Social activist Medha Patkar and Tamil writer Perumal Murugan have been chosen for the Sukumar Azhikode Birth Centenary National Award 2026. The award is presented by the Sukumar Azhikode Trust to recognise outstanding contributions to society and literature. Medha Patkar is being honoured for her long struggle for the rights of displaced communities, while Perumal Murugan is recognised for his contribution to Indian literature. Each award carries a cash prize of ₹50,000 and a citation. Perumal Murugan, from Namakkal district, is one of Tamil Nadu's best-known contemporary novelists.