Mahatma Jyotirao Phule , the Kannada translation of a biography on the 19th century social reformer, by J.P. Doddamani has been chosen for the Sahitya Akademi award 2013.
According to a release from K. Srinivasa Rao, secretary of the akademi, a three-member jury comprising Siddalinga Pattanshetty, O.L. Nagabhushana Swamy and D.A. Shankar selected the translation for the award.
The award carries a purse of Rs. 50,000 and a copper plaque that will be presented to the writer at a function in August.
The executive board of the akademi headed by writer Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari met on Tuesday and approved the selection of 23 works, including the translation by Mr. Doddamani.
Bhasha SammansThe akademi also announced three Bhasha Sammans for three writers and scholars for their contribution to classical and medieval literature from the northern and southern regions for 2011, and western region for 2012. Another two Bhasha Sammans were announced for three scholars in languages not recognised by the akademi (such as Warli and Banjara) in recognition of their contributions.
Mahadeo Savji Andher, Motiraj Bhajnu Rathod, Ramachandra Ramesh Arya, Vishwanath Tripathi, Puthussery Ramachandran and Sumerchand Kesarichand Jain will receive an award comprising a purse of Rs. 1 lakh, an inscribed copper plaque and a citation, the release added.
The akademi will hold its foundation day celebrations on Wednesday at the Kannada Sahitya Parishat. Jnanpith Award winner U.R. Ananthamurthy will deliver a special lecture.