Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 Winners List: Devabrata Das, Sahaisuli Brahma and All 24 Honorees Announced
The Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 have been announced, celebrating exceptional literary contributions across India’s diverse linguistic heritage. The prestigious awards, presented by India’s National Academy of Letters, honor outstanding works in 24 recognized Indian languages. This year’s announcement, made on March 16, 2026 (delayed from a planned December 2025 press conference), spotlights a rich mix of genres including novels, poetry, short stories, essays, memoirs, literary criticism, and autobiographies.
The Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 highlight the vibrancy of Indian literature, with notable recognition for northeastern writers in Assamese, Bodo, and Manipuri categories. These awards not only acknowledge individual creativity but also promote multilingualism and cultural preservation in India.
Northeastern Literature Shines in Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025
In the Assamese category, renowned author Devabrata Das (also referred to as Devabrat Das) has been honored for his novel Korhi Khelar Xadhu (sometimes spelled Karhi Khelar Sadhu or Kakhi Khelor Sadhu in reports). Das stands as a key figure in post-modern Assamese literature, drawing inspiration from masters like Saurav Kumar Chaliha and Bhabendra Nath Saikia. His career spans over four decades, with more than 25 published books across fiction, non-fiction, screenplays, reviews, and critical essays. Previous accolades include the Sahityarathi Lakshminath Bezbarua Award (2018), the Sahitya Sanskriti Award from Eka Ebong Koekjan (2010), and the Tagore Literature Award from Sahitya Akademi itself in 2010. This latest honor cements his status as a pillar of contemporary Assamese writing, where his works often explore complex human experiences with innovative narrative styles.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended warm congratulations via social media, stating: “I am delighted that Assam’s literary brilliance has been recognised at the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025. Congratulations to Shri Devabrat Das for Karhi Khelar Sadhu (Assamese) and Smt. Sahaisuli Brahma for Dwngnwi Lama Mwnse Gathon (Bodo), and I wish them continued success.”
In the Bodo language category, Sahaisuli Brahma received the award for her novel Dwngnwi Lama Mwnse Gathwn (variations include Dwngwni Lama Mwse Gwthwn). This recognition underscores the growing prominence of Bodo literature, reflecting themes of identity, community, and resilience in one of India’s tribal languages.
For Manipuri, Haobam Nalini was awarded for her short story collection Kanglamdriba Eephut. Nalini had previously earned the Yendrembam Surlata Puraskar in 2020 from Sahitya Seva Samiti Manipur for the same work, indicating its enduring literary value. Her stories capture the nuances of Manipuri life, blending tradition with contemporary insights.
These northeastern wins emphasize the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025′ role in amplifying voices from underrepresented regions, fostering national unity through literature.
Full Scope of Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025
The awards cover 24 languages: Assamese, Bodo, Manipuri, Bengali, Dogri, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
This year’s distribution includes:
- 8 books of poetry
- 4 novels
- 6 books of short stories
- 2 essays
- 1 literary criticism
- 1 autobiography
- 2 memoirs
Notable winners from other languages include:
- English: Navtej Sarna (for his contributions, often noted in literary circles for blending memoir and fiction)
- Hindi: Mamta Kalia (recognized for her impactful writings)
- Bengali: Prasun Bandyopadhyay for Shrestha Kabita (Poetry)
- Gujarati: Yogesh Vaidya for Bhattkhadaki
- Kannada: Amresh Nugadoni for Dada Seerisu Tande
- Malayalam: N Prabhakaran for Maayamanushyar
- Marathi: Raju Baviskar for Kalyanilya Resha
- Punjabi: Jinder for Safety Kit
- Tamil: S. Tamilselvan for Tamil Sirukathaiyin Thadangal (Literary Criticism)
- Telugu: Nandini Sidha Reddy (anthology, as a prominent figure)
These selections reflect diverse genres and themes, from poetic explorations to critical analyses, showcasing India’s pluralistic literary ecosystem.
Significance of Sahitya Akademi Awards
Established in 1954, the Sahitya Akademi Awards are among India’s highest literary honors, carrying a cash prize, a plaque, and national recognition. Each award encourages writers in regional languages, preserving and promoting India’s linguistic diversity amid globalization.
The delay in the 2025 announcement (originally slated for December 2025) sparked discussions, but the eventual reveal on March 16, 2026, has been widely welcomed. The awards bridge generations, honoring established voices like Devabrata Das while spotlighting emerging talents.
For literature enthusiasts, these awards serve as a gateway to explore India’s multilingual treasures. Winning works often become benchmarks, inspiring translations and wider readership.
Why Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 Matter for Readers and Writers
The Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 reinforce literature’s power to unite diverse communities. By honoring works in 24 languages, the Akademi promotes inclusivity and cultural dialogue. For northeastern states like Assam, Manipur, and Bodo-speaking areas, these recognitions boost local pride and encourage younger writers.
Readers can discover fresh perspectives through these awarded books, many addressing social issues, personal struggles, and philosophical depths. The awards also boost book sales and translations, making regional literature accessible nationally and globally.
As India celebrates its literary diversity, the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 stand as a testament to enduring creativity. Congratulations to all winners—may their works continue to inspire generations.
