Jnanpith Award

Why in News?

Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu has been chosen for the 2025 Jnanpith Award, becoming only the 3rd Tamil writer to receive the prize and the 1st to be recognized for Tamil poetry.

• Aim- Recognises outstanding contributions to Indian literature in any of the languages listed in the 8^th Schedule of the Constitution and English.
• It is India's highest and oldest literary honor given annually.
• Instituted in - 1961 by the cultural organization Bharatiya Jnanpith, founded by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain and Rama Jain.

The first recipient of the Jnanpith Award was Malayalam poet G. Sankara Kurup in 1965; the first woman to receive the award was Ashapurna Devi in 1976.

• Eligibility – Writers in Indian languages (Eighth Schedule + English).
• Recognises lifetime contribution to literature.
• Awarded to living authors and posthumous awards are rare.
• Selection Process - Managed by Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust.
• Selection made by an independent committee of eminent literary figures.
• Based on overall literary merit and contribution rather than a single work.
• Rewards – Sanad - Citation signed by the President of India.
• Medallion – Bronze statuette of Saraswati.
• Cash Prize – Rs.11 lakh.
• Award Ceremony - Citation and honour presented by the President of India.

References

Indian Express | Jnanpith Award