Subject: The Presidential Award of Certificate of Honour to Sanskrit, Pali / Prakrit, Arabic and Persian Scholars and Maharshi Badrayan Vyas Samman for young scholars in the same fields � for the year 2007.

1. A scheme for the Award of the Certificate of Honour was introduced in the year 1958 to honour the scholars of Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian Languages. The scheme was extended to cover Pali / Prakrit in the year 1996. The distinction is conferred on the eve of Independence Day ever year in recognition of the outstanding contribution of various scholars of eminence over 60 years of age, in the field of Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian or Pali / Prakrit. This scheme envisages a monetary grant of Rs.50, 000/- per annum for life, apart from a Sanad and a shawl, which is presented by the President to each awardee. There are 15 awards for Sanskrit, 3 each for Arabic and Persian and one for Pali / Prakrit under the scheme.

2. Maharshi Badrayan Vyas Samman for young scholars in the age group of 30 to 40 years in the field of Sanskrit, Pali/Prakrit, Arabic and Persian ahs also been introduced from the year 2002 as a part of the scheme. This award carries an amount of Rs.1.00 lakh as a one-time payment to each awardee along with a Sanad and a shawl, which is presented by the President of India. There are 5 awards in Sanskrit and one each in Pali /Prakrit, Arabic and Persian under this part of the scheme.

3. Applications are invited from persons of eminence in the field of Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian or Pali/Prakrit studies, who have teaching experience, published works and have kept the traditional Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian or Pali/Prakrit studies alive, for these awards to Sanskrit, Pali/Prakrit, Arabic, Persian scholars and also the names of young scholars who have made a breakthrough in inter-disciplinary studies involving contribution to Sanskrit or ancient Indian wisdom, to the process of synergy between modernity and tradition, for the Maharshi Badrayan Vyas Samman to be announced on the Independence Day (15th August, 2007). Scientist & I.T. professional working for promotion of Sanskrit are also eligible.

4. Particulars in respect of scholars for the award of Certificate of Honor and for the Vyas Samman may be furnished in the attached proforma. In the absence of full details, it becomes difficult to give due consideration to the recommendations. It is therefore requested that full particulars may kindly be furnished against each column of the proforma.

5. The nominations must reach to Dr. Swati V. Kulkarni, SA to HC, High Commission of India, India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA by 25th May, 2007.

To view the proforma for Presidential Award, click here.