Events

Awards

We have instituted specific major awards to honor distinguished individuals. Here is the complete detail of the awards and their recipients:

K. Sankara Narayana Pillai Memorial Award

This is the primary annual award instituted by the VACF in memory of its first patron and former Minister, the late K. Sankaranarayana Pillai. The award was established after his passing in July 2021.

  • Purpose: To identify and honor talented individuals within the Vellala community whose contributions may have been overlooked by the wider world, specifically for their comprehensive contributions to arts and culture.
  • Recipients:
    • First Award (2022): Surya Krishnamurthy (Cultural Icon).
      • He was recognized as a cultural leader and received the award on September 6, 2022, from the Governor of Kerala, Shri Arif Mohammad Khan, at the Raj Bhavan.
    • Second Award (2023): Ullala Babu (Children’s Literature Writer).
      • The award was presented by Chief Whip Shri N. Jayaraj at a function held in Ponkunnam. The sources note that after receiving this VACF award, Ullala Babu went on to receive several other recognitions, including the State Children’s Literature Academy Award.
    • Third Award (2024): Dr. R. Soman Nandiyatt (Renowned Scientist).
      • This award was presented by Aswathi Thirunal Thampuratti at the Kowdiar Palace.

Kannaki Devi Puraskaram

This award is presented by the Women’s Wing (Vanitha Vibhagam) of the VACF.
• Recipient:
    ◦ 2025 Award: Dr. Rajam P.R.S. Pillai (Social Worker and Educationist).
        ▪ Dr. Pillai is noted for establishing “Balavikas” in 1978 for mentally challenged children and serving as its director for 36 years. The award was presented to her at her residence in Kowdiar by VACF officials, including Patron Dr. Kanam Sankara Pillai and General Secretary Ajish Ramanaman Pillai.

P.S. Nataraja Pillai Award

P.S. Nataraja Pillai Award presented by Shri M. G. Sasibhushan to Shri Neela Padmanabhan.

The P.S. Nataraja Pillai Award is a prestigious annual recognition instituted by VACF. The award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to culture, community service, arts, or heritage preservation in Kerala, aligning with the Foundation’s mission to promote and celebrate local talent.

The award is named in memory of P. S. Nataraja Pillai, an eminent Kerala leader, politician, freedom fighter, and parliamentarian. The award connects the honor with values of public service, dedication to community, and cultural leadership that he embodied.

Purpose and Significance

  • Promotes cultural excellence: The award highlights individuals who have contributed meaningfully to cultural life, arts, heritage, or community engagement in Kerala.

  • Celebrates community leadership: It recognizes not just artistic talent but also community impact and contribution—a nod to the combined cultural and civic legacy of its namesake.

Programs

Several cultural and social welfare activities organized by the Vellala Arts and Cultural Foundation (VACF) (Reg. No. IDK/TC/339/20), which has been active in the cultural sector since November 11, 2020.

Cultural Programs

  • Kala Arangu: A cultural forum titled “Kala Arangu” was organized in Thodupuzha. The event was officially inaugurated by the renowned singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi. The program was presided over by former Minister K. Shankaranarayana Pillai. Other notable participants included film director Binu Raj, spiritual speaker Ratheesh Narayanan, and various officials from the foundation and local unions.

Social Welfare Initiatives

  • Free Eye Treatment Camp: In collaboration with the Ahalia Foundation Eye Hospital, the VACF organized a free eye treatment camp on May 9, 2021, at TER Avenue in Ponkunnam.
    • Leadership: The camp was inaugurated by Adv. C.R. Sreekumar (Chirakkadavu Panchayat President) and presided over by Ratheesh Narayanan.
    • Services Provided: The camp offered expert medical consultations for various eye conditions, including cataracts. Services such as free spectacles and free cataract surgeries were provided to those in need. The event was conducted following strict COVID-19 safety protocols.