The Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters, recently bestowed its annual literary honor for 2019. The announcement was collected from numerous news outlets, stirring up interest in the Indian literary culture. Notable among the recipients is the copper-plaque, shawl, and cash prize amounting to Rs. 1 lakh (approx. $1400). The design of the plaque has an interesting backstory – it’s designed by the acclaimed Indian film-maker Satyajit Ray.
The Sahitya Akademi Awards
Established in 1954, the Sahitya Akademi award is a significant recognition, celebrated annually. The Academy acknowledges 24 outstanding literary works in languages recognized by the Akademi, along with an equal number of translations into and from various Indian languages. In addition to the 22 languages outlined in the Constitution of India, the Sahitya Akademi also recognizes English and Rajasthani as mediums for its programme.
The Sahitya Akademi award holds high prestige among Indian literary recognitions, being the second-highest award handed out by the Government of India, coming next only to the Jananpith award.
A Glimpse at the Award Criteria
Applicants for this esteemed award must meet certain criteria set by the Akademi. The author must be of Indian nationality and their book or work should be an exceptional contribution to its language and literature. In case of a tie, where two or more books demonstrate equal merit, consideration is given to other factors like the total literary contributions and standing of the authors in question.
Interesting Facts about the Sahitya Akademi Awards
Here’s a table encapsulating some intriguing facts about these awards:
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| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Established in | 1954 |
| Number of annual awards | 24 |
| Recognized languages | 24 (including English and Rajasthani) |
| Awards for translations | Yes (equivalent to original works) |
| Plaque designer | Satyajit Ray |
| Cash Prize | Rs. 1 lakh |
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Final Words
The Sahitya Akademi sets a high standard of literary achievement with its annual awards, contributing significantly to the nurturing and recognition of Indian literature. It recognizes languages beyond those mentioned in the Constitution, thereby encouraging diversity in the literary field. The prestige of the award and the rigorous criteria are testament to the value placed on literature by the Indian Government and the Sahitya Akademi.
