Tamil Nadu life convict Selvam’s book Oru Thooku Kaithiyin Vaakumoolam wins Iyal Award of Canada

Oru Thooku Kaithiyin Vaakumoolam, a book written by life convict C. Selvam, has been awarded the Iyal Award for non-fiction by the Canada-based Tamil Literary Garden. This marks the first time the award has been given to a writer who has spent 32 years living in prison. Selvam, who is currently in Vellore prison on parole, expressed his gratitude, stating that reading kept him alive during his incarceration.

A native of Thenthamaraikulam in Kanniyakumari district, Selvam's favorite authors include Sundara Ramasamy, S. Ramakrishnan, Nanjil Nadan, and Jayamohan. He also received a congratulatory message from renowned Sri Lankan writer A. Muthulingam, who resides in Canada. The award, which includes 1000 Canada Dollars, was presented to Selvam and his associates after they surrendered to a court in Nagercoil concerning a murder case from 1994.

Initially sentenced to death, they were later given life imprisonment, with the condition that they serve their time in prison. While in prison, Selvam developed a passion for reading, which inspired him to write a memoir, published in December 2025, under the guidance of Badri Seshadri of Kizhakku Pathippagam. Justice K. Chandru wrote the foreword to the book, emphasizing Selvam's truthful account of prison life.

Seshadri believes the book will win multiple awards due to its literary merit and its examination of legal issues. The Tamil Literary Garden has also designated other awards for that year, with Selvam's memoir receiving the non-fiction award.