The 2023 Sahitya Akademi Awards were announced in a ceremony celebrating the 70th anniversary of the National Academy of Letters. English author Neelum Saran Gaur and Hindi novelist Sanjeev were among the twenty-four writers who received the prestigious award for their literary works. The awards were given for poetry, novels, short stories, essays, and literary studies from various languages such as Urdu, Punjabi, Manipuri, and Sindhi. In her speech, Jnanpith winner Pratibha Ray emphasized the importance of language in preserving culture.
Sahitya Akademi Awards: Recognizing Literary Excellence in India
Established in 1954, the Sahitya Akademi is the National Academy of Letters in India. It promotes Indian literature, fosters literary exchange, and awards prestigious honors to writers in various languages.
2023 Sahitya Akademi Awards
On February 17, 2023, the 70th anniversary of the Sahitya Akademi was marked with the announcement of the 2023 awards. Twenty-four writers across different languages and genres were recognized for their outstanding literary contributions. Among the recipients were:
Background
The Sahitya Akademi Awards are considered the highest literary honor in India. They are presented in 24 languages recognized by the Constitution of India. The academy receives nominations from publishers, literary organizations, and individuals. The award consists of a cash prize, a plaque, and a shawl.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who are the previous recipients of the Sahitya Akademi Award?
Notable past recipients include:
2. Are there any criteria for receiving the award?
3. What are the different genres covered by the awards?
The awards are awarded in the following categories:
4. Who decides the recipients of the awards?
The final decision on the recipients is made by the Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi, consisting of eminent writers, scholars, and literary experts.
5. What is the significance of the Sahitya Akademi Awards?
The awards not only recognize and reward literary excellence but also play a vital role in:
Cyclone Fengal approaches the Tamil Nadu coast, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams being deployed in Thanjavur district to handle any possible effects. In Maharashtra, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi presents "President's Colours" to four battalions of mechanised infantry. Meanwhile, heavy rains cause an old house to collapse in Tamil Nadu's Mayiladuthurai and severe waves bring a buoy ashore at Chennai's Marina Beach.
The former head of ISKCON in Bangladesh, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was arrested and charged with sedition on Monday, leading to India intervening in the situation. Clashes between security forces and Hindu protestors resulted in the death of a Muslim lawyer defending Das. Amid the chaos, Bangladesh's government has ordered an investigation and ISKCON has denied any connection to terrorism.
Dr. Abraham Mathai, a former Vice-Chairman of Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, has written to the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to intervene and secure the release of jailed Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Ms. Narges Mohammadi, on humanitarian grounds. Mohammadi, who has been imprisoned by Iran for 10 years, is in a precarious state of health and urgently needs comprehensive medical treatment. Ahead of Iran's review under the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review, Mathai is urging UNHRC to compel the Iranian authorities to release Mohammadi so she can receive proper care for her serious medical conditions.
India has expressed deep concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagaran Jote and head of Pundarik Dham. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the arrest and highlighted the continuing violence against minorities in Bangladesh, urging authorities to ensure their safety and right to peaceful assembly. Protests have broken out in various parts of Bangladesh, with hundreds of Hindus rallying in Chittagong in response to the news.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has called upon the Indian government to intervene and secure the release of prominent Hindu leader and priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was detained by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police in Bangladesh. ISKCON, known for its peaceful Bhakti movement, has strongly condemned the baseless allegations connecting the organization with terrorism. Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson for Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and a prominent figure in the ISKCON community, was taken into custody by the detective branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Today marks 16 years since the deadly and unforgettable 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, India. As people remember the victims and honor the brave heroes who fought during the attacks, let's not forget the selflessness and courage of Tukaram Omble, an unarmed police officer who saved lives by bravely standing up to terrorist Ajmal Kasab, and Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a commando who sacrificed his life while leading the rescue mission at the Taj Hotel. On this somber anniversary, we pay tribute to these and other unsung heroes who risked everything to protect and serve their fellow citizens.
Maharashtra Governor and Chief Minister, along with senior officials, pay tributes to martyrs who lost their lives during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, carried out by 10 terrorists from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 166 people and sparked widespread global condemnation, leading to changes in India's counter-terrorism measures. Family members of the martyrs also joined in the tributes, honoring the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved ones.
On November 26, 2008, Mumbai was struck by a devastating terror attack that claimed the lives of 166 individuals and left hundreds injured. As the city observed the 16th anniversary of this tragic event, people across the nation paid their respects to the victims and honored the bravery of security personnel. The coordinated attacks by LeT militants targeted both civilians and law enforcement, serving as a stark reminder of the threat posed by terrorism. Nine attackers were neutralized by security forces, with the sole surviving perpetrator being sentenced to death and executed in 2012. The 26/11 attacks continue to be remembered as a tragic chapter in India's history, demonstrating the resilience and courage of Mumbai and its people.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has requested the Indian government to intervene and secure the release of its leader Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was detained by Dhaka Metropolitan Police in Bangladesh. ISKCON has vehemently denied any involvement with terrorism and is calling for the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das. The organization has asked the Government of India to reach out to their Bangladeshi counterparts and convey their peaceful message as a Bhakti movement.
On November 26, 2024, India commemorated the 16th anniversary of the tragic 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, one of the deadliest in the nation's history. Leaders from across the country paid their respects to the lives lost and reaffirmed their commitment to fighting against terrorism. President Droupadi Murmu, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah all offered heartfelt tributes and condemned terrorism as a heinous blot on humanity.