Jnanpith Award: 7 facts about India’s highest literary honour

The Jnanpith Award was instituted in 1965 by the Bharatiya Jnanpith, a literary and cultural organization, to honour outstanding contributions to Indian literature.
 

The first award was given to the renowned Malayalam poet G Sankara Kurup for his work in 1965, marking the beginning of a prestigious literary tradition.
 

promoting linguistic diversity. It is awarded for works in languages recognized by the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
 

The award is given to authors for their "outstanding contribution to literature," considering the literary merit, creativity, and innovation of their work.
 

The Jnanpith Award includes a cash prize and a citation, which varies in amount over the years but is typically substantial, reflecting the importance of the award.
 

Notable recipients include literary giants like Rajendra Yadav, Kamala Das, and AK Ramanujan, showcasing a diverse range of literary styles and themes.
 

The award is presented annually, though there have been years when no award was given, often due to a lack of eligible nominations, reflecting the high standards of the award.