The prestigious Jnanpith Award traces its origins to a remarkable initiative in 1961. On May 22, 1961, during the 50th birthday celebration of Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain, the visionary founder of Bharatiya Jnanpith, his family proposed a unique scheme to promote literary and cultural excellence across India. This proposal came to life on September 16, 1961, when the Board of Trustees, while reviewing the ‘Rashtrabharati Granthamala’ project (focused on translating great works from Indian languages into Hindi), discussed the possibility of creating an award for the best literary work in Indian languages. Smt. Rama Jain, the Founder President of Bharatiya Jnanpith, led this initiative.
On November 22, 1961, Smt. Rama Jain convened a meeting with prominent literary figures such as Kaka Kalelkar, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, and Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, among others, at her Kolkata residence. This initial discussion set the stage for a wider dialogue across India. Eminent writers from various Indian languages participated in numerous discussions, including a major symposium in Delhi on April 2, 1962, involving nearly 300 distinguished literary figures. These efforts culminated in the formation of the Selection Board (Pravara Parishad) chaired initially by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then-President of India.
The first Jnanpith Award ceremony took place in 1965, establishing the award as a symbol of national literary excellence. Over the years, the award has evolved into a prestigious accolade, honoring writers for their outstanding contribution to Indian literature.
Selection Process
Selecting the recipient of the Jnanpith Award is a meticulous and challenging process. Initially, the award focused on the best literary work, but since the 18th award, the selection criteria have expanded to include the overall contribution of a writer. Submissions are invited from litterateurs, scholars, and literary institutions across India. An Advisory Committee for each language, composed of three distinguished critics and scholars, reviews the proposals. These committees are tasked with ensuring that no deserving writer is overlooked, considering the entirety of an author's literary work.
The Advisory Committees forward their recommendations to the Selection Board, which comprises seven to eleven members known for their integrity and expertise. Through a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process, the Selection Board makes the final decision. It's noteworthy that the Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust has no direct role in the selection process, ensuring the award’s independence and credibility.
Since the 49th Jnanpith Award, English has been included alongside Indian languages for consideration, reflecting the award’s growing inclusivity. However, the award remains exclusively for Indian citizens.
Achievements and Legacy
The Jnanpith Award has become a beacon of literary distinction in India, symbolizing the unity and diversity of Indian literature. Its impartial selection process and objective evaluation have garnered widespread acclaim, earning the award unparalleled prestige.
To date, 59 distinguished writers have received the Jnanpith Award over 53 years, a testament to its enduring significance in promoting Indian literature.
Current Jnanpith Selection Board
- Smt. Pratibha Ray – Chairperson
- Shri Madhav Kaushik
- Prof. Shamim Hanfi
- Prof. Suranjan Das
- Prof. Purushothama Billimale
- Dr. S. Mani Valan
- Shri Chandrakant Patil
- Dr. Harish Trivedi
- Shri Prabha Varma
- Dr. Syed Asghar Wajahat
- Shri Madhusudan Anand (Ex Officio)
History of the Jnanpith Award
- Founded in 1961 during the 50th birthday celebration of Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain, founder of Bharatiya Jnanpith.
- Inspired by a desire to establish a prestigious literary award of national and international significance.
- Initiated by Smt. Rama Jain, with prominent literary figures like Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Ramdhari Singh Dinkar leading discussions.
- First presented in 1965, marking the beginning of the award’s journey to honor literary excellence across Indian languages.
Selection Process
- Initially awarded for the best work in Indian languages. Since the 18th award, entire literary contributions of an author are considered.
- Proposals invited from litterateurs, scholars, and literary institutions.
- Language Advisory Committees, comprising eminent critics, scrutinize submissions and recommend deserving writers.
- Final selection made by a Selection Board (7–11 members) known for high integrity and expertise.
- English included for consideration since the 49th award, with the award remaining exclusive to Indian citizens.
- Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust has no influence on the selection, ensuring objectivity.
Achievements and Impact
- The award has gained unparalleled prestige in Indian literature, symbolizing national integrity and literary excellence.
- 59 eminent writers honored between 1965–2018.
- The Jnanpith Award reflects the comprehensive vision of Indian literature, fostering unity in diversity.
