The 58th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour, was jointly awarded to two eminent personalities for 2023: Urdu poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya.
This year signifies the second time the award is given for excellence in Sanskrit and the fifth time for Urdu.
The esteemed award comprises a cash prize of Rs 21 lakh, a statue of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), and a citation. The selection committee, led by Jnanpith awardee Pratibha Rai, chose the recipients.
Here’s a detailed look at their contributions and achievements that led to this prestigious recognition.
58th Jnanpith Award Winner 2023 👇
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About Gulzar
Born Sampooran Singh Kalra, Gulzar is celebrated in Indian literature and cinema.
His journey began as a lyricist in Bollywood, where he left an indelible mark with his poignant and thought-provoking lyrics.
Over the years, Gulzar has penned numerous songs that have resonated with the masses, earning him a special place in the hearts of music lovers.
His literary prowess extends beyond film songs. Gulzar is also one of the finest Urdu poets of our time, known for his rich and evocative poetry that captures the complexities of human emotions.
His contributions to literature have been recognized with several awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu in 2002, the Padma Bhushan in 2004, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013. He has also received six National Film Awards for his works.
Notable compositions of Gulzar
“Jai Ho” from “Slumdog Millionaire” won an Oscar in 2009 and a Grammy in 2010.
Other acclaimed film works
“Maachhis” (1996), “Omkara” (2006), “Dil Se…” (1998), “Guru” (2007), among others.
About Jagadguru Rambhadracharya
Jagadguru Rambhadracharya is a respected figure in Sanskrit literature and Hindu philosophy.
As the founder and head of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, he has dedicated his life to studying and propagating Sanskrit texts.
His scholarly works encompass more than 100 books, reflecting his deep understanding of the language and its scriptures.
Rambhadracharya’s contributions to Sanskrit literature and education have been widely acknowledged.
In 2015, he was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India by the former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, for his services to education and literature.
Fluent in 22 languages, Rambhadracharya showcases versatility as a poet and writer, demonstrating proficiency in several Indian languages such as Sanskrit, Hindi, Awadhi, and Maithili.
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More About Tulsi Peeth
Tulsi Peeth is a significant religious and social service institution in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, India.
It was established by the renowned Hindu religious leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya on August 2, 1987.
The institution is named after Tulsi Das, the author of the epic Ramcharitmanas. It is believed to be situated at the place where Lord Rama gave his sandals to his brother Bharat.
The Tulsi Peeth premises encompass Rambhadracharya’s residence, a temple named Kanch Mandir featuring an adjoining hall known as Raghav Satsang Bhavan, a cow pen, an educational institution for visually impaired students, and a shrine called Manas Mandir where the complete Ramcharitmanas is intricately engraved on its walls. Additionally, there is a hostel for students of the Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped University.
Tulsi Peeth is involved in studying and sharing Hindu religious texts in Sanskrit and Hindi, taking care of cows and Sadhus, publishing a monthly magazine, and organizing camps to help people with disabilities. The institution is also one of the leading publishers of literature on Hindu religious themes in India.
The Significance of the Jnanpith Award
The Jnanpith Award stands as a prestigious literary honour in India, awarded each year by the Bharatiya Jnanpith to recognize authors for their exceptional contributions to literature.
Instituted in 1961, the award recognizes literary works in Indian languages listed in Schedule VIII of the Indian Constitution and English.
The award for 2023 marks a significant moment as it celebrates the diversity of Indian literature by honouring two luminaries from different linguistic backgrounds. It underscores the richness of India’s literary heritage and the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote its many languages.
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Winner of 58th Jnanpith Award 2023 in a Nutshell
Here’s a summary table with key details about the winners of the 58th Jnanpith Award for 2023:
| Award | 58th Jnanpith Award |
|---|---|
| Year | 2023 |
| Winners | Gulzar and Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya |
| Gulzar’s Contributions | Celebrated Urdu poet, Contributions to Hindi cinema, Recognized as one of the finest Urdu poets. Compose- “Jai Ho” from “Slumdog Millionaire” won an Oscar in 2009 and a Grammy in 2010. |
| Gulzar’s Awards | Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu (2002), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2013), Padma Bhushan (2004), Multiple National Film Awards |
| Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya’s Contributions | Renowned Sanskrit scholar, Founder and head of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, Hindu spiritual leader, Educator |
| Rambhadracharya’s Works | Author of more than 100 books and texts, including four epics. |
| Prize | ₹21 lahk, a statue of Vagdevi, and a citation |
Conclusion
The 58th Jnanpith Award serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Indian literature. Gulzar and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, through their distinct yet impactful contributions, have enriched the cultural tapestry of India. Their works continue to inspire and educate, bridging the gap between the ancient and the modern, the poetic and the philosophical.
As we celebrate their achievements, we are reminded of the power of words and the importance of preserving the linguistic diversity that defines the Indian subcontinent. The Jnanpith Award not only honours these two stalwarts but also ignites a passion for literature in the hearts of future generations.
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