Gulzar and Rambhadracharya honoured with 58th Jnanpith Award

The Print

17-05-2025

Justice Vijendra Jain, president of Bharatiya Jnanpith, and Pratibha Ray, chairperson of the award selection board, were also present at the ceremony to honour the awardees. President Murmu praised both writers for their contributions to India's cultural and spiritual life. The event celebrated Gulzar's emotional, lyrical poetry and Rambhadracharya's deep scholarship, with each awardee presented a citation, a cash prize, and a bronze statue of Vagdevi Saraswati.
'Literature unites and awakens society. The song Vande Mataram , composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has been awakening the children of India for almost 150 years—and will always do so,' said President Murmu, highlighting the vital role of poets and writers in India's social and cultural evolution.
New Delhi: Gulzar—beloved for his poems sung by schoolchildren and shared in everyday messages—and Rambhadracharya—a scholar and spiritual teacher who has written epics in Sanskrit and Hindi—were honoured with the 58th Jnanpith Award for their literary contributions. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, celebrating two remarkable contributors to Indian literature.
'A poet fulfils the role of a creator. A poet is a visionary. A poet's life reflects the blueprint of India's future, and that is what I have aimed to do,' said Rambhadracharya.
The Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honour, has recognised extraordinary contributions to literature since 1961. So far, 58 distinguished individuals have received this prestigious accolade, including celebrated figures like Mahadevi Verma, Girish Karnad, and Pratibha Ray. This year, the spotlight was on two literary giants, each celebrated for their unique contributions to literature and beyond.
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Rambhadracharya: 'Knowledge recognised'
The event honoured Rambhadracharya for his significant contributions to both literature and education. 'Despite losing his sight at a young age, Rambhadracharya memorised the Bhagavad Gita and Ramcharitmanas by the age of five. By awarding him, the Jnanpith Award has gained even greater prestige,' said Justice Vijendra Jain.
Jain also praised Rambhadracharya's philanthropic work, notably the establishment of the Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang State University (JRDSU) in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh, in 2001. The institution serves over 2,000 visually impaired students, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes, along with vocational training and rehabilitation services.
'I am happy that my knowledge has been recognised through this award,' Rambhadracharya said. His works include four Sanskrit epics like Geet Ramayan and Dashavatara Charitam. 'I did not sing poetry, or perform couplets, or do qawwali. I did not entertain—I contributed to the national spirit through my literary work,' he said.
Rambhadracharya also spoke about Operation Sindoor, referencing the Vedas. 'One Veda was at work during the operation. Those who seek to destroy us must be completely eliminated,' he quoted. He praised the Prime Minister for leading the mission carefully, ensuring no civilian casualties, and added with resolve: 'We shall not rest until we have reclaimed PoK.'
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Gulzar: A poet for all ages
Sampooran Singh Kalra, popularly known as Gulzar, is a legendary poet, lyricist, and filmmaker who has authored over 20 books and penned timeless songs like 'Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi' and 'Chaiyya Chaiyya,' earning numerous prestigious awards. His work spans literature and cinema, blending simplicity with emotional depth in a way that resonates across generations. Through collaborations with renowned composers like RD Burman and AR Rahman, his lyrics have reached mainstream audiences and transcended barriers of language and culture.
Though Gulzar could not attend the ceremony due to 'health issues,' the emotional weight of his work was acknowledged and deeply felt. Justice Jain reflected on how Gulzar's poetry—especially iconic lyrics like 'Humko mann ki shakti dena'—and his shayari have become an integral part of everyday life.
'He has earned an Oscar, a Grammy, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his lifelong contributions to the film industry,' Jain said. Recalling Gulzar's humble response on receiving the Jnanpith Award, he shared: 'I was a songwriter, an artist, but today I have become a literary figure too.'
'Gulzar has nurtured his devotion to literature for decades. He is an artist who has carved out tenderness amidst the harshness of life—Kathorta ke beech komalta ko sthapit karne wale kalakar hain Gulzar,' said President Murmu.
(Edited by Prashant)