On Shrikant Verma Jayanti, announcement of the nation’s biggest awards in Literature, Journalism, and Arts, with a prize of ₹21 lakhs

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of renowned poet, journalist, and parliamentarian Shrikant Verma, a commemorative ceremony was held today at the Prime Ministers’ Museum, Teen Murti, New Delhi. At this event, his son Dr. Abhishek Verma, Chief National Coordinator (Alliance & Elections), ShivSena (NDA), announced that beginning this year, every 18th September, the Shrikant Verma Trust will confer the nation’s most prestigious awards in the fields of literature, journalism, and the arts.

The Shrikant Verma Award for Literature will carry a prize of ₹21 lakhs, while journalism will be awarded ₹5 lakhs, and performing arts and fine arts will each carry prizes of ₹2 lakhs.

On this occasion, Dr. Verma also stated that the Trust will organize literary and cultural events across the country from time to time, so that new talent can find a platform and the tradition of literature can be carried forward.

In the first session of the ceremony, eminent literary figures including Ashok Vajpeyi, Ashok Mishra, ISKCON President Swami Mohan Rupa Das, Satish Jaiswal, Ramesh Anupam, IAS officer Sanjay Alang, journalist Rana Yashwant, and Delhi University’s Deepak Kumar shared their thoughts on Shrikant Verma’s literary contributions.

In the second session, senior poet Arun Dev, Shradha Sunil, and several other poets paid tribute to Shrikant Verma through poetry recitations.

The Legacy of Shrikant Verma

Shrikant Verma was not only a poet but also a thinker and statesman. His works Magadh, DinArambh, Jalsaghar, and other poetry collections gave Hindi literature a new direction. A recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award, Shrikant Verma brought international recognition to Hindi poetry. He also served for many years in the Indian Parliament, ensuring that literature and culture were kept at the center of policy-making.

His literary and political legacy was carried forward by his wife, the late Veena Verma, who served three terms as a Member of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament), and as Chairperson of the Hindi Rajbhasha Committee of Parliament, where she actively promoted Hindi language and literature.

Today, the new generation is also carrying this legacy forward. His granddaughter Nicolle Verma and infant grandson Aditeshwar Verma stand committed to continuing this proud family tradition in the years ahead. 

The Shrikant Verma Trust embodies these intergenerational values, keeping alive the continuity of literature, culture, and national consciousness.