Sahitya Akademi Award Champions: Literary Titans
Quick Summary
- The Sahitya Akademi Award is a prestigious literary honour in India, awarded annually by the Sahitya Akademi (National Academy of Letters).
- Established in 1954, the award recognizes outstanding works in various Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and many others.
- Recipients receive a cash prize, a citation, and a plaque. It aims to promote and preserve India’s rich literary heritage and encourage authors.
Table of Contents
Sahitya Akademi Award
The Sahitya Akademi, founded by the Government of India in 1954, is a cornerstone of Indian literary excellence. As an independent organization, it celebrates the country’s brightest literary talents through the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Awards. Since its inception, the Akademi has been committed to nurturing and preserving the diverse richness of Indian literature. These awards not only honor exceptional writers for their contributions but also inspire them to continue creating in their chosen languages and genres, offering both recognition and a motivating cash prize.
What truly distinguishes the Sahitya Akademi Awards is their inclusive approach—they acknowledge not only popular languages but also lesser-known dialects, ensuring every voice is heard. The awards serve as a platform where writers from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds can connect, share ideas, and build mutual respect, fostering a spirit of unity. In this way, the Sahitya Akademi Awards do more than recognize literary talent; they play a vital role in preserving India’s rich literary heritage and promoting national cohesion.
Sahitya Akademi Awards Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Award Name | Sahitya Akademi Awards |
| Date Established | 12 March 1954 |
| First Awarded In | 1955 |
| Languages Covered | 24 Languages |
| Established By | Government of India |
| Organizational Type | Autonomous Organisation |
All About Sahitya Akademi Award
The government of India officially introduced Sahitya Akademi on 12 March 1954. The purpose behind the setup of this institution was simple. It aimed to recognise and award notable literary works. The government believed that doing so could be quite helpful in promoting literary activities in the country. The Indian government also ensured that the literary work of all languages gets recognition so that no one feels discriminated against. The Akademi gives 24 awards to 24 different languages to date. This is done every year to promote reading habits.
History
Sahitya Akademi has its roots tracing back to the British era in India. In 1944, the US government accepted the proposal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal. It aimed to set up a National Cultural Trust to promote regional cultural activities. This society was designed to consist of three Academies. The Academy of Letters was also a part of those three Academies.
Even after Independence, the consensus among the government was regarding establishing three Academies. One for letters, another for visual arts, and a third society for dance, drama, and music. Discussions followed on setting up these cultural societies. The government was doubtful about their autonomy and structure. However, after some discussion, the Government of India established the National Academy of Letters in 1954. This was later known as Sahitya Akademi.
Furthermore, the government decided it might be its duty to establish these societies, but once established, they can function as autonomous bodies.
Headquarters
The Sahitya Akademi headquarters are in New Delhi, at Ravindra Bhawan, 35 Ferozeshah Road. The head office building of Sahitya Akademi looks quite elegant, and they built it in 1961. They constructed the building to commemorate the birth centenary of Rabindranath Tagore.
Also, this building is home to all three national academies. The three National Academies of India are:
- Sangeet Natak Akademi
- Lalit Kala Akademi
- Sahitya Akademi
The Sahitya Akademi headquarters also works as a regional office and manages publications in English, Hindi, Dogri, etc.
Organisational Design
The important authorities of the institution are:
1. General Council
The general functioning and policies of the organisation are discussed here.
2. Executive Board
The Executive Board plays a crucial role in adding any new language, aside from those already listed.
3. Finance Committee
The finance committee consists of a financial advisor, members nominated by the government, a vice-president of the Akademi, an executive council member, and a general council member. They are responsible for the financial aspect of the akademi.
4. Selection of Akademi Members
The government of India appoints the financial advisor, and the executive board of the Akademi appoints the secretary.
- The author must hold Indian nationality, to be considered for the award.
- The book or work eligible for the award must be an exceptional contribution to its respective language and literature.
- When multiple books demonstrate equal merit, evaluators will consider additional factors such as the author’s overall literary contributions and reputation to determine the award recipient.
Criteria for Selecting a Sahitya Akademi Award Winner:
- Indian Nationality: The author must be an Indian citizen.
- Outstanding Literary Merit: The nominated work must be a significant contribution to its specific language and literary tradition. The award recognizes excellence in areas like originality, creativity, and impact on the literary landscape.
- Standing in Case of a Tie: If multiple works are deemed equally deserving, the selection committee may consider an author’s overall literary contribution and reputation within the literary community. This includes their body of work, critical acclaim, and influence on other writers.
Significance of the The Sahitya Akademi Award
- Celebrating Literary Gems: The award recognizes outstanding works across diverse genres, from poetry and novels to biographies and epics. It shines a light on the exceptional talent enriching Indian literature.
- A Multilingual Marvel: Uniquely, the award honors works in 24 Indian languages, including regional languages alongside English and Hindi. This celebrates India’s linguistic tapestry and encourages literary creation in all its forms.
- A Mark of National Pride: Winning the Sahitya Akademi Award is a prestigious honor bestowed by the Government of India. It’s a badge of national recognition, a testament to an author’s immense contribution.
- Safeguarding a Literary Legacy: By recognizing quality literature, the award acts as a guardian of India’s rich literary heritage. It ensures these works are preserved and celebrated, creating a bridge between generations of readers.
- Nurturing New Voices: The Sahitya Akademi Award isn’t just for established authors. The Yuva Puraskar category recognizes young talents under 35, fostering the next generation of literary voices. Winning this award can be a life-changing moment, opening doors to wider recognition and new opportunities.
First Sahitya Akademi Award
The Sahitya Akademi first recognized its inaugural award in 1954. When the award was initially launched, it honored writers with a prize amount of INR 5,000. However, with changing times and needs, the amount kept on increasing. The winners of this award are rewarded with a prize money of INR 1,00,000 from 2009.
However, this prize amount was increased several times even before 2009. In 1983, it was enhanced to Rs. 10,000. In 1988, it was Rs. 25,000. Furthermore, it also witnessed an increase in 2003 when the winning amount was Rs. 50,000.
First Sahitya Akademi Award Winners
The Sahitya Akademi Award, established in 1954. It recognizes outstanding writing in 24 languages, including Hindi and English. The award has separate categories for each language. The first recipient in Hindi was Makhanlal Chaturvedi in 1955, while R.K. Narayan received the first award in English in 1960.
Sahitya Akademi Award Winners List:
| Language | Title and Genre | Author |
| Assamese | Bana Phul (Poetry) | Jatindranath Dowerah |
| Bengali | Shreshtha Kavita (Poetry) | Jibanananda Das |
| Bodo (since 2005) | Jiuni Mwgthang Bisombi Arw Aroj (Poetry) | Mangalshingh Hazowary |
| Dogri (since 1970) | Nila Ambar Kale Badal (Short Stories) | Narendra Khajuria |
| English (1960) | The Guide (Novel) | R.K Narayan |
| Gujarati | Mahadev Bhaini Dairy (Memoirs) | Mahadev Desai |
| Hindi | Him- Tarangini (Poetry) | Makhanlal Chaturvedi |
| Kannada | Sri Ramayana Darshanam (Epic) | Kuvempu (K.V Puttapa) |
| Kashmiri | Sumran (Poetry) | Zinda Kaul ‘Masterji’ |
| Konkani | Himalayant (Travelogue) | Ravindra Kelekar |
| Maithili (since 1966) | Mithila Baibhav (Philosophical Treatise) | Yasodhar Jha |
| Malayalam | Bhasha Sahitya Charitram (History of Literature) | R. Narayana Panikkar |
| Manipuri | Imphal Amasung Magi Nungshiki Phibham (Novel) | Pacha Meitai |
| Marathi | Vaidik Samskriticha Vikas (Cultural History) | Tarkeetha Shastri Laxman Joshi |
| Nepali (since 1977) | Nepali Upanyas Ka Adharharu (Literary Criticism) | Indra Bahadur Rai |
| Odia | Amrutara Santan (Novel) | Gopinath Mohanty |
| Punjabi | Mere Saniya Jio (Poetry) | Bhaivir Singh |
| Rajasthani (since 1974) | Batan Ri Phulwari Vol. X (Folk Tales) | Vijay Dan Detha |
| Sanskrit | History of Dharma Shastra Vol. IV (Research) | P.V Kane |
| Santhali (since 2005) | Bhabna (Poetry) | Jadumai Besra |
| Sindhi (since 1959) | Kanwar (Biography) | Tirth Basant |
| Tamil | Tamil Inbam (Essays) | R.P Sethu Pillai |
| Telugu | Andhrula Sanghike Charitamu (Social History) | Suravaram Pratap Reddy |
| Urdu | Maal aur Mashiyat (Philosophical Theatre) | Zafar Hussain Khan |
Sahitya Akademi Award Winners for English For Biography
The Sahitya Academy Award is truly a literary honor. We already know that the Sahitya Akademi Award honors writers in various languages, including English. The popular authors who have made their mark in the Sahitya Akademi Winners list for English are Anuradha Roy, Namita Gokhale, Arundhati Subramanian, and Shashi Tharoor for the years 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019 respectively.
Anuradha Roy’s “All The Lives We Have Never Lived” is about two characters called Myshkin and his mother, Gayatri. The plot revolves around Gayatri, who escapes with the help of someone from her past. It is a novel. The other novel honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award was Namita Gokhale’s “Things to Leave Behind”. Shashi Tharoor’s Era Of Darkness was also quite a popular award, honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2019. This book talks about the rule of the British Empire and its consequences on India. Furthermore, some poetry books were also in the Sahitya Akademi Winners list.
List Of Last Three Years Sahitya Akademi Awards
The Sahitya Akademi has already announced the winners for Yuva Purashkar and Bal Purashkar for 2023. Let’s have a quick look.
Press Release 2024
Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 winners list for Yuva Purashkar
| Language | Title and Genre | Author |
| Assamese | Jaal Kota Jui (Short Stories) | Nayanjyoti Sarma |
| Bengali | Deraje Halud Ful, Gatajanma (Poetry) | Sutapa Chakraborty |
| Bodo | Saikhlum (Short Stories) | Self Made Rani Baro |
| Dogri | Ik Rang Tere Range Chaa (Poetry) | Heena Choudhary |
| English | Homeless: Growing up Lesbian and Dyslexic in India (Memoir) | K. Vaishali |
| Gujarati | …To Tame Raaji (Ghazal) | Rinku Rathod |
| Hindi | Smritiyon Ke Beech Ghiri Hai Prithvi (Poetry) | Gaurav Pandey |
| Kannada | Zero Balance (Poetry) | Shruthi B. R. |
| Kashmiri | Aene Baedas (Articles) | Mohd. Ashraf Ziya |
| Konkani | Pedanyacha Samaaram (Essays) | Adwait Salgaonkar |
| Maithili | Nadi Ghati Sabhyata (Poetry) | Rinki Jha Rishika |
| Malayalam | Meeshakkallan (Short Stories) | Shyamkrishnan R. |
| Manipuri | Ashiba Turel (Poetry) | Waikhom Chingkheinganba |
| Marathi | Usvan (Novel) | Devidas Saudagar |
| Nepali | Canvas Ko Xitiz (Poetry) | Suraj Chapagain |
| Odia | Hu Baieaa (Short-Stories) | Sanjay Kumar Panda |
| Punjabi | Khat Jo Likhno Reh Gaye (Poetry) | Randhir |
| Rajasthani | Sudh Sodhun Jag Angane (Poetry) | Sonali Suthar |
| Sanskrit | Award in Sanskrit will be declared at a later date. | – |
| Santhali | Jangbaha (Poetry) | Anjan Karmakar |
| Sindhi | Paper Parya (Articles) | Geeta Pradeep Rupani |
| Tamil | Vishnu Vandhar (Short Stories) | Lokesh Raghuraman |
| Telugu | Dhaavlo (Short Stories) | Ramesh Karthik Nayak |
| Urdu | Stepney (Short-Stories) | Javed Amber Misbahi |
In addition to this, the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 Winners list for Bal Purashkar was also announced. Some popular names on the list are Rothindronath Goswami, Shayamalkanti Das, Pratima Nandi Narzaree, Balwan Singh Jamoria, Sudha Murty, and more. They were awarded for their works in Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, and English language respectively.
The table below to know all the winners of Bal Puraskar of 2024:
| Language | Title and Genre | Author |
| Assamese | Biponna Bismoi Khel (Novel) | Ranju Hazarika |
| Bengali | Mahidadur Antidote (Novel) | Dipanwita Roy |
| Bodo | Buhuma Boynibw (Poetry) | Virgin Jekova Machahary |
| Dogri | Kukdu Kadoon (Poetry) | Bishan Singh ‘Dardi’ |
| English | The Blue Horse and Other Amazing Animals from Indian History (Historical Fiction) | Nandini Sengupta |
| Gujarati | Hasati Haveli (Stories) | Gira Pinakin Bhatt |
| Hindi | 51 Baal Kahaniyan (Stories) | Devender Kumar |
| Kannada | Choomantrayyana Kathegalu (Short Stories) | Krishnamurthy Biligere |
| Kashmiri | Sone Gobrew (Poetry) | Muzaffar Hussain Dilbar |
| Konkani | Ek Ashil’lem Bayul (Novel) | Harsha Sadguru Shetye |
| Maithili | Anar (Short Stories) | Narayanjee |
| Malayalam | Algorithangalude Nadu (Novel) | Unni Ammayambalam |
| Manipuri | Malem Atiya (Novel) | Kshetrimayum Subadani |
| Marathi | Samsher Aani Bhootbangala (Novel) | Bharat Sasane |
| Nepali | Desh Ra Fuchhey (Poetry) | Basanta Thapa |
| Odia | Gapa Kalika (Short Stories) | Manas Ranjan Samal |
| Punjabi | Mai Jalianwala Bagh Bolda Haan (Play) | Kuldeep Singh Deep |
| Rajasthani | Mhari Dhani (Poetry) | Prahlad Singh ‘Jhorda’ |
| Sanskrit | Bubhukshitah Kakah (Short Stories) | Harshdev Madhav |
| Santhali | Miru Arang (Poetry) | Dugai Tudu |
| Sindhi | Dostan ji Dosti (Stories) | Lal Hotchandani ‘Lachaar’ |
| Tamil | Thanviyin Piranthanal (Stories) | Yuma Vasuki |
| Telugu | Maya Lokam (Novel) | P. Chandrashekhar Azad |
| Urdu | Barf Ka Des Antarctica (Short Stories) | Shamsul Islam Farooqi |
In addition to this, the Akademi also has two other awards called the Bhasha Samman Award and Prize for Translation.
Bhasha Samman
- The Bhasha Samman was set up by the Government of India in 1996. The government’s motivation to encourage all languages and not just recognized ones led to the establishment of this Samman.
- The Sahitya Akademi gives the Bhasha Samman to writers or scholars who work extraordinarily in promoting a particular language.
- The Bhasha Samman is conferred with a plaque and a prize money of Rs. 1,00,000.
- 3 to 4 people receive Bhasha Samman every year.
- Shri. Dharikshan Mishra for Bhojpuri was the first winner of this award.
Prize for translation
- Besides writing, the Akademi also awards writers for splendid work in translation in any of 24 languages.
- The Prize for Translation started in 1989 and has been honoured to writers.
- Initially, the winners were awarded an amount of Rs 10,000 in 1989. However, the prize money has now increased to Rs. 50,000 from 2009.
- Bikram K Das won the first prize for his English translation of the Oriya novel “Paraja” in 1989.
- Noor Nabi Abbasi was the first Hindi translator to win the Prize of Translation for translating the English Autobiography. The original work was called Many Worlds by K.P.S Menon.
To know more about the winners of the Sahitya Akademi Award, let’s have a look at the winners list from the years 2022 and 2021.
Also Read :-
The Bharat Ratna Award Winners: Year Wise List
Dadasaheb Phalke Award List from 1969.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award: List of Awardees
Sahitya Akademi Award 2022 list
| Language | Title and Genre | Author |
| Assamese | Bhool Satya (short stories) | Manoj Kumar Goswami |
| Bengali | Birbal (Novel) | Tapan Bandopadhyay |
| Bodo | Sansrini Modira (Poetry) | Rashmi Choudhary |
| Dogri | CheevRoopak (Drama) | Veena Gupta |
| English | All The Lives We Never Lived (Novel) | Anuradha Roy |
| Gujarati | Gher Jatan (Autobiographical Essays) | Gulam Mohammad Shaikh |
| Hindi | Tumadi Ke Shabd (Poetry) | Badri Narayan |
| Kannada | Bahutvada Bhaarata Mattu Bouddha Taatvikate (Collection of articles) | Mudnakudu Chinnaswamy |
| Kashmiri | Zael Dab (Literary Criticism) | Farooq Fayaz |
| Konkani | Amrutvel (Novel) | Maya Anil Kharangate |
| Maithili | Pen Drive Me Prithvi (Poetry) | Ajit Azad |
| Malayalam | Ashaantee Seethayanam (Literary Criticism) | M. Thomas Mathew |
| Manipuri | Leironnung (Poetry) | Koijam Shantibala |
| Marathi | Ujavya Sondechya Bahulya (Novel) | Praveen Dashrath Bandekar |
| Nepali | Saino (Drama) | K.B Nepali |
| Odia | Dayanadi (Poetry) | Gayatribala Panda |
| Punjabi | Main Aynghosh Nahi (Short Stories) | Sukhjit |
| Rajasthani | Alekhun Amba (Play) | Kamal Ranga |
| Sanskrit | Deepmanikyam (Poetry) | Janardan Prasad Pandey ‘Mani’ |
| Santhali | Sabarnaka Balire Sanan Panjay (Poetry) | Kajli Soren (Jagannath Soren) |
| Sindhi | Sindhi Sahit Jo Mukhatasar Ithihas (Literary History) | Kanhaiyalal Lekhwani |
| Tamil | Kaala Paani (Novel) | M. Rajendran |
| Telugu | Manodharmaparagam (Novel) | Madhuranthakam Narendra |
| Urdu | Khwab Saraab (Novel) | Anis Ashfaq |
Sahitya Akademi Award 2021 winners list
| Language | Title and Genre | Author |
| Assamese | Iyat Ekhan Aaronya Asil (Novel) | Anuradha Sharma Pujari |
| Bengali | Mitjafar O Ananya Natale (Play) | Bratya Basu |
| Bodo | Khora Sayao Are Himalay (Poetry) | Mwdai Gahai |
| Dogri | Name Tunnel (Short Stories) | Raj Rahi |
| English | Things to Leave Behind (Novel) | Namita Gokhale |
| Gujarati | Gandh Manjusha (Poetry) | Yagnesh Dave |
| Hindi | Samrat Ashok (Play) | Daya Prakash Sinha |
| Kannada | Gandhi Kathana (Biography) | D.S Nagabhushana |
| Kashmiri | Tawazun ( Criticism) | Wali Mohd. Aseer Kashtawari |
| Konkani | Raktachandan (Poetry) | Sanjiv Verenkar |
| Maithili | Pangu (Novel) | Jagdish Prasad Mandal |
| Malayalam | Hrudyaragangal (Autobiography) | George Onakkoor |
| Manipuri | Manipurida Punshi Warigee Sahitya (Criticism) | Thokcham Ibhohanbi Singh |
| Marathi | Baluchya Awashthantarachi Diary (Short Stories) | Kiran Gaurav |
| Nepali | Usha Anirudha (Epic Poetry) | Chhabilal Upadhyay |
| Odia | Sarijaithiba Apera (Poetry) | Hrushikesh Mallick |
| Punjabi | Sullan Da Salan (Short Stories) | Khalid Hussain |
| Rajasthani | Mugtee (Poetry) | Meethesh Nirmohi |
| Sanskrit | Srijati Shankhnadam Kil Kavita (Poetry) | Vindeshwariprasad Mishr ‘Vinay’ |
| Santhali | Mane Rena Arhang (Short Stories) | Niranjan Hansada |
| Sindhi | Nena Ninadakhra (Poetry) | Arjun Chawla |
| Tamil | Civappuk Kazuttu Tan Oru Paccaip Paravau (Short Stories) | Ambai |
| Telugu | Vallankitaalam (Poetry) | Gorati Venkanna |
Additional Honors by Sahitya Akademi
- The Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters, presents the Sahitya Akademi Award to honor exceptional writers for their contributions to Indian literary heritage and to promote excellence in literature.
- The Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar honors authors whose work significantly contributes to children’s literature. Eligible books must have been first published within the five years preceding the year of the award.
- The Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar recognizes authors aged 35 and below for their published works.
Sahitya Akademi Award for UPSC and Other Exams
The Sahitya Akademi Award holds significance for aspirants aiming to crack competitive exams in India, particularly the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Here’s why:
- GK and Current Affairs: Exam questions often touch upon recent Sahitya Akademi Award winners, the recognized languages, or the award’s history and importance. This makes staying informed about the awards crucial.
- Cultural and Literary Awareness: Understanding these awards demonstrates your knowledge of India’s rich literary heritage, a valuable asset for IAS aspirants.
- Essay and Writing Skills: Knowing about the awards can enrich your essays and descriptive writing in exams by allowing you to discuss literature’s role in Indian society.
- Interview Discussions: Be prepared to answer questions about your views on the Sahitya Akademi Awards during your interview stage.
- Regional Language Exams: For exams conducted in regional languages, knowledge of the Sahitya Akademi Awards specific to that language can be an advantage.
Conclusion
The prestigious Sahitya Akademi Awards have been celebrating writers and literature for a long time. Over the years, it has honored several renowned and underrated writers as well. This award has also been of great support for the regional literature of the country. Thus, it won’t be wrong to say that ever since its establishment, the academy has been doing a splendid job in preserving as well as promoting the linguistic and cultural diversity of India.
FAQ: Sahitya Akademi Award
When was Sahitya Akademi established?
The Sahitya Akademi was established in 1954.
Where are the headquarters of Sahitya Akademi located?
The headquarters of Sahitya Akademi is located in Delhi.
How many total Sahitya Akademi Awards are given?
The Sahitya Akademi gives a total of 24 awards every year.
Who was the first Sahitya Akademi Winner for the Hindi language?
Makhanlal Chaturvedi was the first awardee of the Sahitya Akademi Award for his Hindi work Him Tarangini.
Who won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2022 for the English language?
Anuradha Roy won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2022. Her English novel All the Lives We Never Lived was chosen for the award.
Which Chief Minister has won the Sahitya Akademi Award?
The Sahitya Akademi awarded former Karnataka Chief Minister Veerappa Moily for his epic poem, Sri Bahubali Ahimsadigvijayam, in Kannada.
Who was the first Indian woman to win the Sahitya Akademi Award?
Amrita Pritam was the first female recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award, which she won in 1956 for her work . The Bhartiya Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honor, recognized her in 1982 for her work Kagaj te Canvas (Paper and Canvas).
Who invented Sahitya Akademi Award?
The Government of India developed the concept of Sahitya Akademi.
Got a question on this topic?