Who Are the Latest Literary Stars? Discover the 2025 Sahitya Akademi Award Winners!

The Sahitya Akademi has revealed the winners of the 2025 Yuva and Bal Sahitya Puraskar, recognizing the contributions of Odia writers Subrat Kumar Senapati and Rajakishore Parhi. Senapati's award celebrates his impact on Odia literature, while Parhi is honored for his work in children's literature. This year's awards highlight the achievements of young authors across various Indian languages, showcasing the rich literary landscape of the nation. Each award includes a cash prize and a commemorative plaque, with a formal ceremony to follow. Discover more about these literary stars and their contributions!

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 18, 2025, 17:34 IST

Celebrating Literary Excellence

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: The Sahitya Akademi has announced that Odia author Subrat Kumar Senapati will receive the Yuva Puraskar for 2025, while fellow Odia writer Rajakishore Parhi has been awarded the Bal Sahitya Puraskar.

Senapati's recognition comes for his significant contributions to Odia literature, placing him among 22 other young authors honored across various Indian languages. This award is specifically for writers under the age of 35, with selections made by a panel of three language specialists as per the Akademi's established guidelines.

Noteworthy winners of the Yuva Puraskar this year include Advait Kottary (English) for his novel 'Siddhartha: The Boy Who Became the Buddha' and Parvati Tirkey (Hindi) for her poetry collection 'Phir Ugna'. However, it is important to note that no award was presented in the Dogri category this year.

On the other hand, the Bal Sahitya Puraskar, which recognizes excellence in children's literature, has been awarded to 24 authors. Rajakishore Parhi from Odisha received this honor for his contributions in Odia. Other recipients include Nitin Kushalappa MP (English) for 'Dakshin: South Indian Myths and Fables Retold' and Sushil Shukla (Hindi) for 'Ek Batey Bara'.

Each award includes a casket featuring an engraved copper plaque along with a cash prize of ₹50,000. The formal presentation of these awards will take place during a special ceremony scheduled for later.

These accolades highlight the vibrant literary talent present in various Indian languages and underscore the increasing impact of Odia literature on the national literary scene.