Why is it in the news?
- Legendary lyricist and poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar and spiritual leader Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya have been selected for the prestigious Jnanpith Award.
- This marks the second time the award is being given for the Sanskrit language and the fifth time for the Urdu language.
| About Jnanpith Award
· Established in 1961, the Jnanpith Award is an annual honour presented for outstanding contributions to Indian literature. · It recognizes works in any of the 22 scheduled languages recognized in the Indian Constitution, along with contributions in the English language since 2013. · Considered the highest literary honour in the country, the award includes a cash prize, a citation, and a bronze replica of Vagdevi (Saraswati), the goddess of learning. · The award is sponsored by the cultural organization Bharatiya Jnanpith. |
Gulzar’s Contributions
- Gulzar, born Sampooran Singh Kalra, is renowned for his prolific career as a lyricist and poet in Hindi cinema.
- He began his career with the film ‘Kabuliwala’ and has since penned numerous iconic songs and scripts in various films.
- Gulzar has also directed acclaimed feature films such as ‘Maachis’, ‘Aandhi’, ‘Mausam’, ‘Khushboo’, ‘Parichay’, and ‘Koshish’.
- He has received several accolades, including the Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu in 2002, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013, and the Padma Bhushan in 2004, along with multiple National Film Awards.
Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya’s Achievements
- Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya is a highly respected Hindu spiritual leader, educator, and prolific writer.
- He has authored over 240 books and texts, including four epics, showcasing his profound knowledge and literary prowess.
- Additionally, he is the founder and head of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, contributing significantly to the spiritual and educational landscape of the region.
