Union Law Minister and eminent writer, Dr. M. Veerappa Moily has been conferred with the prestigious Moortidevi Award of Bharatiya Jyan Peeth for 2007 for his epic<br/>"Shree Ramayan Mahanveshanam" written in Kannad. <br/><br/>The award was presented by the President, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at a function in New Delhi today.<br/><br/>The award carries a cash award of two lakh rupees and a citation. Giving away the award, the President said that the literature plays an important role in building a strong nation and an enlightened society. Mrs Patil appealed to the writers to contribute for the national integration process as well as to eradicate social evils by creating awareness among the people through their writings.<br/><br/>Appreciating the work of Mr Moily, President Mrs Patil said that he has the exceptional distinction of being a prolific writer and a person actively involved in public life. Mrs Patil said, Mr. Moily is a rare combination of a politician and a literary figure. Recieveing the award, Dr. Moily said in his epic he made an attempt to discover or rediscover the values and ways of thinking, which make it possible for mankind to move upwards in the path of creative evolution.<br/><br/>Chief Justice JK.G. Balakrishnan and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and several eminent personalites were also present on the occasion.<br/>