Why is it in the news?
R. Vairamuthu was selected for the 60th Jnanpith Award.
He became the first Tamil poet to receive the honour.
Category: Misc
Important Points:
● Jnanpith Award is India’s highest literary award.
● It was instituted in 1961 by Bharatiya Jnanpith.
● First award was given in 1965 to G. Sankara Kurup.
● It recognises lifetime contribution to literature since 1982.
● It covers all 22 Eighth Schedule languages and English.
● Prize includes ₹11 lakh, citation and Saraswati statuette.
● It is awarded annually to Indian authors only.
● It is not awarded posthumously.
● Selection is done by a committee of eminent scholars.