23 Authors Honored at 2024 Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Awards for Children’s Literature

The 2024 Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Awards honored 23 authors for outstanding contributions to children’s literature, celebrating diverse Indian languages.

on Nov 15, 2024

2024 Sahitya Akademi Childrens Literature Awards

In a ceremony held in Lucknow, the Sahitya Akademi celebrated 23 authors with the 2024 Bal Sahitya Awards for their remarkable contributions to children’s literature across various Indian languages. Each awardee received a copper plaque and a cash prize of Rs 50,000. The awards, presented in Lucknow for the first time, underscore the city’s cultural heritage and commitment to nurturing literary excellence among young readers.

The ceremony was inaugurated by Professor Suryaprasad Dixit, who emphasized the need for engaging, visually appealing children’s literature that resonates with young minds. Dixit highlighted the value of stories that inspire curiosity and connect with children’s psychology, covering themes like adventure and inspiring life stories.

A Celebration of Literary Excellence

The awardees represent a broad range of Indian languages. Among the honorees were Ranju Hazarika for Assamese, Dipanwita Roy for Bengali, and Bharjin Jacob Mosahari for Bodo. Other distinguished winners included Bishan Singh Dardi (Dogri), Gira Pinakin Bhatt (Gujarati), and Krishnamurthy Biligeri (Kannada). Additional recipients included Muzaffar Hussain Dilbar (Kashmiri), Harsha Sadguru Shetye (Konkani), and Devendra Kumar (Hindi). Nandini Sengupta's award for English was accepted on her behalf. Several awardees, including Shamsur Rahman Faruqi (Urdu) and Lal Hotchandani (Sindhi), were unable to attend due to health concerns.

The event also celebrated authors like Narayanji (Maithili), Unni Ammayambalam (Malayalam), Kshetrimayum Suvadani (Manipuri), Bharat Sasne (Marathi), Vasant Thapa (Nepali), Manas Ranjan Samal (Odia), Kuldeep Singh Deep (Punjabi), Prahlad Singh Jhora (Rajasthani), Harshdev Madhav (Sanskrit), Dugai Tudu (Santali), Yuma Vasuki (Tamil), and Pamidimukkala Chandrashekhar Azad (Telugu).

Promoting Cultural Heritage through Children’s Literature

Sahitya Akademi Vice President Kumud Sharma expressed gratitude to the awardees, noting the essential role of children’s literature in fostering creativity and emotional resilience. Secretary K. Srinivas Rao acknowledged the unique significance of this year’s awards being held in Lucknow, a city celebrated for its cultural vibrancy.

Since its inception in 2010, the Bal Sahitya Awards have recognized exceptional works that enrich children’s literature across India. Founded in 1954, the Sahitya Akademi remains India's premier institution for literary dialogue, publication, and cultural promotion. Through the Bal Sahitya Awards, the Akademi continues to honor diverse voices that contribute to India’s rich literary landscape, inspiring and nurturing young imaginations nationwide.