Bharatendu Harishchandra Award

The Bharatendu Harishchandra Award is a prestigious national-level recognition instituted by the Government of India to encourage the creation of high-quality literature in Hindi. Named after Bharatendu Harishchandra, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Hindi literature and Hindi journalism, the award promotes original writing, strengthens the development of Hindi as an expressive medium, and encourages authors, journalists, and publishers to contribute to the enrichment of Indian linguistic and literary heritage. The award reflects the government’s commitment to linguistic promotion, cultural preservation, and the expansion of knowledge resources in Hindi.

Background and Establishment

Bharatendu Harishchandra (1850–1885) played an instrumental role in shaping modern Hindi prose, drama, journalism, and translation. His literary philosophy supported the use of Hindi for intellectual discourse, scientific writing, and cultural expression. To honour his contribution and further the growth of Hindi, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting established the Bharatendu Harishchandra Awards Scheme in the 1980s.
The scheme was designed to recognise outstanding writing in various fields of mass communication, including journalism, books, reports, and media-related content. Over time, the award evolved to honour writers who produce original works that effectively communicate ideas, provide information, and contribute to national development through Hindi.

Objectives of the Award

The Bharatendu Harishchandra Award aims to promote excellence in Hindi literature and communication. Its primary objectives include:

• Encouraging high-quality writing in Hindi across diverse themes.
• Supporting authors engaged in journalism, mass communication, and public information.
• Enhancing the status of Hindi as a medium of modern knowledge.
• Motivating young writers to express contemporary issues in clear and accessible Hindi.
• Strengthening literary and cultural identity by supporting creative and factual writing.

These objectives align with national language policies and cultural development initiatives.

Categories and Themes

Over the years, the award has been presented in various categories depending on the scheme’s annual guidelines. Common areas include:

• Non-fiction books related to mass communication, development, culture, and science.
• Journalistic writing in Hindi newspapers and magazines.
• Scripts and screenwriting for documentaries, short films, and media programmes.
• Research-based writing on communication, society, and national issues.
• Creative non-fiction, including essays and reportage.

The thematic focus typically reflects issues of national relevance such as social development, rural welfare, good governance, scientific awareness, and public service communication.

Eligibility and Participation

The award is open to Indian citizens who write and publish original content in Hindi. Broad eligibility conditions generally include:

• Submission of original, unpublished or recently published work.
• Conformity to prescribed word limits and categories.
• Adherence to themes and guidelines issued annually by the Ministry.
• Work that demonstrates clarity, originality, and public value.

Both emerging and established writers are encouraged to participate, making the scheme an important platform for talent recognition.

Selection Process

The selection process typically involves multiple stages:

• Screening of Entries: All submissions are reviewed for adherence to requirements.
• Evaluation by Expert Committees: Panels comprising scholars, media professionals, and literary experts assess entries on merit.
• Judging Criteria: These include originality, language quality, relevance of theme, research depth, and public communication value.
• Final Recommendation: The selected works are forwarded to the Ministry for approval before announcement.

This systematic evaluation ensures fairness and transparency in the award process.

Prize Structure

The award traditionally consists of:

• Cash prizes, varying by category and position (first, second, third).
• Certificates of merit for recognised contributions.
• Public recognition, often through publication or dissemination of the awarded work.

The monetary component encourages continued contribution to Hindi writing and literary development.

Significance of the Award

The Bharatendu Harishchandra Award holds considerable significance for the promotion of Hindi:

• Literary Development: Encourages the creation of informative and scholarly content in Hindi.
• Promotion of Mass Communication: Strengthens the role of Hindi in media and public information systems.
• Cultural Enrichment: Reinforces Hindi’s role in preserving national identity and cultural knowledge.
• Encouragement to Young Writers: Provides a platform for emerging authors to gain national recognition.
• Support for Vernacular Knowledge: Enhances accessibility of knowledge in a language widely spoken across India.

The award thus supports cultural continuity while fostering modern communication.

Contribution to Hindi Journalism and Media

Since Bharatendu himself was a pioneering figure in Hindi journalism, the award’s emphasis on media-related writing is particularly symbolic. The scheme encourages:

• Development of analytical and investigative journalism in Hindi.
• Creation of informative scripts and programmes for television, radio, and digital media.
• Production of high-quality public information literature that supports democratic awareness.

This link between literature and mass communication reflects Bharatendu’s vision of using Hindi as a vehicle for intellectual and social progress.

Contemporary Relevance

In a rapidly evolving media landscape, the award remains relevant by:

• Promoting digital-era writing in Hindi.
• Encouraging documentation and critical analysis of modern socio-political issues.
• Supporting cultural narratives in a multilingual society.
• Motivating content creators to innovate in Hindi journalism and communication.