KOCHI:
In a remarkable recognition of literary brilliance and social commitment, noted human rights activist, writer, and social worker Dr. Kamal H. Muhammad has been honored with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Award for his autobiography. The award, instituted by the Satyajit Ray Film Society, selected his 2024 memoir Daring Prince as the best autobiography of the year.
Born in Kannur, Kerala, Dr. Kamal has made significant contributions not only to literature but also in the fields of human rights and social justice. He currently resides in Thalakode, Neriamangalam, where he continues his community engagement work while also actively contributing to literary circles. His autobiography, Daring Prince, is a compelling narrative that chronicles his life journey—from his early struggles to his rise as a recognized figure in national and international social spheres.
The memoir paints a vivid picture of the obstacles Dr. Kamal faced and overcame, including societal discrimination, systemic injustices, and personal trials. It reflects a deep commitment to values such as equality, truth, compassion, and resilience. The Satyajit Ray Film Society, which annually recognizes contributions to literature and cinema that uphold humanistic values, was particularly moved by the honesty, depth, and literary merit of the book. It lauded the work as a powerful testament to an individual’s courage and enduring spirit in the face of adversity.
Beyond the Satyajit Ray Award, Daring Prince has already garnered a series of accolades from across the globe. These include the Pondicherry Ratna Award, Delhi Ratna Award, and the London Book of World honor for 2024. Most notably, the book has been recognized by the UN Book of Records in 2025, further affirming its international significance. It also received the fifth edition of the Swami Vivekananda Excellence Award in 2025, celebrating Dr. Kamal’s dedication to values echoed by Swami Vivekananda himself—namely, fearless service to humanity and intellectual empowerment.
In addition to these honors, NIILM University conferred an Honorary Doctorate upon Dr. Kamal, acknowledging both his scholarly insights and his influential literary contributions. He was also the recipient of the Sahitya Sparsh Award in 2025, which is given to individuals who have left a significant impact on the Indian literary landscape. This series of recognitions points to the growing appreciation of Dr. Kamal’s voice in a time when authentic, socially conscious narratives are more important than ever.
The Malayalam translation of Daring Prince, titled Dheeranaya Rajakumaran, has also found critical and commercial success. Now available on Amazon, the translated version has brought the story to a wider regional audience and has helped foster literary discussions across linguistic and cultural lines. For its contribution to Malayalam literature, the book was awarded the prestigious G.K. Pillai Award.
The jury for the Satyajit Ray Award was chaired by Karyavattom Sreekandan Nair, a respected figure in the world of arts and literature, and included Advocate Bindu as a fellow jury member. The selection committee noted that Dr. Kamal’s autobiography is not just a personal tale but a socio-political commentary that resonates with the present-day struggles of marginalized communities across the country.
In an official statement, the jury remarked, “Dr. Kamal H. Muhammad’s Daring Prince is a bold and emotionally stirring narrative that reflects the spirit of resistance, transformation, and hope. It aligns with the ethos of Satyajit Ray’s humanist legacy and serves as an inspiration for readers across all age groups.”
The award will be formally presented at a ceremony scheduled for June 1, where several dignitaries from the fields of literature, cinema, and social activism are expected to be in attendance. The event is set to celebrate not only Dr. Kamal’s literary achievement but also his unwavering commitment to advocating for justice and human rights.
Dr. Kamal expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This award is not just an honor for me, but for everyone whose stories remain untold. My life has been a journey of struggle and purpose, and through this book, I hope to inspire others to believe in their strength and voice.”
With a growing list of accolades and a rising readership, Daring Prince continues to make waves both in India and abroad. Dr. Kamal H. Muhammad’s life and work stand as a beacon of resilience, truth, and unwavering conviction—values that the Satyajit Ray Award fittingly upholds.
As the literary world celebrates this achievement, readers and admirers eagerly await Dr. Kamal’s future contributions, confident that his words will continue to inspire generations to come.
Dr.Kamal have already initiated a Child empowerment Non Profit Organization. In the Name & Style DARING PRINCE FOUNDATION
