Guwahati: Five writers from the Northeast featured prominently in the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025, with authors from Assam, Manipur and Sikkim among the distinguished recipients announced on Sunday.
Leading the Northeast list is writer Devabrata Das, who won the award in the Assamese language for his novel Karhi Khelor Sadhu. The work has been widely appreciated for its narrative depth and portrayal of social realities in Assam.
In the Bodo language, noted writer Sahaisuli Brahma from Assam received the award for the novel Dwngwni Lama Mwse Gwthwn, marking another major recognition for Bodo literature.
From Manipur, Haobam Nalini was selected for the award in the Manipuri language for the short story collection Kanglamdriba Eephut, which explores themes rooted in the socio-cultural life of the state.
The award in Nepali went to Prakash Bhattarai, originally from Nepal and based in Sikkim, for the essay collection Nepali Paramparik Sanskriti Ra Sabhyata Ko Dukuti, a work examining traditional Nepali culture and civilisation.
The Sahitya Akademi annually honours books of outstanding literary merit published in languages recognised by the Akademi. The selections are made by juries comprising eminent writers and scholars in each language.
Among the other major winners this year, Navtej Sarna received the award in English for his novel Crimson Spring, while Prasun Bandyopadhyay won in Bengali for the poetry collection Shreshtha Kabita.
Other awardees include Yogesh Vaidya in Gujarati for Bhattkhadak (poetry), Mamta Kalia in Hindi for the memoir Jeete Jee Allahabad, and Amarresh Nugadoni in Kannada for the short story collection Dada Seerisu Tande.
In Kashmiri, Ali Shaida won for the poetry collection Najdavenaky Pot Aalav, while Henry Mendonca received the award in Konkani for the essay collection Konkani Kavyem: Rupani Ani Rupakam.
In Malayalam, N. Prabhakaran was selected for the novel Mayajamanushyar. Other recipients include Raju Baviskar for the autobiography Kalyanivlya Resha (Marathi) and Girija Kumar Baliarsingh for the poetry collection Padupada (Odia).
Further winners include Jinder for the Punjabi short story collection Safety Kit, Jitender Kumar Soni for Bharkhama, and Mahamanopadhyaya Sadhu Bhadreshdas in Sanskrit for the poetry collection Prasthanacatustaye Brahmaghoshah.
In Santali, Sumitra Soren won for the short story collection Mid Birma Chenne Saon Inag Sagai, while Bhagwan Atlani received the award for Waghoo (Stories).
The Tamil award went to Sa. Tamilselvan for Thamiz Sirukathaiyin Thandangal, while Nandini Sidha Reddy won in Telugu for the poetry collection Animesha. The Urdu award was given to Pritpal Singh Betab for Safar Jaan Hai.
The Sahitya Akademi Award is among India’s most prestigious literary honours. Each award carries a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl and a cash prize, and will be presented at a special ceremony organised by the Akademi.