Veteran Rajasthani Author Udayveer Sharma to Receive Prestigious Parakh Literary Award

CHURU. The Prayas Sansthan, a local organization dedicated to literature, culture, and social welfare, has announced that the Kanhaiyalal Ratanlal Parakh Rajasthani Literature Award for 2026 will be presented to Dr. Udayveer Sharma. A resident of Bissau in the Jhunjhunu district, the 94-year-old veteran author and editor is being recognized for his extensive and enduring contributions to the development and promotion of the Rajasthani language and its literary heritage.

Kamal Sharma, secretary of the Prayas Sansthan, confirmed the selection during a recent briefing. The award is facilitated through the support of the Sundardevi Laxmidevi Parakh Trust in Kolkata, with the initiative spearheaded by Basant Kumar Parakh, a prominent industrialist and convener of the Orbit Group who hails from Churu. This partnership aims to honor individuals who have dedicated their lives to preserving the cultural identity of the region through their written work.

The upcoming felicitation ceremony is scheduled to take place in Churu later this month. During the event, Dr. Sharma will be honored with a cash prize of fifty-one thousand rupees, alongside a traditional shawl, a coconut, and a formal citation recognizing his literary achievements. The organizers noted that the selection committee chose Dr. Sharma for his profound impact on the literary landscape of Rajasthan over several decades.

This award holds a significant place in the regional literary community, having previously been bestowed upon several distinguished figures. Past recipients include notable authors such as Tej Singh Jodha from Nagaur, Dr. Chandraprakash Deval from Ajmer, Dr. Dev Kothari from Udaipur, Mohan Alok from Sri Ganganagar, Professor Zahoor Khan Mehar from Jodhpur, and Nagraj Sharma from Pilani. By adding Dr. Udayveer Sharma to this list, the institution continues its tradition of celebrating the stalwarts of Rajasthani literature.

The event is expected to draw a gathering of local writers, cultural enthusiasts, and community leaders who wish to celebrate the long and illustrious career of the nonagenarian author. The organizers emphasized that such recognition serves as an inspiration for younger generations to engage with their linguistic roots and contribute to the growth of regional literature.