What is Saraswati Samman

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Saraswati Samman

The Saraswati Samman is one of the most prestigious literary awards in India. It is presented annually by the K. K. Birla Foundation to honor outstanding works of Indian literature. The award was instituted in 1991 and is named after Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning and wisdom.

Key Features of Saraswati Samman:

  1. Purpose:
    • To recognize and celebrate excellence in literature.
    • To honor outstanding prose, poetry, or scholarly works written in any of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution (including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, etc.).
  2. Eligibility:
    • The work must be an outstanding literary achievement.
    • It should have been published within the last 10 years at the time of consideration.
    • The author must be an Indian citizen.
  3. Selection Process:
    • A distinguished panel of literary experts and scholars reviews nominations and shortlists candidates.
    • The final recipient is chosen based on literary merit, cultural significance, and contribution to Indian literature.
  4. Award Components:
    • A cash prize of ₹15 lakh (₹1.5 million), which is among the highest monetary rewards for a literary award in India.
    • A citation and a plaque commemorating the achievement.
  5. Genres Recognized:
    • The award covers a wide range of genres, including novels, poetry, plays, essays, and works of literary criticism.
  6. Notable Recipients:
    • Some of the eminent writers who have received the Saraswati Samman include:
      • Harivansh Rai Bachchan (1991, for Autobiography in Hindi).
      • Mahasweta Devi (1999, for Aranyer Adhikar in Bengali).
      • S. L. Bhyrappa (2010, for Mandra in Kannada).
      • K. Siva Reddy (2018, for his collection of poetry in Telugu).

Significance:

The Saraswati Samman holds a special place in India’s literary world as it not only acknowledges the creative brilliance of authors but also brings attention to diverse literary traditions and languages across the country. It encourages authors to contribute to the rich cultural and literary heritage of India.

This award, along with other literary honors like the Jnanpith Award and Sahitya Akademi Award, plays a vital role in promoting literature and fostering a love for books and writing in Indian society.

Saraswati Samman 2024

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