The Sahitya Akademi, a prestigious literary body in India, recently announced the winners of the Bal Sahitya Puraskar and Yuva Puraskar for the year 2019. Both awards recognise exemplary contributions to literature, but apart from their individual criteria. The Bal Sahitya Puraskar is given to an author based on his/her overall contribution to children’s literature, specifically referring to works published in the previous five years. On the other hand, the Yuva Puraskar is uniquely awarded to authors aged 35 or below. Both awards present winners with an engraved copper plaque and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
The History and Prestige of the Sahitya Akademi Awards
Founded in 1954, the Sahitya Akademi Award is a revered annual event that celebrates the finest literary works published in any of the 24 major Indian languages recognised by the Akademi. This includes English among the recognised languages. Lauded as the second highest literary honour conferred by the Government of India, it stands only next to the Jananpith award. The awardees receive a casket containing a copper-plaque engraved with their name, a shawl, and a cheque of Rs 1,00,000. Notably, the design of the plaque was created by famous Indian film-maker, Satyajit Ray.
The Eligibility Criteria for the Sahitya Akademi Awards
To be eligible to stand a chance for these distinguished awards, candidates must meet certain requirements set by the Akademi. The foremost among these states that the author must hold Indian nationality. Furthermore, the work put forth for consideration must represent an outstanding contribution to the language and literature it pertains to. In the event that two or more books are found to possess equal merit, the total literary contribution and standing of the authors are considered in deciding the winner.
Quick Facts
| Award Name | First Instituted | No. of Languages Recognised | Primary Criteria | Cash Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sahitya Akademi Award | 1954 | 24 | Outstanding literary contribution | Rs 1,00,000 |
| Bal Sahitya Puraskar | (Established later) | 24 | Contribution to children’s literature | Rs 50,000 |
| Yuva Puraskar | (Established later) | 24 | Authors aged 35 or below | Rs 50,000 |
The Future of Literary Excellence
As the Sahitya Akademi continues its tradition of recognising and rewarding literary excellence, it encourages more writers to contribute to the rich and diverse tapestry of Indian literature. Through awards like the Bal Sahitya Puraskar and Yuva Puraskar, it seeks not only to honour established authors but also to inspire new, young voices in the literary field.
