The Kerala Awards are the  highest award instituted by the State Government

Those who have made outstanding contribution in various fields such as, arts, social service, public affairs, science & engineering, industry & commerce, literature, education, health, civil service, sports, agriculture and other fields are to be considered for the awards irrespective of their colour, race, gender, caste, occupation and status.  No basic qualification has been fixed for those being considered for the Kerala Awards. Nomination for the award must be based on the lifetime contributions in their field.  When nominating, special care should be taken to select those who have achieved extraordinary achievements in their respective fields and rendered outstanding service to the society.

Keerthimudra, its smaller version,the certificate which are given for the highest award of state government, 'kerala puraskaram' is designed by the sculptor Shri.Godfrey Das.