The revered Urdu poet and lyricist Gulzar, alongside the distinguished Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, has been selected to receive the prestigious 58th Jnanpith Award. This distinction, considered among India’s highest literary honors, is a testament to their unparalleled contributions to the enrichment of Indian literature.
The announcement of the 58th Jnanpith Award, made by the esteemed Jnanpith selection committee on Saturday.
Who is Jagadguru Rambhadracharya?
One of the most prominent figures in the field of Sanskrit scholarship is Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. He is renowned for his profound knowledge of Sanskrit and his tireless efforts to preserve and improve Sanskrit literature. He is highly esteemed in the academic and literary world.
He is also a polyglot, speaking 22 languages. He is a well-known poet and writer in several languages of India, including Sanskrit language, Hindi language, Awadhi language and Maithili language. In 2015, he was inducted into the Padma Vibhushan, India’s highest literary honor, for his outstanding contribution to literature and to linguistic diversity.
Despite losing his eyesight at the tender age of two months due to trachoma, Rambhadracharya’s early years were shaped by the guidance of his grandfather. His extraordinary intellectual prowess was evident as he memorized the entire Bhagwad Gita by the age of five and the complete Ramcharitmanas by the age of eight.
Who is Gulzar?
Gulzar is one of the most famous and renowned Urdu poets in the history of Hindi cinema. Throughout his long and storied career, which spanned more than a quarter of a century, Gulzar has made indelible contributions to Indian literature and cinema through his lyrical and narrative genius.
Gulzar has won a number of awards, including in 2002 for his work in Urdu, in 2013 for his film “Jai Ho”, and in 2004 Padma Bhushan. His impact on Indian cinema goes beyond poetry, however, as he has composed some of the most famous songs in Indian film history, such as the Oscar-winning song “Jai Ho”.
Gulzar’s cinematic journey includes timeless classics such as “Koshish,” “Parichay,” “Mausam,” and “Ijaazat,” solidifying his status as a multifaceted artist who has shaped the cultural landscape of the nation.
The recognition of Gulzar and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya with the Jnanpith Award not only honors their individual achievements but also highlights the diversity and richness of India’s literary tapestry.