The Moortidevi Award is a prestigious literary honor bestowed upon outstanding authors in the field of Indian literature. Instituted in 1983 by the Bharatiya Jnanpith, one of India’s leading literary organizations, the award recognizes exceptional contributions to literature in any of the 22 officially recognized languages of India. Named after the renowned Hindi novelist, Dr. Moortidevi, the award symbolizes excellence, creativity, and literary achievement.
Objectives and Significance:
- Recognition of Literary Excellence: The Moortidevi Award honors authors who have made significant contributions to Indian literature through their literary works, including novels, poetry, essays, and other forms of creative writing.
- Promotion of Indian Literature: By recognizing outstanding literary talent across different languages and genres, the award aims to promote Indian literature and celebrate its rich cultural heritage and diversity.
- Encouragement of Creative Writing: The award encourages writers to explore new themes, experiment with literary styles, and contribute to the enrichment and evolution of Indian literature.
Criteria and Eligibility:
- Eligible candidates for the Moortidevi Award must be authors who have published original literary works in any of the 22 officially recognized languages of India.
- The award is open to authors of various genres, including fiction, poetry, drama, essays, and literary criticism.
- Candidates are evaluated based on the literary quality, originality, and impact of their works on Indian literature and society.
Selection Process:
- The selection process for the Moortidevi Award is overseen by a jury comprising eminent literary scholars, critics, and writers appointed by the Bharatiya Jnanpith.
- The jury evaluates the literary works of eligible candidates and selects the recipient of the award based on the merit and significance of their contributions to Indian literature.
- The final selection is made based on consensus among jury members, taking into account the literary excellence and cultural significance of the author’s works.
Awards and Honors:
- Recipients of the Moortidevi Award receive a cash prize, a citation, and a memento in recognition of their outstanding literary achievements.
- The award ceremony is typically held annually and is attended by prominent literary figures, intellectuals, and dignitaries from the literary community.
Notable Recipients:
- The Moortidevi Award has been conferred upon numerous esteemed authors from various linguistic and literary traditions across India, including:
- Harivansh Rai Bachchan (Hindi)
- Girish Karnad (Kannada)
- Jayanta Mahapatra (Odia)
- M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Malayalam)
- Chandrashekhara Kambara (Kannada)
- Sitakant Mahapatra (Odia)
- K. Satchidanandan (Malayalam)
Impact and Legacy:
- The Moortidevi Award celebrates the diversity and richness of Indian literature and promotes a spirit of literary excellence and creativity.
- It serves as a platform for recognizing and honoring literary talent across linguistic and cultural boundaries, fostering greater appreciation and understanding of Indian literature.
- The award inspires aspiring writers and poets to pursue excellence in their craft, contributing to the continued growth and vitality of Indian literature.
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