President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today honoured 30 scholars for their outstanding contribution in the field of Hindi for 2008 and 2009. Noted writer and actor Gireesh Karnard and Film director and former Parliamentarian Shyam Benegel got Gangasharan Singh Award for 2008 in the field of Hindi campaign and training. Prime Minister's communication advisor Pankaj Pachauri and and Political Editor of Nai Dunia Vinod Agnihotri were selected for Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award 2008 for their contribution in Hindi journalism. But both could not be present to received the award owing on tour with the Prime Minister. Professor Yashpal was also honoured with Atmaram Award for their outstanding countribution in the field of Science and Techonology literature in Hindi. Dr. Nand Kishore Acharya, Prof. Gopal Rai, Prof. Y L Prasad, Subhash Lakhera. Dr. N K Sehgal, Ajit Kumar, Prof. Harimohan, Prof. Lee Jung ho included in the list of persons who were honoured for their contribution to Hindi in different fields.