New Delhi, Mar 16, KDC: Sahitya Akademi on Monday announced the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 in 24 Indian languages, honouring outstanding literary works across genres including poetry, novels, short stories, essays, literary criticism, autobiography and memoir.
A total of 24 books were selected for the prestigious award this year, including eight poetry collections, four novels, six short story collections, two essay works, one literary criticism, one autobiography and two memoirs.
Among the awardees, Kashmiri poet Ali Shaida received the award in the Kashmiri language category for his poetry collection “Najdavanek’y Pot Aalav”, bringing recognition to Jammu and Kashmir’s literary contribution, reported news agency Kashmir Dot Com.
According to the Akademi, the selection process for the awards began in January 2025 following the issuance of an open advertisement on January 30. The awards were recommended by distinguished three-member juries in each of the 24 recognised languages and later approved by the competent authority of the Akademi.
In the poetry category, the winners include Shrestha Kabita by Prasun Bandyopadhyay (Bengali), Thakur Satsayie by Khajur Singh Thakur (Dogri), Bhattkhadaki by Yogesh Vaidya (Gujarati), Najdavanek’y Pot Aalav by Ali Shaida (Kashmiri), Padapurana by Girijakumar Baliyar Singh (Odia), Prasthanacatustaye Brahmaghosah by Mahamahopadhyaya Sadhu Bhadreshdas (Sanskrit), Animesha by Nandini Sidha Reddy (Telugu) and Safar Jaari Hai by Pritpal Singh Betab (Urdu).
The novel category awards went to Devabrat Das for Karhi Khelar Sadhu (Assamese), Sahaisuli Brahma for Dwngnwi Lama Mwnse Gathwn (Bodo), Navtej Sarna for Crimson Spring (English) and N. Prabhakaran for Maayaamanushyar (Malayalam).
In short stories, the winners include Amaresh Nugadoni for Dada Seerisu Tande (Kannada), Haobam Nalini for Kanglamdriba Eephut (Manipuri), Jinder for Safety Kit (Punjabi), Jitender Kumar Soni for Bharkhama (Rajasthani), Sumitra Soren for Mid Birna Chenne Saon Inag Sagai (Santali) and Bhagwan Atlani for Waghoo (Sindhi).
The essay category awards went to Henry Mendonca (H.M. Pernal) for Konkani Kavyem: Rupani Ani Rupakam (Konkani) and Prakash Bhattarai for Nepali Paramparik Sanskriti Ra Sabhyata Ko Dukuti (Nepali).
Sa. Tamilselvan won the award for literary criticism for Thamiz Sirukathaiyin Thadangal (Tamil), while Raju Baviskar received the award in autobiography for Kalyanilya Resha (Marathi).
In the memoir category, Mamta Kalia won for Jeete Jee Allahabad (Hindi) and Mahendra for Dhatri Paat San Gaam (Maithili).
The award consists of an engraved copper plaque, a shawl and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. The presentation ceremony will be held on March 31, 2026, in New Delhi, where the winners will be formally honoured.
The Sahitya Akademi Awards are among the most prestigious literary honours in India, recognising excellence in literature across the country’s diverse linguistic traditions. (KDC)
