Famous Punjabi litterateur Surjit Patar was today conferred the prestigious 'Kusumagraj Literary Award-2014'.
Patar was presented a cash purse of Rs 1 lakh, a memento and a citation by Professor Digambar Padhye at a function at at the Kusumagraj Memorial Hall today evening, a statement from Yeshwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) said.
Patar is recipient of the fifth edition of the Kusumagraj Award. Prior to him, famous Gujarati litterateur Sitanshu Yashchandra, Kannada poet Jayant Kaikini, Hindi litterateur Chandrakant Devtale and Malayalam litterateur K Satchidanandan had received the honour.
The award committee comprising senior litterateurs like Chandrakant Patil, editor of the 'Lokvangmay' publication, poet Satish Kalsekar and Dilip Dhondge.
As part of the award distribution function, YCMOU's Kusumagraj Chair organised presentation of selected scenes from 'Natsamrat', a play written by Gyanpeeth award winner late V V Shirwadkar alias 'Kavi Kusumagraj' of Nashik.
YCMOU's acting vice-chancellor Arun Jamkar presided over the award ceremony, while Kusumagraj Chair chief Shyam Padekar, Chandrakant Patil, YCMOU registrar Prakash Atkare, and other prominent citizens attended the function, the release said.
Patar is well known for his Punjabi poetry, is also a playwright and writer. Apart Punjabi literature, he is a well-known figure in the country's literary arena.
'Hawa Vich Likhe Harf', 'Birkh Arja Kare', 'Hanere Cich Sulghdi Varnmala' are well known anthologies of his poetry.
While his translated dramas like 'Aag De Kalire', 'Sayani Mai Antahin Tarkala', 'Hukmi Di Haweli', 'Shahar Mere Di Pagal Aurat' received massive acclaim.
