The Sahitya Akademi Award was instituted in the year ______.

1954

The correct answer is Option (3) - 1954

The Sahitya Akademi Award was instituted in the year 1954. It is one of the most prestigious literary honors in India, conferred by the Sahitya Akademi, which is India's National Academy of Letters. The award aims to recognize and celebrate outstanding literary works in the languages recognized by the Sahitya Akademi, including works in Indian languages as well as English.

The Sahitya Akademi Award is given annually to writers for their exceptional contributions to literature across various genres such as novels, short stories, poetry, essays, plays, and literary criticism. The award covers works published in the previous calendar year, and recipients are selected through a rigorous process involving expert committees appointed by the Sahitya Akademi.

Winning the Sahitya Akademi Award is considered a significant achievement in the literary world, as it not only acknowledges the literary merit of the recipient's work but also provides recognition and visibility to the diverse literary traditions and languages of India. The award ceremony, held annually, is a prestigious event attended by prominent literary figures, scholars, and dignitaries.

Since its inception in 1954, the Sahitya Akademi Award has honored numerous eminent writers across India, contributing to the promotion and preservation of Indian literature and cultural heritage.