Jnanpith Award Winners : Kannada

Jnanpith Award Winners - Kannada

Technical Data

Date of Issue March 28, 1997
Denomination Rs. 2
Quantity 400,000
Perforation comb 13
Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Multicolor
Catalog Codes

Michel IN 1547

Stamp Number IN 1609

Yvert et Tellier IN 1310

Stanley Gibbons IN 1711

Themes

Commemorative Stamp Set: Jnanpith Award and Kannada Laureates

Design Elements:

  • Portraits of Kannada Laureates: The stamp features the portraits of four renowned Kannada writers who were honored with the Jnanpith Award, arranged from top to bottom.
  • Vagdevi Symbol: The First Day Cover includes the depiction of ‘Vagdevi,’ the symbol of the Jnanpith Award, representing the goddess of knowledge and arts.
  • Artistic Background: The stamp’s background is subtly designed with motifs reflecting traditional Kannada art and culture, linking the literary contributions of the laureates to their cultural roots.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

  • Jnanpith Award’s Prestige: The Jnanpith Award, established in 1961, is one of India’s highest literary honors, recognizing outstanding literary contributions in any of the Indian languages included in the VIII Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This award symbolizes the rich literary diversity and intellectual heritage of India.
  • Contribution to Indian Literature: The featured Kannada laureates, Dr. K.V. Puttappa, Shri D.R. Bendre, Prof. V.K. Gokak, and Dr. Masti V. Iyengar, have significantly enriched Indian literature with their works, leaving a lasting legacy in the Kannada language.

Usage:

  • Commemorative Purpose: The stamp set commemorates the contributions of the four Kannada laureates, celebrating their achievements and preserving their literary legacy for future generations.
  • Philatelic Collection: These stamps are a valuable addition to collections focusing on Indian literature, culture, and notable literary figures, particularly those who have received the prestigious Jnanpith Award.
  • Educational Resource: The stamp set serves as an educational tool, highlighting the contributions of these writers to Kannada and Indian literature, inspiring readers and students alike.

Importance of the Commemorative Stamp Set:

  • Recognition of Literary Excellence: The stamp set honors the unparalleled contributions of the Kannada laureates to Indian literature, reinforcing the importance of the Jnanpith Award as a symbol of literary excellence.
  • Cultural Preservation: By featuring these laureates, the stamps help preserve the cultural and literary heritage of Karnataka, ensuring that their works continue to inspire future generations.
  • Promotion of Indian Languages: The stamps also emphasize the richness of Indian languages and the diversity of literary expression across the country, contributing to the promotion of regional languages like Kannada.

Example of the Stamp Design:

  • Main Stamp: The central stamp features the portraits of the four Kannada Jnanpith laureates, with Dr. K.V. Puttappa at the top, followed by Shri D.R. Bendre, Prof. V.K. Gokak, and Dr. Masti V. Iyengar. The Vagdevi symbol is prominently displayed on the First Day Cover.
  • Supporting Stamps: Additional stamps could depict significant works by these laureates, such as “Sri Ramayanadarshanam,” “Nakutanti,” “Bharata Sindhu Rashmi,” and “Chikkaveerrajendra,” accompanied by related imagery from Kannada culture and literature.

Significance:

  • Literary Legacy: This commemorative stamp set celebrates the monumental contributions of Kannada literature’s greatest minds, ensuring their legacies endure through the ages.
  • Inspiration for Future Writers: By honoring these laureates, the stamps inspire future generations of writers to strive for excellence and contribute to the richness of Indian literature.
  • Cultural Unification: The stamp set underscores the unifying power of literature across India’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape, promoting a sense of shared cultural heritage.