Kerala Jyothi, Kerala Prabha and Kerala Sree: the three tiers of the State's highest civilian honours

Background

The Kerala Puraskarams, which the outgoing Governor is presenting this week, are the State government's highest honours for distinguished individuals.
They are given in three categories: Kerala Jyothi, the highest, followed by Kerala Prabha and Kerala Sree.
They are modelled on the pattern of the Padma awards.
Selection passes through three levels: a primary scrutiny committee at secretary level, a secondary scrutiny committee and the award committee.
The awards are announced on the eve of Keralappiravi. Raghava Warrier received the Kerala Jyothi for 2025, and M K Sanu had received it the previous year.