Literary and Cultural Awards | General Awareness & Knowledge - Bank Exams PDF Download

Sahitya Akademi Award

The Sahitya Akademi Award is a literary honor in India established in 1954 by the Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters. It is awarded annually to writers of outstanding works in twenty-four major Indian languages.

Jnanpith Award

The Jnanpith Award is a prestigious literary award in India, instituted in 1961. It is presented by the Bharatiya Jnanpith, a trust founded by the Sahu Jain family, who are also the publishers of the Times of India newspaper. The award includes a cash prize of ₹7 lakh, a citation plaque, and a bronze replica of Saraswati, the Indian Goddess of knowledge, music, and arts. It was first awarded in 1965 to Sankar Kurup (Malayalam).

Recipients of the Jnanpith Award 

Bhasha Samman

• Established in 1996 by the Sahitya Akademi, the Bhasha Samman awards are given to writers for their significant contributions to Indian languages that are not among the 24 major ones recognized by the Akademi. 
• These awards are also given for notable work in classical and medieval literature.

Translation Awards

• Instituted in 1989, the Translation Awards are presented annually by the Sahitya Akademi for exceptional translations of important works from other languages into one of the 24 major Indian languages.

Ananda Coomarswamy Fellowships

• Named after the renowned Indian scholar Ananda Coomarswamy, this fellowship was launched in 1996. 
• It is awarded to scholars from Asian countries, allowing them to spend between 3 to 12 months in India to undertake a literary project.

Premchand Fellowships

• Started in 2005 and named after the famous Hindi writer Premchand, this fellowship is granted to distinguished individuals in the field of culture from SAARC countries.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar (Akademi Award)

• This award, instituted in 1952 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama, recognizes outstanding artists in the fields of music, dance, drama, traditional/folk/tribal arts, and puppetry. It also acknowledges scholarly contributions to the performing arts.

Lalit Kala Akademi Ratna

• Founded in 1955 by the Government of India, the Lalit Kala Akademi Ratna is an honor awarded by the Lalit Kala Akademi, India’s National Academy of Art. It is the highest recognition for lifetime achievement in the visual arts in India.

Saraswati Samman

• The Saraswati Samman is an annual award for outstanding prose or poetry work in any Indian language listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Established in 1991 by the KK Birla Foundation, the award includes a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, a citation, and a plaque.

Tansen Award

• Established in 1980, the Tansen Award is presented by the Government of Madhya Pradesh for exceptional contributions to the field of music, with a prize of ₹2 lakh.

Vyas Samman

• First awarded in 1991, the Vyas Samman is a literary award in India presented annually by the KK Birla Foundation, which includes a cash prize of ₹2.5 lakh.

Iqbal Samman

• Founded in 1987 by the Literary Council of Madhya Pradesh, the Iqbal Samman is given for outstanding contributions to Urdu literature. It includes a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a certificate.

Science Awards

Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award

• This prestigious award for science and technology is presented annually by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) for notable and outstanding research, whether applied or fundamental, in the fields of biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, mathematics, medicine, and physics. 
• The award, first given in 1958, includes a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, a citation, and a plaque. It is the highest scientific honor in India for scientists under the age of 65.

Dhanvantari Award

• Instituted in 1971 by the Dhanvantari Foundation, this award is given for excellence in the medical field. It comprises a gold medal, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.

Dr. BC Roy Award

• Established in 1976 by the Medical Council of India to honor Bharat Ratna Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, the Dr. BC Roy Award is given annually in several categories, including statesmanship of the highest order, medical man-cum-statesman, eminent medical person, and outstanding contributions in philosophy and arts. 
• It is presented by the President of India on July 1st, National Doctor’s Day, and includes a silver medal, a certificate, and ₹1 lakh in cash.

Jamnalal Bajaj Award

• Created in 1978 by the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation of the Bajaj Group, this prestigious award promotes Gandhian values, social work, and social development. 
• It includes a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, a certificate, and a trophy.

Homi Bhabha Award

• Established in 1990, this award recognizes excellence in the field of atomic energy. It includes a cash prize of ₹50,000 and a certificate.

Vikram Sarabhai Award

• Started in 1990 by the Birla Foundation, the Vikram Sarabhai Award recognizes excellence in the field of space research. 
• The award includes medals, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹50,000.

GD Birla Award

• Conferred by the KK Birla Foundation, the GD Birla Award for Scientific Research recognizes outstanding achievements in scientific research. 
• Established in 1991, the award includes a cash prize of ₹1.45 lakh and a certificate.