Haryana govt to institute new award after folk litterateur

Haryana government today announced to institute a new award to commemorate noted folk litterateur and artist Baje Bhagat.
Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the award carrying Rs 51,000 in cash would be given through Haryana Kala Parishad.
He was speaking at the Sahityakar Samman Samaroh organised by Haryana Sahitya Akademi at Haryana Raj Bhawan.
Hooda and Governor Jagannath Pahadia gave away awards to 32 litterateurs for the year 2011 and 2012 for their outstanding work in literature.
Describing literature as the mirror of society, he said only it could keep culture alive, and protected.
"We feel proud that Haryana which is well known for its brave people also has a unique identity in the field of literature. It is the same sacred land where Vedas and Upanishads were created and the eternal message of Bhagvadgita was also delivered," he said.

Emphasising the need to recognise and give due honour to outstanding litterateurs, Hooda said they play a significant role in acquainting the young generation with the rich values of culture and tradition.

On the occasion, Pahadia said it was a matter of pride that literature and culture of Haryana had a glorious history.
Dr Puranchand Sharma and Dr Rajbir Singh Dhankar were conferred with 'Pandit Madhav Prasad Mishr Samman' carrying Rs 2.5 lakh in cash and 'Mahakavi Surdaas Samman' carrying a prize money of Rs 1.5 lakh respectively for the year 2012.
'Babu Balmukund Gupt award' for the years 2011 and 2012 were conferred upon Ramkumar 'Attraya' and Madhukant respectively.

While 'Lala Deshbandhu Gupt Award' was given to Kewal Krishan Pathak and Arun Naithani, 'Pandit Lakhmi Chand award' was conferred upon Dr Savitri Vashist and Sumer Chand for the years 2011 and 2012 respectively.
All these awards carry a cash prize of Rs one lakh each along with a scroll and a citation.