The Saraswati Samman is an annual literary award in India, named after the Hindu goddess of learning, Saraswati. It is one of the most prestigious literary awards in the country, established by the K.K. Birla Foundation in 1991. The award recognizes outstanding works of literary merit written in any of the Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
The Saraswati Samman is awarded to an author for a single outstanding literary work published during the last ten years. The selection process involves a jury of eminent literary figures who assess the works based on their literary and aesthetic value, as well as their contribution to Indian literature.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 15 lakh (1.5 million) and a citation. It is presented annually by the President of India or an eminent personality chosen by the K.K. Birla Foundation.
Notable recipients of the Saraswati Samman include renowned authors like Mahasweta Devi, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, A. A. Manavalan, Jayakanthan, M. T. Vasudevan Nair, and many others. The award has played a significant role in promoting and recognizing literary excellence across different languages in India.