Jnanpith Award presented to Kunwar Narain India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

President Pratibha Patil bestowed the 41st Jnanpith award for the year 2005 to Kunwar Narain, a titan among Hindi language poets. Often regarded as the leading living poet in Hindi, Narain has been a solid presence in Indian literature for five decades. "When I got to know that I have been selected for the award, I had a mixed reaction. I was happy. My dedication towards literature and my inner creative urge has always inspired to remain engaged in reading and writing," Narain said. Born in 1927, Delhi-based poet Narain, published his first book in 1956. He has since then published five poetry collections, one collection of fiction, a long narrative poem, three works of literary criticism and several translations of the poetry of eminent writers. Narain, linked to the 'Nayi Kavita' (New Poetry) movement, is known for publishing selective text and has a characteristically polite presence. Jnanpith award is country's highest honour for literature. The award was instituted in the year 1961 and any Indian citizen who writes in any of the official languages of India is eligible for the honour.