Sahitya Akademi Awards for 2025 announced

Tamil writer Sa. Tamilselvan, Telugu author Nandini Sidha Reddy, Malayalam’s N. Prabhakaran and Kannada writer Amaresh Nugadoni were among those named for the Sahitya Akademi Awards for the year 2025.

Eight books of poetry, four novels, six books of short stories, two essays, one literary criticism, one autobiography and two memoirs have won the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025.

While Mr. Tamilselvan is selected for his literary criticism piece, Thamiz Sirukathaiyin Thadangal’, Mr. Reddy is chosen for his work in poetry Animesha. Mr. Prabhakaran’s novel Maayaamanushyar and Mr. Nugadoni’s short story Dada Seerisu Tande are other works which are selected for the award.

English author and former ambassador Navtej Sarna and Hindi writer Mamta Kalia are getting the award for their work Crimson Spring (novel) and Jeete Jee Allahabad (memoir) respectively.

Other writers who are selected for the award include, Devabrat Das (Karhi Khelar Sadhu), Prasun Bandyopadhyay (Shrestha Kabita), Sahaisuli Brahma (Dwngnwi Lama Mwnse Gathwn), Khajur Singh Thakur (Thakur Satsayie), Yogesh Vaidya (Bhattkhadaki), Ali Shaida (Najdavanek’y Pot Aalav), Henry Mendonca alias H.M. Pernal (Konkani Kavyem: Rupani Ani Rupakam), Mahendra (Dhatri Paat San Gaam), Haobam Nalini (Kanglamdriba Eephut), Raju Baviskar (Kalyanilya Resha), Prakash Bhattarai (Nepali Paramparik Sanskriti Ra Sabhyata Ko Dukuti), Girijakumar Baliyar Singh (Padapurana), Jinder (Safety Kit), Jitender Kumar Soni (Bharkhama), Mahamahopadhyaya Sadhu Bhadreshdas (Prasthanacatustaye Brahmaghosah), Sumitra Soren (Mid Birna Chenne Saon Inag Sagai), Bhagwan Atlani (Waghoo) and Pritpal Singh Betab (Safar Jaari Hai).

The Sahitya Akademi, founded on March 12, 1954 is an autonomous body under the Union Culture Ministry and is dedicated to the promotion of literature in Indian languages.

Interestingly, the Sahitya Akademi had cancelled a press conference called by it to announce its annual literary awards following a directive from the Union Ministry of Culture, last year in December.