UNESCO Asia Pacific awards for cultural heritage conservation programme: Launched in 2000 by UNESCO these awards are given under 4 categories: Award of Excellence, Awards of Distinction, Awards of Merit and Award for New Design in Heritage context. Indian temple from Tamil Nadu – Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple – won this award in the Award of Merit category. The temple is one of the most illustrious Vaishnava temples in South India. It has been mentioned in Tamil Literature as early as Sangam era. It is a Dravidian architectural type.
Jnanpith Awards: Jnanpith awards are India’s highest literary awards. It was instituted in 1961 by Bhartiya Jnanpith trust founded by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain family that owns the Times of India newspaper group. It is bestowed on any Indian citizen who writes in any 22 official languages of India mentioned in Schedule VIII of Indian Constitution besides English. Prior to 1982 it was given for a particular work, however, since 1982 it is given for overall contribution to literature in India. The award carries cash prize of 11 lakh rupees besides a citation plaque and a bronze replica of Saraswati.