Richly Deserved: Shashi Tharoor On Jnanpith Award To Gulzar (Image: Instagram.com/MeghnaGulzar)
Author and politician Shashi Tharoor has lauded the decision to award the prestigious Jnanpith Award to veteran Urdu poet, lyricist, and filmmaker Gulzar, calling it “richly deserved.”
Tharoor took to Twitter to express his congratulations, writing, “Warmest congratulations to Gulzar Sahib on winning India”s highest literary award for lifetime achievement, the Jnanpith Award, for his extraordinary services to Urdu poetry. Richly deserved! One of those rare accolades applauded both by the general public & the cognoscenti .”
The Jnanpith Award, considered India”s highest literary honor, is given annually to recognize lifetime achievement in any of the 22 recognized Indian languages. This year, the award was conferred upon two recipients: Gulzar for his contributions to Urdu literature and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya for his work in Sanskrit.
Warmest congratulations to Gulzar Sahib on winning India’s highest literary award for lifetime achievement, the Jnanpith Award, for his extraordinary services to Urdu poetry. Richly deserved! One of those rare accolades applauded both by the general public & the cognoscenti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/41BXxPFRWJ
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 17, 2024
The selection committee specifically commended Gulzar for “inventing a new genre “Triveni,” a non-mukaffa poem of three lines,” as well as his continuous innovation and focus on children”s poetry. His long and illustrious career in film, where he has penned numerous acclaimed songs and screenplays, was also acknowledged.
Originally named Sampurna Singh Kalra, Gulzar, which translates to “blooming,” emerged as a towering figure in literature, not only shaping Urdu poetry but flourishing across various domains. His literary journey commenced early, influenced by the works of Rabindranath Tagore and Sharat Chandra. Despite the tumult of Partition leaving him adrift in Delhi, poetry remained his steadfast refuge.
His true vocation unfolded in Bombay, where he immersed himself in literary circles and pioneered the distinctive “Triveni” form, comprising three lines. His verses, infused with everyday grace and profound sentiments, struck a chord with millions. Even children”s literature bore his imprint, as his whimsical poems brought delight to young hearts.
Beyond the realm of poetry, Gulzar”s pen wielded enchantment in screenplays and lyrics. Films such as “Mausam” and “Parichay” showcased his narrative finesse, while melodies like “Chalte Chalte” and “Tere Bina Zindagi” etched themselves into collective memory.
Accolades abounded, culminating in the prestigious Jnanpith Award in 2023. Yet, recognition never dampened his creative zeal. Today, at 89, Gulzar remains a literary stalwart, a testament to the enduring power of words, which, when infused with ardor, blossom into timeless beauty.
