New Delhi: In a momentous announcement, the Jnanpith selection committee revealed that the esteemed 58th Jnanpith Award will be bestowed upon renowned Urdu poet Gulzar and distinguished Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. This recognition, considered among the highest literary honors in India, celebrates the exceptional contributions of these two stalwarts in their respective fields.
Gulzar, celebrated for his profound impact on Hindi cinema and revered as one of the finest Urdu poets of the contemporary era, adds another jewel to his illustrious crown. His literary journey has garnered accolades such as the Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu in 2002, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013, and the Padma Bhushan in 2004. Additionally, he boasts at least five National Film Awards for his exceptional contributions to the world of cinema.
On the other side of the linguistic spectrum, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, the visionary founder and head of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, stands as a luminary in Sanskrit literature. Renowned as a Hindu spiritual leader, educator, and prolific writer with a repertoire of over 100 books, he is a beacon of knowledge and wisdom.
The Jnanpith selection committee, in a statement, declared, “It has been decided to give the award (for 2023) to eminent writers from two languages: Sanskrit litterateur Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and well-known Urdu litterateur Shri Gulzar.” This prestigious accolade follows the recognition of Goan writer Damodar Mauzo, who received the Jnanpith Award for 2022.
The 58th Jnanpith Award serves as a testament to the diverse and rich tapestry of Indian literature, honoring luminaries whose words have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the nation.
