Nineteen scholars of Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic and Prakrit were conferred with the 'certificate of honour' by President Pranab Mukherjee today.
The awards, which are given away on Independence Day, were bestowed on 15 Sanskrit scholars, two Arabic scholars, one Persian scholar and one Prakrit scholar.
An award was also given away to a Sanskrit scholar in the international category, said a government statement today.
The distinction is given in recognition of substantial contribution of scholars in the field of Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic and Pali/Prakrit.
The President also gave away 'Maharshi Badrayan Vyas Samman' to seven scholars in Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic and Prakrit.
