Who among the following was the first author writing in English to be conferred the Sahitya Akademi Award?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. RK Narayan.
- R.K. Narayan was a renowned Indian author best known for creating the fictional town of Malgudi, which features prominently in many of his works, including the celebrated collection Malgudi Days. Alongside Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao, he was a pioneer of early Indian literature in English.
- His notable novels include Swami and Friends, The Bachelor of Arts, and The English Teacher. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1960 for his acclaimed novel The Guide.
- Throughout his life, Narayan was honored with numerous awards, such as the AC Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature, the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, which are among India’s highest civilian honors.
- In 1994, he was also conferred the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, the highest literary honor in India.
- Additionally, he served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament.