Understanding the National Kalidas Samman Award

The National Kalidas Samman is a prestigious arts award presented annually by the government of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is named after the famous classical Sanskrit writer Kalidasa. The award is given in four disciplines: Classical Music, Classical Dance, Theatre, and Visual Arts. These categories are awarded on alternate years.

Let's look at the specific question regarding the awardee in 2018.

National Kalidas Samman Awardee 2018: Anjolie Ela Menon

In 2018, the National Kalidas Samman award was conferred upon the renowned Indian contemporary artist, Anjolie Ela Menon. She was recognized for her significant contribution to the field of Visual Arts.

Anjolie Ela Menon is a distinguished painter best known for her portraits, often painted on Masonite, and her unique style that blends modernism with Indian aesthetics.

Analyzing the Options for the 2018 Kalidas Samman

The question asks about the recipient of the National Kalidas Samman in 2018. Let's consider the options provided:

• Anjolie Ela Menon: As discussed, she received the award in 2018 for Visual Arts. This aligns with the information available about the National Kalidas Samman awards for that year.
• Girish Karnad: Girish Karnad was a celebrated playwright, actor, and film director. While a prominent figure in Indian arts, he was primarily associated with theatre and cinema. He received the Kalidas Samman in 1998 for Theatre. He did not receive the award in 2018.
• Mallika Sarabhai: Mallika Sarabhai is a renowned classical dancer and activist. She has received several awards for her contributions to dance and theatre. However, she was not the recipient of the National Kalidas Samman in 2018. (Note: Her mother, Mrinalini Sarabhai, received the award in 1990).
• Shabana Azmi: Shabana Azmi is a highly acclaimed actress. She has made significant contributions to Indian cinema and theatre. While she has received numerous awards, she was not the recipient of the National Kalidas Samman in 2018.

Based on the recipients of the National Kalidas Samman in 2018, Anjolie Ela Menon was the awardee in the Visual Arts category.

Revision Table: Recent National Kalidas Samman Awardees (Visual Arts)

This table provides a brief overview of some recent awardees in the Visual Arts category, highlighting the pattern and placing the 2018 award in context.

Additional Information on National Kalidas Samman

The National Kalidas Samman is one of the most prestigious state-level awards in India, recognizing outstanding achievements in the arts. It is conferred by the Department of Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh. The award carries a cash prize and a citation.

The selection process involves a committee of experts in the respective fields. The award aims to honour artists who have made lasting contributions to Indian classical arts and visual arts, preserving and promoting India's rich cultural heritage.