Sahitya Akademi's 'Bhasha Samman' awards announced

The Sahitya Akademi's prestigious Bhasha Samman will be conferred on two scholars who have contributed significantly to the enrichment of classical and medieval literature (northern) and Bhili language respectively, it was announced on Wednesday.

Jaspal Singh, a diplomat, scholar, teacher and educationist, has been selected for his contribution to classical and medieval literature (northern) and Vasant Nirgune for his contribution to the enrichment of Bhili language, which is not recognised by the Akademi.

The Akademi instituted 'Bhasha Samman' in 1996 to be given to writers, scholars, editors, collectors, performers or translators who have made considerable contribution to the propagation, modernisation or enrichment of the languages concerned.

Nirgune is a Bhili scholar who has worked extensively on Bhil, Gond tribes and has published many works on various aspects of the cultures of Gond, Bega, Kurku, Sahriya, Bharia and Bhil tribes.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000, an inscribed copper plaque and a citation. The award will be presented to them by the president of the Sahitya Akademi at a special function to be held later this year.