Acclaimed author Amitav Ghosh makes history by being the first writer in the English language to be awarded the prestigious Jnanpith Award for 2018, a testimony to his significant contributions to Indian Literature. This award substantiates Ghosh’s remarkable role in enhancing and enriching Indian literature in the English language.
A Glance at Ghosh’s Achievements
Amitav Ghosh’s outstanding works have not only been recognised in India but globally too. His literary masterpiece ‘The Shadow Lines’ won him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1990. The Government of India also acknowledged his services to literature and education by bestowing upon him the Padma Shri in 2007.
However, Ghosh’s monumental achievement came in 2018 when he became the first English language writer to receive the Jnanpith laureate. This win undoubtedly becomes a landmark moment in the history of Indian literature as it was only after the 49th Jnanpith Award that the English language was included in the list of languages considered for this award.
Understanding the Jnanpith Award
The Jnanpith award, established in 1961, is one of India’s most illustrious literary honours. The award is conferred solely upon Indian citizens who have made substantial contributions to Indian literature in any of the officially recognised languages of India.
The recipients of this revered honour not only earn national recognition but are also presented with a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, a citation plaque, and a bronze replica of Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu deity of wisdom, knowledge and learning.
The first winner of this prestigious award in 1965 was the prominent Malayalam writer G Sankara Kurup.
An Overview of Jnanpith Award Winners
| Year | Winner | Language |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 | G Sankara Kurup | Malayalam |
| 1990 | Amitav Ghosh (Sahitya Akademi Award) | English |
| 2018 | Amitav Ghosh (Jnanpith Award) | English |
Amitav Ghosh: A Trendsetter in Indian Literature
Amitav Ghosh’s historic win as the first English language writer to be conferred the Jnanpith Award sets a new precedent in Indian literature. His success demonstrates the increasing recognition and acceptance of English literature in India, encouraging other English language writers to produce works that reflect the diverse realities of Indian society.
