Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 announced
Why in news
The Sahitya Akademi announced the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 for works in 24 recognised Indian languages.
The announcement came after a delay of nearly three months, as the process had earlier been paused following directives from the Union Ministry of Culture regarding restructuring of the awards.
Key highlights
Awards announced for 24 languages recognised by Sahitya Akademi.
Total categories of winning works:
8 poetry collections
4 novels
6 short-story collections
2 essays
1 literary criticism
1 autobiography
2 memoirs
Selected awardees (2025)
Language | Author | Work | Genre |
English | Navtej Sarna | Crimson Spring | Novel |
Hindi | Mamta Kalia | Jeete Jee Allahabad | Memoir |
Tamil | Sa Tamilselvan | Thamizh Sirukathaiyin Thadangal | Literary criticism |
Bengali | Prasun Bandyopadhyay | Shrestha Kabita | Poetry |
Gujarati | Yogesh Vaidya | Bhattkhadaki | Literature |
Kannada | Amresh Nugadoni | Dada Seerisu Tande | Literature |
Malayalam | N. Prabhakaran | Maayamanushyar | Literature |
Marathi | Raju Baviskar | Kalyanilya Resha | Literature |
Telugu | Nandini Sidha Reddy | Animesha | Poetry |
Punjabi | Jinder | Safety Kit | Literature |
Rajasthani | Jitender Kumar Soni | Bharkhama | Literature |
Award components
Each awardee will receive:
An engraved copper plaque
A shawl
₹1 lakh cash prize
The awards will be presented at a ceremony on March 31.
About Sahitya Akademi
Established in 1954.
India’s National Academy of Letters.
Headquarters: Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi.
Promotes Indian literature and literary exchange among languages.
Recognises works in 24 Indian languages (22 Scheduled languages + English + Rajasthani).
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. The Sahitya Akademi Awards are given for outstanding works in how many languages?
A. 22
B. 23
C. 24
D. 25
Answer: C
Explanation: Sahitya Akademi recognises 24 languages — the 22 languages of the Eighth Schedule plus English and Rajasthani.
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Sahitya Akademi:
It was established in 1954.
It functions under the Ministry of Education.
It promotes literary exchange among Indian languages.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: Sahitya Akademi was established in 1954 and functions as an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture, not the Ministry of Education.