Eminent Malayalam poet Akkitham has been chosen for the 55th Jnanpith Award. 93-year-old Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri is one of the most revered names in Malayalam poetry. Apart from poetry, his literary excellence has footprints in genres like drama, critical essays, children literature, short stories and translation. Akkitham has authored 55 books out of which 45 are collections of poems including "Khanda Kavyas", "Katha Kavyas", "Charitha Kavyas" and songs. A Padma Shri awardee, he has won several literary accolades including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award.