Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has said role of writers and litterateurs in building a strong and prosperous society was as important as of science and technology.
Speaking at the Sahitya Parv, organised by Haryana Sahitya Akedemi here on Tuesday, he honoured as many as 18 litterateurs for their outstanding contribution in the field of literature during 2013.
Hooda said writers and litterateurs occupied a prominent place in the society.
Under the national honour category, Aajiven Sahitya Saadhna Samman was conferred upon recipient of Padam Bhushan Gopaldas 'Neeraj'.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a shawl and a citation. Similarly, Aditya-Alhar Hasya Samman carrying a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh was conferred upon Ashok Chakrdhar.