Sahitya Aaj Tak 2024: President Murmu to honour Gulzar with Lifetime Achievement Award

The national capital is all set to host its extraordinary annual celebration of literary brilliance as Aaj Tak, India’s ‘Sabse Tez’ news channel, brings the sixth edition of ‘Sahitya Aaj Tak’ to New Delhi’s Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium from November 22 to 24.
On November 23, President Droupadi Murmu will honour luminaries and emerging talents at the ‘Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Samman’.
“The ‘Sahitya Jagriti Samman’ award reaffirms our group’s deep commitment to Indian literature. Through the ‘Sahitya Jagriti Samman’, we have been honouring the writers and their contributions who have enriched society and culture with their works.
We express our gratitude to the Honorable President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, who will be present on this special occasion to present the ‘Sahitya Jagriti Samman.’ Her support makes this award ceremony even more prestigious,” said Kalli Purie, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Editor-in-Chief, India Today Group.
This year, the prestigious ‘Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Lifetime Achievement Award’ will be conferred on iconic poet, lyricist, and filmmaker Gulzar. A legend whose work has transcended generations, Gulzar has shaped India’s literary and cinematic identity with masterpieces like ‘Raavi Paar’, ‘Raat, Chaand aur Main’, and unforgettable films such as ‘Aandhi’, ‘Mausam’, and ‘Maachis’.
Born in 1934 in Dina village (now in Pakistan), Gulzar – whose real name is Sampooran Singh Kalra – defied humble beginnings and early hardships to rise as a creative genius, respected across the world. His journey from being a car mechanic to a literary giant is a testament to his passion and perseverance. A Padma Bhushan awardee, Gulzar’s accolades also include the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, an Oscar, a Grammy, and the Sahitya Akademi Award.
As part of the ‘Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Lifetime Achievement Award’ honour, he will receive Rs 11 lakh, a commemorative plaque, and a citation, reaffirming his status as a beacon of literary excellence, and the pride of all Indians.
Last year, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to celebrated poet and screenwriter Javed Akhtar by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. With President Droupadi Murmu honouring this year’s winners, the event stands as a powerful tribute to India’s literary heritage and a momentous occasion in the nation’s cultural calendar.
The ‘Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Samman’ will also recognise outstanding contributions across several other categories:
Winners, carefully selected by a distinguished jury, will be awarded cash prizes ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000, alongside commemorative plaques and citations.
The ‘Aaj Tak Sahitya Jagriti Samman’ was launched last year in collaboration with the Jagriti Foundation as part of ‘Sahitya Aaj Tak’, now India’s largest literary festival celebrating the richness of Indian languages and literature. This year’s edition promises to elevate the festival’s legacy with thought-provoking sessions, cultural dialogues, and a distinguished gathering of literary minds. No festival in India brings literary icons and their admirers together, like ‘Sahitya Aaj Tak’.