President Murmu Confers Highest Literary Honour to Gulzar & Rambhadracharya

In a momentous celebration of India’s literary richness, President Droupadi Murmu presented the 58th Jnanpith Award to poet-lyricist Gulzar and scholar-saint Rambhadracharya at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. This prestigious event honoured two iconic figures whose contributions have profoundly shaped Indian literature—Gulzar through his emotionally resonant poetry and songwriting, and Rambhadracharya through his erudite Sanskrit and Hindi compositions, along with his work in education and spiritual literature.

Why in News?

The 58th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour, was conferred on Gulzar and Rambhadracharya by President Droupadi Murmu on 17 May 2025. The award ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, recognising the literary and cultural contributions of the two recipients. Gulzar was honoured for his lyrical poetry, screenwriting, and storytelling, while Rambhadracharya was celebrated for his Sanskrit epics, spiritual works, and educational leadership.

About the Jnanpith Award

• Instituted: 1961 by Bharatiya Jnanpith.
• Presented by: Bharatiya Jnanpith organization.
• Purpose: To honour outstanding contributions to Indian literature.
• Components of the award: Citation, cash prize, and a bronze idol of Vagdevi (Saraswati).
• Previous notable recipients: Mahadevi Verma, Amrita Pritam, Girish Karnad, Pratibha Ray.

Rambhadracharya

• Real name: Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Swami Rambhadracharya.
• Known for: Four Sanskrit epics including Geet Ramayan and Dashavatara Charitam.

Special facts

• Lost eyesight in infancy.
• Memorised Bhagavad Gita and Ramcharitmanas by age 5.
• Established Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang State University (JRDSU) in Chitrakoot in 2001.
• University serves over 2,000 visually impaired students.
• Recognised for integrating literature, education, and national spirit.

Gulzar

• Real name: Sampooran Singh Kalra.
• Known for: Iconic poems and songs like Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi, Chaiyya Chaiyya, Humko Mann Ki Shakti Dena.

Notable achievements

• Oscar, Grammy, Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner.
• Over 20 books authored.
• Contributions to Hindi literature, cinema, and television.
• Known for expressing tenderness amidst life’s harshness.
• Could not attend the ceremony due to health issues.

Significance of the Event

• Reflects the unity of Indian literary diversity — from devotional Sanskrit to contemporary Hindi poetry.
• Highlights the inclusive nature of Indian awards by recognising both traditional spiritual literature and modern artistic expression.
• Emphasises literature’s role in shaping national identity and cultural unity, as stated by President Murmu.