58TH JNANPITH AWARD

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The President of India presented the 58th Jnanpith Award to Jagadguru Rambhadracharya for his contributions to Sanskrit literature during a ceremony held in New Delhi. Renowned Urdu poet Gulzar was also honored with the award, though he was unable to attend the event due to health reasons.

1.  JAGADGURU RAMBHADRACHARYA (SANSKRIT)

  • Eminent Sanskrit scholar, author, poet, and spiritual leader

  • Blind since two months of age; has overcome immense challenges

  • Written over 240 literary works including four epics

  • Founder of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot

  • Chancellor of Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyanga University, which serves differently-abled students

  • Honored for his lifelong contribution to Sanskrit literature

2. GULZAR (URDU)

  • Iconic poet, lyricist, and filmmaker

  • Real name: Sampooran Singh Kalra

  • Widely known for his poetic depth and lyrical brilliance in Hindi and Urdu

  • Pioneered the poetic form ‘Triveni’

  • Recipient of major national and international honors, including the Padma Bhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and an Oscar

  • Could not attend the ceremony due to health reasons

  • Recognized for his contribution to Urdu literature

 ABOUT JNANPITH AWARD (JNANPITH PURUSKAR)

The Jnanpith Award is India’s highest literary accolade, presented annually to honor exceptional contributions to Indian literature.

  • Established: 1961 by the Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust, founded by industrialist Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain.

  • Purpose: To recognize literary excellence in Indian languages and preserve the country’s rich cultural and intellectual traditions.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

  • The idea was conceived on Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain’s 50th birthday, on 22 May 1961.

  • The first award was presented in 1965.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Only Indian citizens are eligible.

  • The award is open to all Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, as well as English (included from the 49th award onwards).

  • Once a language receives the award, it becomes ineligible for the next three years.

 SELECTION PROCESS

  • Nomination: Proposals are invited from universities, literary institutions, critics, and readers.

  • Language Advisory Committees (LACs):

    • Each recognized language has a 3-member committee of literary experts.

    • These committees are reconstituted every three years.

    • LACs may consider suggestions beyond the received proposals.

  • Evaluation:

    • The author’s entire body of work is assessed for literary merit, cultural impact, and contemporary relevance.

  • Selection Board:

    • Composed of 7 to 11 distinguished scholars known for their integrity.

    • Reviews LAC recommendations to make the final decision.

AWARD COMPONENTS

  • A cash prize of Rs.11 lakh.

  • A citation and a plaque.

  • Initially (for the first 17 awards), it was given for a specific literary work. It now honors an author’s overall contribution to literature.

SIGNIFICANCE

  • The 58th Jnanpith Award reflects the diverse literary heritage of India, honoring both classical Sanskrit and contemporary Urdu

  • Highlights the importance of inclusive literary recognition across languages and traditions

  • A celebration of lifelong commitment to enriching Indian literature

The Jnanpith Award continues to be a symbol of India’s literary excellence and cultural legacy.

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