Gulzar and Sanskrit Scholar Swami RambhadracharyaHonored with 2023 Jnanpith Award

 

Renowned lyricist Gulzar and acclaimed Sanskrit scholar Swami Rambhadracharya were conferred the 58th Jnanpith Award for the year 2023. The prestigious honor was presented by President Droupadi Murmu during a special ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan on Friday.

 

While Swami Rambhadracharya received the award in person, Gulzar was absent due to health concerns. The Jnanpith is India’s highest literary award and is presented annually to writers for their outstanding contributions to Indian literature.

This year marked a rare moment in Jnanpith history, as two authors—each from very different literary traditions—were jointly awarded. Gulzar, best known for his exceptional work in Urdu and Hindi poetry and screenwriting, and Swami Rambhadracharya, a towering figure in Sanskrit scholarship and spiritual literature, represent two pillars of India’s rich linguistic heritage.

 

Established in 1961, the Jnanpith Award is presented by the Bharatiya Jnanpith organization. Previous recipients include literary giants such as Amrita Pritam, FiraqGorakhpuri, and U.R. Ananthamurthy.

 

About the Awardees:

Swami Rambhadracharya began studying the Bhagavad Gita at the age of five. Despite being visually impaired from infancy, he mastered four Vedas, six Vedangas, 18 Puranas, and multiple languages. His literary achievements span over 240 books and texts in Sanskrit and Hindi. He has received numerous accolades including the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.

 

Gulzar, born Sampooran Singh Kalra, is one of India’s most celebrated Urdu poets, lyricists, and scriptwriters. His iconic works include songs like “Tere Bina” (Guru), “Dil Dhoondta Hai” (Mausam), and “Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi” (Masoom). He was previously honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award, Padma Bhushan, and Dadasaheb Phalke Award, among others.