Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the award to Sadhu for his outstanding contribution in the field of both Marathi and English journalism and literature at a function in Kalidas Kala Mandir here.
The award, instituted by the city-based Kusumagraj Pratisthan, carries a purse of Rs 1 lakh, a memento and a citation.
Past recipients of the award, given once in two years since 1991, include noted literary figures like Vijay Tendulkar, Vinda Karandikar, Indira Sant, Gangadhar Gadgil, Vyankatesh Madgulkar, S N Pendse, Mangesh Padgaonkar, Narayan Surve, Baburao Bagul, N D Mahanor (2009), Mahesh Elkunchwar and Bhalchandra Nemade.
The journalist-writer, who was President of the 80th all-India Marathi literary meet held at Nagpur, has penned several books.
The award is given on February 27, the birth anniversary of eminent Marathi litterateur V V Shirwadkar popularly known as Kavi Kusumagraj, which is also celebrated as World Marathi Day.