs at Garden City University, Bengaluru, for his book <em data-start=\"1135\" data-end=\"1193\">\u201c\u0d2e\u0d28\u0d41\u0d37\u0d4d\u0d2f\u0d2a\u0d30\u0d3f\u0d23\u0d3e\u0d2e\u0d2a\u0d25\u0d02 \u0d39\u0d4b\u0d2e\u0d4b \u0d38\u0d3e\u0d2a\u0d3f\u0d2f\u0d7b\u0d38\u0d3f\u0d7d\u0d28\u0d3f\u0d28\u0d4d\u0d28\u0d4d \u0d39\u0d4b\u0d2e\u0d4b \u0d21\u0d3f\u0d2f\u0d42\u0d38\u0d3f\u0d32\u0d47\u0d15\u0d4d\u0d15\u0d4d\u201d<\/em> (The Evolutionary Path of Humans: From Homo Sapiens to Homo Deus), published by the State Institute of Languages, Kerala.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1642\">A native of Vellayani in Thiruvananthapuram district, Dr. Dharmapalan\u2019s work explores human evolution by seamlessly blending biology, history and futuristic thinking. The book has been widely appreciated for making complex scientific ideas accessible to general readers while provoking deeper reflection on humanity\u2019s future.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"1647\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"1709\"><strong data-start=\"1653\" data-end=\"1709\">In-depth Science Award: Climate, Crisis and Survival<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1711\" data-end=\"1926\">The <strong data-start=\"1715\" data-end=\"1750\">Science Book (In-depth Science)<\/strong> award goes to <strong data-start=\"1765\" data-end=\"1791\">Dr. Gopakumar Cholayil<\/strong> for his book <em data-start=\"1805\" data-end=\"1842\">\u201c\u0d09\u0d30\u0d41\u0d15\u0d41\u0d02 \u0d15\u0d3e\u0d32\u0d02 \u0d05\u0d24\u0d3f\u0d24\u0d3e\u0d2a\u0d28\u0d35\u0d41\u0d02 \u0d05\u0d24\u0d3f\u0d1c\u0d40\u0d35\u0d28\u0d35\u0d41\u0d02\u201d<\/em> (Melting Times: Global Warming and Survival), published by Current Books, Thrissur.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1928\" data-end=\"2279\">A former Scientific Officer at Kerala Agricultural University, Dr. Cholayil, a native of Mullakkara in Thrissur district, offers a rigorous and insightful examination of climate change, extreme heat and the challenges of survival. His work stands out for its scientific depth, evidence-based analysis and urgent relevance in the era of climate crisis.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6691\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6691\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6691\" src=\"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kerala-Awards-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kerala-Awards-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kerala-Awards-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kerala-Awards-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kerala-Awards.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6691\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Promoting Scientific Temper in Malayalam: KSCSTE Announces Science Literature Awardees<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr data-start=\"2281\" data-end=\"2284\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2286\" data-end=\"2350\"><strong data-start=\"2290\" data-end=\"2350\">Children\u2019s Science Literature: Nature Through Young Eyes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2352\" data-end=\"2571\">In the <strong data-start=\"2359\" data-end=\"2399\">Science Book (Children\u2019s Literature)<\/strong> category, the award has been presented to <strong data-start=\"2442\" data-end=\"2468\">Mr. Pradeep Orkkatteri<\/strong> for his book <em data-start=\"2482\" data-end=\"2522\">\u201c\u0d2a\u0d41\u0d32\u0d4d\u0d32\u0d30\u0d3f\u0d2e\u0d27\u0d41\u0d30\u0d02 \u0d2e\u0d41\u0d24\u0d4d\u0d24\u0d3e\u0d31\u0d3f\u0d2e\u0d41\u0d24\u0d7d \u0d2e\u0d32\u0d1e\u0d4d\u0d1a\u0d3e\u0d2e\u0d35\u0d30\u0d46\u201d<\/em>, published by Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishath.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2573\" data-end=\"2875\">Currently working with the State Institute of Encyclopedia Publications, Thiruvananthapuram, Mr. Orkkatteri hails from Orkkatteri in Vatakara. His book introduces children to the wonders of nature and science through engaging narratives, nurturing curiosity and environmental awareness at an early age.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2877\" data-end=\"2880\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2882\" data-end=\"2952\"><strong data-start=\"2886\" data-end=\"2952\">Science Journalism Award: Demystifying Artificial Intelligence<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2954\" data-end=\"3137\">The <strong data-start=\"2958\" data-end=\"2980\">Science Journalism<\/strong> award has been conferred on <strong data-start=\"3009\" data-end=\"3025\">Mr. Ashwin S<\/strong>, Senior Sub Editor at <em data-start=\"3048\" data-end=\"3067\">Malayala Manorama<\/em>, Kottayam, for his widely read series on <strong data-start=\"3109\" data-end=\"3136\">Artificial Intelligence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3139\" data-end=\"3432\">A native of Oachira in Kollam district, Ashwin\u2019s reporting has been lauded for its clarity, balance and relevance, helping readers understand the opportunities and challenges posed by AI in everyday life. His work exemplifies responsible science journalism that informs without sensationalism.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3434\" data-end=\"3437\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3439\" data-end=\"3496\"><strong data-start=\"3443\" data-end=\"3496\">Awards to Be Presented at Kerala Science Congress<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3498\" data-end=\"3818\">The awards will be formally presented by <strong data-start=\"3539\" data-end=\"3590\">Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan<\/strong>, during the <strong data-start=\"3603\" data-end=\"3635\">38th Kerala Science Congress<\/strong>, scheduled to be held on <strong data-start=\"3661\" data-end=\"3689\">1 February 2026 in Kochi<\/strong>. The ceremony is expected to bring together scientists, educators, policymakers and science communicators from across the state.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3820\" data-end=\"4178\">Announcing the awards, <strong data-start=\"3843\" data-end=\"3888\">Prof. A. Sabu, Member Secretary of KSCSTE<\/strong>, noted that the honour is a recognition of \u201cthe vital role science writers and journalists play in shaping a rational, informed and progressive society.\u201d He added that Malayalam science literature continues to be a powerful medium to inspire curiosity, awareness and social responsibility.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4180\" data-end=\"4411\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">With this year\u2019s awards, Kerala once again reaffirms its legacy of promoting scientific temper through inclusive, accessible and impactful communication\u2014ensuring that science speaks to people in the language they live and dream in.<\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"pvc_stats_6690\" class=\"pvc_stats total_only  \" data-element-id=\"6690\" style=\"\"><i class=\"pvc-stats-icon medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.0\" viewBox=\"0 0 502 315\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid meet\"><g transform=\"translate(0,332) scale(0.1,-0.1)\" fill=\"\" stroke=\"none\"><path d=\"M2394 3279 l-29 -30 -3 -207 c-2 -182 0 -211 15 -242 39 -76 157 -76 196 0 15 31 17 60 15 243 l-3 209 -33 29 c-26 23 -41 29 -80 29 -41 0 -53 -5 -78 -31z\"\/><path d=\"M3085 3251 c-45 -19 -58 -50 -96 -229 -47 -217 -49 -260 -13 -295 52 -53 146 -42 177 20 16 31 87 366 87 410 0 70 -86 122 -155 94z\"\/><path d=\"M1751 3234 c-13 -9 -29 -31 -37 -50 -12 -29 -10 -49 21 -204 19 -94 39 -189 45 -210 14 -50 54 -80 110 -80 34 0 48 6 76 34 21 21 34 44 34 59 0 14 -18 113 -40 219 -37 178 -43 195 -70 221 -36 32 -101 37 -139 11z\"\/><path d=\"M1163 3073 c-36 -7 -73 -59 -73 -102 0 -56 133 -378 171 -413 34 -32 83 -37 129 -13 70 36 67 87 -16 290 -86 209 -89 214 -129 231 -35 14 -42 15 -82 7z\"\/><path d=\"M3689 3066 c-15 -9 -33 -30 -42 -48 -48 -103 -147 -355 -147 -375 0 -98 131 -148 192 -74 13 15 57 108 97 206 80 196 84 226 37 273 -30 30 -99 39 -137 18z\"\/><path d=\"M583 2784 c-38 -19 -67 -74 -58 -113 9 -42 211 -354 242 -373 16 -10 45 -18 66 -18 51 0 107 52 107 100 0 39 -1 41 -124 234 -80 126 -108 162 -133 173 -41 17 -61 16 -100 -3z\"\/><path d=\"M4250 2784 c-14 -9 -74 -91 -133 -183 -95 -150 -107 -173 -107 -213 0 -55 33 -94 87 -104 67 -13 90 8 211 198 130 202 137 225 78 284 -27 27 -42 34 -72 34 -22 0 -50 -8 -64 -16z\"\/><path d=\"M2275 2693 c-553 -48 -1095 -270 -1585 -649 -135 -104 -459 -423 -483 -476 -23 -49 -22 -139 2 -186 73 -142 361 -457 571 -626 285 -228 642 -407 990 -497 242 -63 336 -73 660 -74 310 0 370 5 595 52 535 111 1045 392 1455 803 122 121 250 273 275 326 19 41 19 137 0 174 -41 79 -309 363 -465 492 -447 370 -946 591 -1479 653 -113 14 -422 18 -536 8z m395 -428 c171 -34 330 -124 456 -258 112 -119 167 -219 211 -378 27 -96 24 -300 -5 -401 -72 -255 -236 -447 -474 -557 -132 -62 -201 -76 -368 -76 -167 0 -236 14 -368 76 -213 98 -373 271 -451 485 -162 444 86 934 547 1084 153 49 292 57 452 25z m909 -232 c222 -123 408 -262 593 -441 76 -74 138 -139 138 -144 0 -16 -233 -242 -330 -319 -155 -123 -309 -223 -461 -299 l-81 -41 32 46 c18 26 49 83 70 128 143 306 141 649 -6 957 -25 52 -61 116 -79 142 l-34 47 45 -20 c26 -10 76 -36 113 -56z m-2057 25 c-40 -58 -105 -190 -130 -263 -110 -324 -59 -707 132 -981 25 -35 42 -64 37 -64 -19 0 -241 119 -326 174 -188 122 -406 314 -532 468 l-58 71 108 103 c185 178 428 349 672 473 66 33 121 60 123 61 2 0 -10 -19 -26 -42z\"\/><path d=\"M2375 1950 c-198 -44 -350 -190 -395 -379 -18 -76 -8 -221 19 -290 114 -284 457 -406 731 -260 98 52 188 154 231 260 27 69 37 214 19 290 -38 163 -166 304 -326 360 -67 23 -215 33 -279 19z\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/i> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Loading\" src=\"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/page-views-count\/ajax-loader-2x.gif\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From Human Evolution to Artificial Intelligence: Kerala Celebrates Excellence in Science Writing Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant boost to science communication and public understanding of scientific thought, the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) has announced the recipients of the Science Literature Awards 2024, recognising outstanding contributions to science writing in Malayalam. The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6692,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[198],"tags":[74,231],"class_list":["post-6690","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bengaluru","tag-karnataka","tag-kerala"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6690","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6690"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6690\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6693,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6690\/revisions\/6693"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6692"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6690"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6690"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6690"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}