M. Leelavathy
M. Leelavathy is a Malayalam writer, literary critic, and educationist. She taught at various colleges in Kerala before retiring as the Principal from Government Brennen College, Thalassery. During her long literary career, she won several awards including Kerala Sahithya Academy Award for Varnaraji, Kendra Sahithya Academy Award for Kavithadhwani, Odakkuzhal Award, Lalithambika Antarjanam Award, Vallathol Award, Basheer Award, Guptan Nair Memorial Award and Vayalar Ramavarma Award for Appuvinte Anweshanam. Leelavathy is also a recipient of Padma Shri for her contribution to the Malayalam literature and education. She won Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, the highest literary prize in Kerala, in 2010, for her outstanding critical works. She was also conferred with many other literary awards including the Mathrubhumi Literary Award, P. S. John Award, and K.P. Kesava Menon Award.