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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNew Delhi: \u201cMy school taught me the alphabet, while poverty gave me the light of wisdom. Together, they made me a servant of literature,\u201d Tamil poet R Vairamuthu said Monday as he received the 60th Jnanpith Award for 2025, India\u2019s highest literary honour.Speaking in Tamil, with the essence of his address subsequently presented in Hindi, Vairamuthu delivered an animated and impassioned speech, with his words accompanied by emphatic gestures as he made his points. Reflecting on five decades of literary pursuit, he offered a striking metaphor for the honour. \u201cThe 60th Jnanpith has, as if, gifted me a vial containing 60 grams of amrit<\/span>. But this amrit <\/span>is not mine alone, it belongs to all the great literary figures who came before me,\u201d he said.The 73-year-old litterateur was presented the award by former Union minister and scholar Karan Singh at a ceremony held at the Chinmaya Mission auditorium on Lodhi Road. The occasion coincided with Vairamuthu\u2019s birthday, adding another layer of significance to the evening. Also present on the stage were Sahu Akhilesh Jain, managing trustee of Bharatiya Jnanpith; Dr Pratibha Ray, selection board chairperson; Mudit Jain, trustee; and RN Tewari, general manager, Bharatiya Jnanpith.Vairamuthu placed four questions at the heart of literature\u2019s future \u2014 how to cultivate a culture of reading among younger generations, secure global recognition for Indian literature, preserve mother tongues in the technological age, and connect literature more powerfully with society and everyday life.His speech repeatedly returned to the struggles that shaped him as a writer. Born into a small farming family, Vairamuthu recalled the pain of seeing his village submerged and spoke of a childhood marked by poverty, displacement and hardship. Yet, he said, these very experiences kindled the light of poetry within him.Vairamuthu has produced an extensive body of work spanning novels and poetry. His novel \u2018Kallikkattu Ithikasam\u2019, which won Sahitya Akademi Award in 2003, is among his best-known works. He has also won National Award for Best Lyrics seven times. Other prominent novels include \u2018Karuvachi Kaaviyam\u2019, \u2018Moondram Ulaga Por\u2019, \u2018Thanneer Desam\u2019 and \u2018Sigaramgalai Nokki\u2019. His major poetry collections include \u2018Vaikarai Megangal\u2019, \u2018Thiruthi Ezhuthiya Theerpugal\u2019, \u2018Innoru Desiya Geetham\u2019 and \u2018Vairamuthu Kavithaikal\u2019. His works have also been translated into several international languages.Singh placed the honour in the larger context of India\u2019s linguistic and cultural diversity. Describing Tamil as a \u201cbeautiful language\u201d, he said the state held a special place in his heart. \u201cAs a Shiva bhakta<\/span>, I have a deep connection with its magnificent temples, some of the most beautiful in the world,\u201d he said, adding that Bharatanatyam is another extraordinary gift from Tamil Nadu. Recalling his nine years as chairman of Jnanpith, Singh said the role had brought him into contact with literature across Indian languages.Speaking about Vairamuthu\u2019s literary contribution, Mudit Jain said, \u201cHis poetry, novels and lyrics have given profound expression to human struggles, nature and displacement, social justice and the deepest human emotions.\u201dRay said, \u201cHis words possess a rare quality: they are deeply rooted in the soil of Tamil culture, yet they speak to universal human experiences.\u201d Tewari gave the vote of thanks.Jnanpith awardees receive a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, a citation plaque and a bronze replica of the Hindu goddess of knowledge and wisdom, Vagdevi.<\/div>\n