in the western viewpoints and cultural milieu, which were being imposed on Indian ethos, all around, so much so that later his views were confused as pro-Hindutva as well. A critical analysis of Verma's work was presented by Ram Prakash Dwivedi From 1980–83, Verma served as chairman of Nirala creative writing chair in Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal. In 1988–90 he was director of Yashpal Creative Writing Chair in Shimla. A film based on his story, Maya Darpan (1972), directed by Kumar Shahani, won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Film. In his popular novel A Torn Happiness, August Strindberg looms large over the heads of many characters. He died on 25 October 2005 in New Delhi. Awards and milestones Jnanpith Award in 1999, the highest literary award for Indian writers. 'Kavve aur Kala Pani', A collection of seven short stories, won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1985. Padma Bhushan in 2002. Jnanapith Trust's "Murtidevi Award" for his book of essays, Bharat Aur Europe: Pratishruti Ke Kshetra (1991). Jury member Lettre Ulysses Award for the art of Reportage −2003. He was a fellow with the International Institute for Asian Studies. Library of Congress catalogues most of the works of Nirmal Verma in its collection. India's highest literary award, for lifetime achievement, the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 2005. On the publication of his book, "The World Elsewhere", in 1988, by the Readers International in London, BBC Channel Four telecasted a film on his life and works. Chevalier de l'ordre des arts et des lettres (France) 2005 Nai Kahani movement Nirmal Verma, together with Mohan Rakesh, Bhisham Sahni, Kamleshwar, Amarkant, Rajendra Yadav and others, is the founder of the Nai Kahani (new short story) in Hindi literature. Nirmal Verma is best known for his short stories and his best known story, 'Parinde' (Birds) (1959) is supposed to be the pioneer of the Nai Kahani Movement in Hindi literature. Nirmal Verma's other notable stories are Andhere Mein, Dedh Inch Upar, and Kavve Aur Kala Pani. Nirmal Verma's last story was published in "Naya Gyanodaya" August 2005 issue, titled "Ab Kuchh Nahin". Nirmal Verma experimented vividly with theme as well as technique of the Hindi short story in the 60s and 70s. A collection of his letters written to Ramkumar (well known artist and his brother) has been published by Bhartiya Jnanpith, titled "Priya Ram" (Dear Ram). His books have been translated into several European languages