Tamil Writer Perumal Murugan Receives Man Bahadur Singh Lahak Samman 2026
Bhubaneswar, June 19: Renowned Tamil writer, scholar and literary historian Perumal Murugan has been conferred with the Man Bahadur Singh Lahak Samman 2026 under the joint auspices of the Indian Languages Unity Forum (ILUF), in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian literature and his powerful portrayal of rural life and social realities in Tamil Nadu.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in contemporary Tamil literature, Murugan’s works explore themes of caste, culture, tradition, social pressures and human relationships, offering nuanced insights into the lives of rural communities.
Born on October 15, 1966, in a farming family near Tiruchengode in Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal district, Murugan developed an interest in writing at an early age. He pursued undergraduate studies in Tamil literature in Erode and completed his postgraduate studies in Coimbatore before earning both an M.Phil. and Ph.D. from the University of Madras. His doctoral research focused on noted Tamil writer R. Shanmugasundaram.
Murugan served as a professor of Tamil literature at government colleges in Namakkal, Attur and Chennai. Alongside teaching, he conducted extensive research on the folk traditions, oral narratives, linguistic expressions and classical literary heritage of the Kongu Nadu region.
Over the course of his literary career, Murugan has authored 12 novels, six short story collections, six poetry collections and several works of non-fiction. His most celebrated novels include Eru Veyyil (1991), Nizhal Mutram (1993), Koolamadari (Seasons of the Palm), Kanganam (2008), Madhorubhagan (One Part Woman), Poonachi: The Story of a Black Goat (2017), Pookkuzhi (Pyre, 2018), and Kazhimugam (Estuary).
His literary achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize, ILF Samanvay Bhasha Samman (2015), a shortlist placement for the Kiriyama Prize, and longlist recognitions for both the National Book Award and the International Booker Prize. He was also recognized in the JCB Prize for Literature.
Murugan’s career also drew national attention when his novel One Part Woman faced protests in 2014–15, prompting him to briefly announce his retirement from writing. In 2016, the Madras High Court upheld the principles of freedom of expression and affirmed his right to write, paving the way for his return to literary life.
Several of Murugan’s works have been translated into Hindi by translator Mohan Verma, including Nar-Narishwar, Ponna Ki Agnipariksha, Ponna Ka Abhishap, Chhotu Aur Uski Duniya, and Ek Kapurush Ke Geet.
Currently residing in Tamil Nadu, Perumal Murugan continues to write, teach and contribute to literary scholarship, inspiring readers across languages and regions with his distinctive voice and deep engagement with social realities.