India’s leading news channel, Aaj Tak, has announced that the winners of the prestigious ‘Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Samman’ will be felicitated by President Droupadi Murmu during the three-day ‘Sahitya Aaj Tak’ literary festival at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on November 23.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to the renowned poet-lyricist Gulzar, making it a historic occasion for Indian literature and culture enthusiasts.

Born Sampooran Singh Kalra in Dina village (now in Pakistan) in 1934, Gulzar’s literary journey is a remarkable story of resilience and creativity. Overcoming the loss of parental care during his early years, Gulzar’s passion for books led him to become one of India’s most celebrated literary and cinematic figures. He has enriched Indian literature with works such as ‘Chauras Raat’, ‘Raavi Paar’, ‘Raat Pashmine Ki’, and ‘Kharashien’.

In cinema, Gulzar has excelled as a lyricist, screenwriter, and director, contributing to iconic films like ‘Mere Apne’, ‘Anand’, ‘Khamoshi’, ‘Koshish’, ‘Aandhi’, ‘Mausam’, and ‘Maachis’. Recognized with numerous accolades including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, an Oscar, a Grammy, and the Sahitya Akademi Award, Gulzar is also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan.

For his Lifetime Achievement Award, Gulzar will receive ₹11 lakh, a commemorative memento, and a certificate of honor.

The Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Samman will also honor senior and emerging writers in seven other categories, including:
• Best Literary Work (Male & Female Writers)
• Most Popular Author
• Indian Language Literature Award

Winners in these categories will receive ₹1 lakh, a memento, and a certificate of recognition. Additionally, the Emerging Talent Award will be conferred in three categories, with recipients receiving ₹50,000 alongside other honors.

The selection committee for the awards unanimously finalized the winners, celebrating their literary contributions that have enriched Indian society and culture.

This is the second edition of the ‘Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Samman’, introduced in collaboration with the Jagriti Foundation during the sixth edition of the ‘Sahitya Aaj Tak’ festival. Last year, the awards were presented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, with the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred upon renowned writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar.
Celebrating Indian Literature
Commenting on the occasion, Kalli Purie, Vice Chairperson and Editor-in-Chief of the India Today Group, said:
“Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Samman reaffirms our commitment to Indian literature. Through this honor, we celebrate the contributions of writers whose works have profoundly impacted society and culture. We are deeply grateful to President Droupadi Murmu for gracing this special event, making it even more prestigious.”
The Sahitya Aaj Tak festival promises to be a literary extravaganza, celebrating the richness of Indian languages and the creative genius of its writers.