Renowned poet and lyricist Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya have been conferred with the prestigious 58th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honor. The announcement was made by the selection committee of the Jnanpith Award on Saturday, recognizing the exemplary contributions of these two eminent personalities to Indian literature.
Sampooran Singh Kalra, popularly known as Gulzar, is celebrated for his profound impact on Hindi cinema and his exceptional prowess as an Urdu poet. At the age of 89, Gulzar has left an indelible mark on the literary and cinematic landscape of India. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu in 2002, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013, and the Padma Bhushan in 2004. He has also received at least five National Film Awards for his remarkable contributions to Indian cinema.
Gulzar’s body of work is diverse and extensive, spanning poetry, film lyrics, screenwriting, and direction. He is revered for his soul-stirring lyrics and poignant poetry that resonates deeply with audiences across generations. Some of his most iconic works include the song “Jai Ho” from the film “Slumdog Millionaire,” which won the Oscar and Grammy Awards, as well as compositions for acclaimed movies such as “Maachis,” “Omkara,” “Dil Se…,” and “Guru.”
In addition to his lyrical prowess, Gulzar has also made significant contributions to Indian cinema as a director. His directorial ventures, including “Koshish,” “Parichay,” “Mausam,” and “Ijaazat,” have received critical acclaim and left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.
Moreover, Gulzar’s innovation in the realm of poetry is noteworthy. He introduced a new genre called ‘Triveni,’ which comprises non-mukaffa poems of three lines. His experimentation with language and form has pushed the boundaries of Urdu poetry, earning him widespread recognition and admiration.
On the other hand, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, aged 74, is a distinguished Sanskrit scholar, Hindu spiritual leader, educator, and prolific writer. He serves as the founder and head of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot and has authored more than 240 books and texts, including four epics. Rambhadracharya’s contributions to Sanskrit literature and spiritual discourse have earned him widespread acclaim and reverence.
A polyglot proficient in 22 languages, Rambhadracharya’s literary oeuvre transcends linguistic boundaries, encompassing Sanskrit, Hindi, Awadhi, and Maithili. Despite losing his eyesight at the age of two months, Rambhadracharya’s indomitable spirit and intellectual prowess have propelled him to great heights in the literary and spiritual realms.
The Jnanpith Award, established in 1944, is bestowed annually to honor outstanding contributions to Indian literature. It is considered the highest literary honor in the country and carries a prize money of ₹21 lakh, along with a statue of Vagdevi and a citation. The selection committee, chaired by Jnanpith awardee Pratibha Rai, recognized Gulzar and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya for their exemplary achievements in the fields of Urdu poetry and Sanskrit literature, respectively.
The award ceremony serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and literary diversity of India, celebrating the enduring legacy of its most distinguished literary luminaries. Gulzar and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya’s contributions to Indian literature will continue to inspire generations of writers and readers, leaving an indelible imprint on the literary landscape of the nation.
