JNANPITH AWARD

NEWS: Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu has been chosen for the 2025 Jnanpith Award

ABOUT

• Recognises outstanding contributions to Indian literature in any of the languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution and English.
• It is India’s highest and oldest literary honor given annually.
• Instituted in – 1961 by the cultural organization Bharatiya Jnanpith, founded by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain and Rama Jain.
• The first recipient of the Jnanpith Award was Malayalam poet G. Sankara Kurup in 1965
• The first woman to receive the award was Ashapurna Devi in 1976.

ElIGIBILITY

• Eligibilityà Writers in Indian languages (Eighth Schedule + English).
• Recognises lifetime contribution to literature.
• Awarded to living authors and posthumous awards are rare.
• Selection Process – Managed by Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust.
• Selection made by an independent committee of eminent literary figures.
• Based on overall literary merit and contribution rather than a single work.
• Rewards – Sanad – Citation signed by the President of India.
• Medallion – Bronze statuette of Saraswati.
• Cash Prize – Rs.11 lakh.
• Award Ceremony – Citation and honour presented by the President of India