Bengaluru:  Centenarian lexicographer G. Venkatasubbaiah, popularly known as GV, has been chosen for Sahitya Akademi’s Bhasha Samman for South (2017). The award has been given in recognition of his contribution in the field of classical and medieval literature.

The Akademi also announced an award for Kannada writer K.G. Nagarajappa for his work on literary criticism, Anushreni-Yajamanike, for 2018. He is among the 24 award winners announced by the Akademi in various languages.

Venkatasubbaiah has compiled 10 dictionaries, including ‘Klishtapada Kosha’, a dictionary of complex Kannada words, four seminal works on dictionary science in Kannada, edited over 60 books and published four children’s books, eight translations, and several papers.

The Bhasha Samman, which carries a purse of Rs.1 lakh, will be presented to him by the Akademi President at a special function, the date of which will be announced later,  said a release.

The award announced for Nagarajappa carries a plaque and a purse of Rs.1 lakh. It will be presented on Jan.29, 2019 in New Delhi.

Nagarajappa, born in Gubbi, Tumakuru district, has many fictions and non-fiction works to his credit, including Dodda Sankanna, Ikkattu-Bikkattu and Maru Chintane. He has won many awards, including the Rajyotsava and Nadoja awards.