Overview
- Bharatiya Jnanpith announced on March 14 that Tamil poet-lyricist R. Vairamuthu, 72, will receive the 60th Jnanpith Award for 2025 following a selection meeting chaired by Pratibha Ray.
- The prize includes Rs 11 lakh, a bronze statuette of Vagdevi and a citation, recognising outstanding contributions to literature in Indian languages.
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin publicly congratulated Vairamuthu, noting he had met the poet earlier the same day.
- Renewed criticism followed the announcement, with accuser Chinmayi Sripada and prominent writer Jayamohan condemning the decision and invoking sexual-harassment allegations raised in 2018.
- Responding to the honour, Vairamuthu expressed gratitude and framed the award as a rare recognition for Tamil poetry; his career features seven National Film Awards and Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan honours.