The 31st VyasSamman was conferred on to well-known Hindi writer Dr AsgharWajahat at a function in New Delhi. He has been chosen for the prestigious award for his play Mahabali. In his play Mahabali, Dr.Wajahat focuses on Mughal emperor Akbar and poet Tulsidas. Through the play, he attempts to answer who is the real Mahabali, the poet or the emperor.

• The VyasSamman is given by K K Birla Foundation for outstanding literary work in Hindi authored by an Indian citizen published during the last 10 years.
• It carries an award of Rs 4 lakh along with a citation and a plaque. It was initiated in 1991.
• Ram Vilas Sharma received the inaugural VyasSamman in 1991 for his work ‘Bharat kePracheenBhashaParivaraur Hindi’.
• Professor SharadPagare was honoured with 30th VyasSamman for his novel titled ‘PatliputrakiSamragi’.