TAG: GS:1 ART AND CULTURE
THE CONTEXT: The prestigious Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honor, has been conferred upon celebrated Urdu poet and Bollywood filmmaker Gulzar (Sampooran Singh Kalra) and distinguished Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya.
EXPLANATION:
- The 58th edition of the award, presented by Bharatiya Jnanpith, acknowledges outstanding contributions to Indian literature, marking the second time it honors Sanskrit and the fifth time Urdu.
Gulzar’s Contribution to Literature and Film:
- Gulzar, born in 1934, has garnered numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career.
- These include the Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu (2002), the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2013), Padma Bhushan (2004), and multiple National Film Awards.
- His song “Jai Ho” from the film Slumdog Millionaire earned him an Oscar in 2009 and a Grammy in 2010.
- The Jnanpith Award, with a cash component of ₹11 lakh, a Vagdevi statue, and a citation, adds another jewel to Gulzar’s impressive collection of honors.
- Apart from his acclaimed film career, Gulzar has made significant literary contributions.
- Known for his pioneering work in Urdu poetry, he introduced the ‘Triveni’ genre—a non-mukaffa poem of three lines.
- The maestro’s versatility extends to children’s poetry, reflecting his commitment to exploring diverse literary realms.
Jagadguru Rambhadracharya’s Multifaceted Achievements:
- Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, a polyglot fluent in 22 languages, stands out as a Hindu spiritual leader, educator, and prolific author with over 240 books and texts to his credit, including four epics.
- Leading the Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, he has been a prominent figure in the Ramananda sect since 1982. His linguistic prowess spans Sanskrit, Hindi, Awadhi, Maithili, and more.
- The Padma Vibhushan recipient (2015) adds the Jnanpith Award to his distinguished achievements.
Jnanpith Award:
- Jnanpith Award is an Indian literary award presented annually by the BharatiyaJnanpith to an author for their “outstanding contribution towards literature”.
- The Jnanpith Award was established in 1944.
- It acknowledges the literary prowess of individuals who have left an indelible mark on Indian literature.
- The award’s cash component, a Vagdevi statue, and a citation make it a symbol of literary excellence.
- The award is bestowed only on Indian writers writing in Indian languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India and English, with no posthumous conferral.
- The selection committee, headed by Odia writer Pratibha Rai, made the decision to honor writers from two languages—Sanskrit and Urdu.
- It is sponsored by the cultural organization Bharatiya Jnanpith.
Conclusion:
- The Jnanpith Award’s recognition of Gulzar and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya underscores the diversity and richness of Indian literature. It celebrates not only the literary achievements of these eminent personalities but also the cultural and linguistic tapestry that defines India’s literary landscape. As the nation applauds their contributions, the Jnanpith Award continues to stand as a beacon of honor for those who illuminate the world through the power of words.