President Droupadi Murmu on Friday presented the 58th Jnanpith Award to renowned Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan in the national capital.
In her address, the President congratulated Jagadguru Rambhadracharya for his outstanding contribution to Indian literature. She also extended her wishes to noted poet and lyricist Gulzar, who could not attend the function due to health reasons, and hoped for his speedy recovery and continued contributions to literature, art, and society.
The President underlined the unifying and transformative power of literature. Referring to the role of writers and poets in the 19th-century social awakening and the 20th-century freedom movement, she said their work has played a pivotal role in inspiring the nation. Citing examples such as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s Vande Mataram and the literary legacy of Valmiki, Vyas, Kalidas, and Rabindranath Tagore, she said their voices continue to reflect the spirit of Indianness.
Praising the Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust, the President commended its efforts in recognising literary excellence in Indian languages since 1965. She said the institution has preserved the prestige of the award by honouring deserving and outstanding litterateurs over the decades.
Highlighting the contributions of past women recipients of the Jnanpith Award, including Ashapurna Devi, Amrita Pritam, Mahadevi Verma, Qurratul-Ain-Haider, Mahasweta Devi, Indira Goswami, Krishna Sobti, and Pratibha Ray, the President said they have offered unique insights into Indian traditions and social realities. She encouraged women and young girls to actively engage in literary pursuits, drawing inspiration from these iconic writers.
Speaking about Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Ji, the President said he has set an exemplary standard of excellence through his scholarly and social contributions. Despite being visually impaired, he has enriched Indian literature and society through his work and spiritual vision. She expressed confidence that his life and achievements will continue to inspire generations in the fields of literature, social reform, and nation-building.
The Jnanpith Award, instituted by the Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust, is one of the highest literary honours in the country, awarded annually to authors for their outstanding contribution to literature in Indian languages.