The 6th edition of the Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize was recently held at the India International Centre, New Delhi. Amidst an esteemed gathering, Peter Bundalo, the Founder of the Tagore Literary Prize, paid a jubilant tribute to the exceptional prowess of this year’s awardees.
Abhijit Banerjee, the revered Nobel laureate for Economics, was the recipient of the Tagore Prize for Social Achievement 2023. Sukrita Paul Kumar, poet, critic, and translator, claimed the prestigious Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize. Beyond a mere celebration of literary magnificence, the Tagore Prize venerates the enduring legacy of Rabindranath Tagore while embracing the far-reaching impact of outstanding contributions in both literary realms and societal endeavors.
The Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize is a literary honor in India conferred annually to published works of Indian authors (residing in India or abroad) in novels, short stories, poetry, and drama, originally written in any of Indian official languages and dialects, but translated to English. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s towering legacy and his preeminent stature in the pantheon of giants of world literature is undeniable.
The Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize celebrates Tagore’s literary genius and his legacy. Copenhagen-based Peter Bundalo fell in Tagore at a very young age and ever since he has devoted himself to the teachings and legacy of Tagore.
“I feel that without social cohesion, poets, writers, professors will be nowhere. A legacy is important for a strong India and we through the Tagore prize are making our earnest efforts to recognize the positive and lasting impacts on society and in Indian Literature,” explained Bundalo.
The Tagore Prize for Literature has been awarded annually since 2018. Year after year, the Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize adorns exceptional talent across multifaceted genres. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on Abhijit Banerjee, acknowledged not solely for his economic expertise but also for his profound contributions to societal welfare.
Sukrita Paul Kumar’s literary brilliance knows no boundaries, resonating profoundly with the ethos of this esteemed accolade. Their triumphs stand shoulder to shoulder with the ideals upheld by previous laureates such as Raj Kamal Jha, Shobhana Kumar, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, and Sudeep Sen, each a testament to the Prize’s pursuit of excellence.
Peter Bundalo, in reflection upon the evening’s significance, shared, “It’s a privilege to witness yet another remarkable talent being acknowledged through the Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize. Abhijit Banerjee and Sukrita Paul Kumar embody mastery in their respective fields, enriching our world with their distinct visions and contributions.”
Grateful for the recognition, Abhijit Banerjee expressed, “Being awarded the Tagore Prize for Social Achievement is a profound honor. This recognition underlines the importance of addressing societal issues and underscores the impact of collective efforts in shaping a better world.” Sukrita Paul Kumar, reflecting on the literary honor bestowed upon her, remarked, “Receiving the 6th Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize is a deeply humbling experience. This recognition not only validates my artistic journey but also emphasizes the universality of storytelling in connecting diverse cultures. I am profoundly thankful for this acknowledgement.”
Each of the winners was presented with a Rabindranath Tagore statuette (the prize also includes a monetary award of 5000 US dollars for the Literary Prize winner) during the awards ceremony. The event served as a rendezvous for literary luminaries, distinguished personalities, and enthusiasts alike, converging to commemorate the profound influence of literature and social initiatives on society.
The Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize stands resolute in its commitment to nurturing literary brilliance and honoring impactful contributions in the realms of both literature and society. It remains an enduring testament to the transformative power of words in inspiring, educating, and uniting humanity.