23 scholars of Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, Pali and Prakrit have been selected for the President's Certificate of Honour. Six eminent scholars have also been selected for the Maharshi Badrayan Vyas Samman in the field of Sanskrit, Persian, Pali and Prakrit.

An official release says that scholars selected for the Certificate of Honour in Sanskrit include Mr Krishnayaji, Prof Krishnanand Jha, Dr Ravindra Kumar Nagar, Dr K Chandra Sekharan Nair, and Dr Jaidev Vedalankar while Mr George Cardona will be given the award to promote Saskrit at internation level. The three Persian scholars are – Prof Hafiz Abdul Mannan, Mr Hafiz Shah Taqi Anwar and Prof Khan Mohammad Atif. Arabic scholars who have been selected for the award include- Prof Sayed Kafeel Ahmad Qasmi and Prof Shams Tabrez Khan.

The distinction is conferred by the President in recognition of substantial contribution in the field of Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic Pali and Prakrit.