Context: Recently, Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay received the Kuvempu Rashtriya Puraskar of 2023, instituted by Rashtriya Kuvempu Trust.

• Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay became the 11th recipient and the first Bengali writer to receive the award. 

About Rashtriya Kuvempu Trust

• The trust has been honouring a writer with the national award since 2013. 
• On this 2023 occasion following have been released:
  • Beginner’s Muse and Alien Harp, a collection of Kuvempu’s English poems.
  • Aharnishi Prakashana of Shivamogga published a translation of Mukhopadhyay’s short stories, titled Sameepya. 
  • Kuvempu Trust released a calendar with rare photos of Kuvempu. 

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About the Kuvempu Rashtriya Puraskar

• Kuvempu Rashtriya Puraskar is a national award, which is presented annually in memory of the late poet laureate Kuvempu.
• It is given to a writer who has contributed in any of the languages recognised by the Indian Constitution.
• It carries ₹5 lakh cash award, a citation, and a memento.

About Kuvempu

• A Kannad Poet: Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa, popularly known as Kuvempu, was an Indian poet, playwright, novelist and critic.
  • He is regarded as the greatest Kannada poet of the 20th century.
    • Kuvempu had a special relationship with West Bengal. He took Ramakrishna Paramahamsa as his guru.
• Writer of Karnataka State Anthem: He penned the Karnataka State Anthem “Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate”.
• Achievements: 
  • Jnanpith Award: In 1967, he became the first Kannada writer to receive the Jnanpith Award for his version of the Ramayana titled ‘Sri Ramayana Darshanam’.
  • Rashtrakavi: In 1964, for his contributions to Kannada Literature, the Government of Karnataka decorated him with the honorific Rashtrakavi (“National Poet”).
  • Karnataka Ratna: In 1992, he received an honour of Karnataka Ratna (“The Gem of Karnataka”). 
  • Padma Vibhushan: In 1988, he was conferred the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India. 
  • Sahitya Akademi Award: In 1955, he received Sahitya Akademi Award.

Must Read: Sahitya Akademi Award 2023

News Source: The Hindu