Young Poet Nishant Wins Prestigious Devi Shankar Awasthi Award for Hindi Literary Criticism
Recognition for Contribution to Hindi Literary Criticism
Nishant, a young poet and literary critic, has been chosen for the coveted Devi Shankar Awasthi Award for 2023. The award acknowledges his significant contribution to the field of Hindi literary criticism, particularly through his book titled ‘Kavita Pathak Aalochna’ (Critique of Poetry Readers).
Awardee Selection and Ceremony Details
The decision to honor Nishant was made unanimously by a distinguished selection committee comprising senior writers and scholars:
- Mridula Garg
- Sudhir Chandra
- Purushottam Ashok Vajpayee
- Kamlesh Awasthi (Convenor)
The award ceremony will be held on April 5, 2024, at the Sahitya Akademi Auditorium in New Delhi. Following the felicitation, a stimulating discussion titled “Criticism and Readers” will take place, featuring eminent scholars from across the country.
About the Devi Shankar Awasthi Award
Established in 1995 in memory of the renowned Hindi critic Dr. Devishankar Awasthi, this annual award recognizes and celebrates young critical writers under the age of 45. It honors those who have made noteworthy contributions to the advancement of Hindi literary criticism. Dr. Awasthi’s wife, Kamlesh Awasthi, and his family instituted the award to keep his legacy alive.
A Look Back at the 2022 and 2021 Awards
The 2022 Devi Shankar Awasthi Award was presented to Sujata for her book ‘Alochana Ka Stree Paksha’ (The Feminist Perspective in Literary Criticism). The selection committee for 2022 comprised:
- Shri Rajendra Kumar
- Nand Kishore Acharya
- Ashok Vajpayee
- Kamlesh Awasthi (Convenor)
In 2021, Jharkhand’s litterateur Achyutanand Mishra received the honor for his critical work ‘Kolahal Mein Kavita Ki Awaaz’ (The Voice of Poetry in the Uproar). Mishra was presented with a citation, a memento, and a cheque of Rs. 11,000 at the ceremony.
Unveiling the Literary Journey of Nishant
Nishant, whose birth name is Bijay Kumar Saav and home name is Mithailal, was born on October 4, 1978, in Lalganj, Basti district of Uttar Pradesh. He holds M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees in Hindi literature from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi. Currently, he serves as an assistant professor at Kazi Nazrul University.
Interestingly, Nishant’s literary journey began at a young age. His first poem, published under the pen name ‘Mithailal,’ appeared in the renowned Hindi newspaper Jansatta in 1993. This early foray into the world of words hints at the talent that would blossom in the years to come.
Celebrating Nishant’s Accomplishment
The literary community has lauded Nishant’s achievement. The Devi Shankar Awasthi Award serves as a testament to his dedication to the field of Hindi literary criticism. His book ‘Kavita Pathak Aalochna’ has evidently made a significant impact, and the upcoming ceremony promises to be a fitting tribute to his work.
Beyond the Award: A Look at Hindi Literary Criticism
The Devi Shankar Awasthi Award not only recognizes individual excellence but also highlights the importance of literary criticism in the world of Hindi literature. Literary criticism fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of literary works. It delves into the nuances of language, explores themes and symbolism, and provides fresh perspectives on established works.
In conclusion, Nishant’s well-deserved recognition underscores the vitality of literary criticism in enriching the Hindi literary landscape. The upcoming award ceremony promises to be a celebration of his contribution and a platform for stimulating discussions on the role of criticism in shaping our understanding of literature.
FAQs:
1. Who won the Devi Shankar Awasthi Award for 2023?
Nishant, a poet and literary critic, was chosen for the 2023 Devi Shankar Awasthi Award.
2. Why did Nishant receive the award?
The award recognizes his significant contribution to Hindi literary criticism, particularly through his book titled ‘Kavita Pathak Aalochna’ (Critique of Poetry Readers).
3. Who selects the winner of the Devi Shankar Awasthi Award?
A distinguished selection committee of senior writers and scholars chooses the winner. The 2023 committee included prominent figures like Mridula Garg and Sudhir Chandra.
4. When and where will the award ceremony take place?
The award ceremony will be held on April 5, 2024, at the Sahitya Akademi Auditorium in New Delhi.
5. What is the significance of the Devi Shankar Awasthi Award?
Established in 1995, the award honors young literary critics under 45 who have made noteworthy contributions to the advancement of Hindi literary criticism.
6. Who was Dr. Devishankar Awasthi, and how is he connected to the award?
Dr. Devishankar Awasthi was a renowned Hindi critic. His wife, Kamlesh Awasthi, and his family established the award in his memory to keep his legacy alive.
7. Who received the Devi Shankar Awasthi Award in 2022?
Sujata was awarded the 2022 prize for her book ‘Alochana Ka Stree Paksha’ (The Feminist Perspective in Literary Criticism).
8. Tell us a bit about Nishant’s literary background.
Nishant, also known by his birth name Bijay Kumar Saav, has a long-standing connection with literature. His first poem was published under the pen name ‘Mithailal’ in Jansatta newspaper in 1993. He holds a Ph.D. in Hindi literature from JNU and currently works as an assistant professor at Kazi Nazrul University.
9. What is the importance of literary criticism in Hindi literature?
Literary criticism plays a crucial role in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of literary works. It analyzes the nuances of language, explores themes and symbolism, and offers fresh perspectives on established works.
10. How does the Devi Shankar Awasthi Award contribute to the literary world?
By recognizing talented young critics like Nishant, the award encourages continued exploration and analysis of Hindi literature. The award ceremony itself serves as a platform for discussions on the role of criticism in shaping our understanding of literature.
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