Author Award: Akshaya Sahitya Puraskaram

Joy Vazhayil was born in Kinginimatthu, Ernakulam district, to V.V. Pathros and Eliyamma. He did his schooling in Kinginimatthu and Putthrika. Also known as V.P. Joy, is a well-known Indian poet, writer, researcher, and administrator. He has worked in various capacities in the central and state governments. Joy started his career as a Scientist-Engineer at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, in and became the Chief Secretary of Kerala in 2021. Joy Vazhayil is a renowned author, poet and translator writing in both Malayalam and English. His writing varies from poetry, prose, novels, to philosophies and scientific writings.

He graduated with first rank in Electronics & Communication Engineering from Thiruvananthapuram Engineering College. Holds an MBA from the University of Birmingham, England, an M.Phil. from the Indian Institute of Public Administration, Delhi, and a PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. He was appointed as an IAS officer in 1987 and has published works such as Bandhanasthanaya Nyayadhinan (novel), Arivazham (novel), Ramanu Thapam, Nilanirsthari, Shalabhayanam, Malayalaghazal, Nakshatraragam, Ritubhedangal, Veena kambikal, Niramezhutum Porul, Muktakangal Samasyagal (poem), Kunnikuru (children’s poem), Taoisathinte Gnanapanna, Pravachakan, Vengalarupiyaya Ashwarudhaan, Upanishad Kavyataravali (translation) and research papers in international journals. He has won awards such as the S.K. Potekkatt Award and the Akshaya Sahitya Puraskaram.