India’s highest literary award, the Jnanpith Award 2025, is given to the renowned Tamil poet, lyricist and novelist R. Vairamuthu. The prestigious award was conferred on him during a function held in New Delhi for his exemplary contributions to Tamil literature and poetry for more than four decades. It is the third time for the Tamil writer and the first time since the advent of the Jnanpith Award for a Tamil poet to be mainly recognised with this honour.
Why is it in the News?
- The Government of India honoured R. Vairamuthu for the 60 th time with the Jnanpith Award in 2025 in Delhi.
- The Jnanpith Award is the highest literary accolade, awarded annually by the Bharatiya Jnanpith to a writer in Indian literature.
- Vairamuthu is the third writer in Tamil (after Akilan in 1975, and Jayakanthan in 2002) to win this prestigious award.
- He is the first Tamil poet to receive this honour for his contribution to Tamil poetry.
- In his acceptance speech, Vairamuthu spoke of his journey into the world of literature, shaped by education and difficult life experiences, and bestowed the honour on the holy art of literature and the Tamil language.
About R. Vairamuthu
| Particular | Details |
| Full Name | Ramasamy Vairamuthu |
| Profession | Poet, Lyricist, Novelist & Essayist |
| Language | Tamil |
| Birth | 13 July 1953, Tamil Nadu |
| Literary Career | More than four decades |
| Books Written | Over 35 books including poetry collections, novels, and essays |
| Film Songs | More than 7,500 Tamil film songs |
| National Film Awards | 7 National Awards for Best Lyrics |
| Other Honours | Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Sahitya Akademi Award |
About the Jnanpith Award
The Jnanpith Award is the pride of India in the field of literature. Bharatiya Jnanpith bestows the award on an Indian author annually for his/her outstanding contribution to literature in any language mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution or English.
Key Facts
- Instituted: 1961
- First Award Presented: 1965
- This is an event organised by Bharatiya Jnanpith.
- Field: To celebrate outstanding contribution to Indian literature.
- Eligible for All India Civil Services Examinations: Indian citizens with language either Indian Languages or English.
Award Components:
- The overall winner will receive a cash prize worth ₹11 lakh.
- The statue of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati) is made of bronze.
Previous Tamil Recipients of the Jnanpith Award
| Year | Awardee | Contribution |
| 1975 | Akilan | Tamil Novelist |
| 2002 | D. Jayakanthan | Tamil Novelist |
| 2025 | R. Vairamuthu | Tamil Poet, Lyricist & Author |
Tamil Nadu Related Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
| Exam | Year | Question | Options | Answer |
| SSC CGL | 2023 | Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is situated on the coast of which water body? | A. Arabian Sea
B. Bay of Bengal C. Indian Ocean D. Gulf of Mannar |
B. Bay of Bengal |
| SSC GD | 2024 | Which classical dance form originated in Tamil Nadu? | A. Kathak
B. Bharatanatyam C. Odissi D. Kuchipudi |
B. Bharatanatyam |
| UPSC Prelims | 2022 | The Brihadeeswara Temple is located in which state? | A. Karnataka
B. Andhra Pradesh C. Tamil Nadu D. Telangana |
C. Tamil Nadu |
| RRB NTPC | 2021 | Which city is known as the “Detroit of India” due to its automobile industry? | A. Bengaluru
B. Chennai C. Pune D. Hyderabad |
B. Chennai |
| SSC CHSL | 2022 | The Nilgiri Hills are spread across Tamil Nadu and which other state? | A. Goa
B. Kerala C. Gujarat D. Punjab |
B. Kerala |
| UPSC Prelims | 2023 | The Nilgiri Tahr is primarily found in which Indian state? | A. Tamil Nadu
B. Rajasthan C. Haryana D. Bihar |
A. Tamil Nadu |
| SSC MTS | 2023 | Which UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in Tamil Nadu? | A. Sun Temple, Konark
B. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram C. Khajuraho Group of Monuments D. Ajanta Caves |
B. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram |
| RRB Group D | 2022 | Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India, is located in which state? | A. Kerala
B. Karnataka C. Tamil Nadu D. Andhra Pradesh |
C. Tamil Nadu |
| SSC CPO | 2021 | Which major river flows through Tamil Nadu and Karnataka before emptying into the Bay of Bengal? | A. Godavari
B. Krishna C. Cauvery D. Mahanadi |
C. Cauvery |
| CDS | 2024 | Which biosphere reserve is jointly shared by Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka? | A. Sundarbans
B. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve C. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve D. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve |
B. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve |
India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership
Conclusion on the 60th Jnanpith Award
Tamil literature and the literary heritage of India, where R. Vairamuthu is selected for the 60th Jnanpith Award 2025. It is given for the colossal contribution he has made over 40 years in poetry, literature and culture. The Jnanpith Award, the prestigious literary award, is a recognition of excellence in writing in Indian languages and a motivation for the future generation of writers. Current affairs are of importance to an aspirant preparing for UPSC/SSC/ Railways, State PCS and other competitive exams, both from a literature and awards point of view and should be made part of the exam preparation exercises.
