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Noted writers Dr. Rajkishore Padhi and Subrat Senapati have been nominated for the Kendra Sahitya Akademi’s awards in ‘Bal Sahitya’ and ‘Yuva Puraskar’ categories, respectively, for the year 2025 in the Odia language.
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“Rajkishore Padhi’s ‘Kete Phula Phutichi’ has been nominated for Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar, and Subrat Kumar Senapati’s ‘Kadamba Bana’ for the Yuva Puraskar, for the year 2025 – my heartfelt wishes and congratulations to both of them. This achievement is not just a personal success for you both, but also a matter of pride and honour for the Odia language and literature. May you continue to enrich the treasure trove of Odia literature with your creations in the days to come,” Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi posted on his personal ‘X’ handle.
Each award carries Rs 50K in cash
According to official sources, the Sahitya Akademi has announced the names of recipients for its ‘Bal Sahitya Puraskar’ and ‘Yuva Puraskar’ in the Odia language for the year 2025. Celebrated children’s author Dr. Rajkishore Padhi will be conferred the Bal Sahitya Puraskar for his well-known children’s book ‘Kete Phula Phutichi’ (Many Flowers Have Bloomed). The book has been widely appreciated for its imaginative storytelling and literary value in children’s literature.
In the ‘Yuva Puraskar’ category, young and promising writer Subrat Senapati has been selected for his short story collection ‘Kadamba Bana’ (The Kadamba Forest). His work has been recognised for its originality, emotional depth, and contemporary relevance.
Each award includes a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a citation plaque (memento), and a shawl. A special ceremony will be held to honour both the Odia writers. The awards were officially confirmed at the executive body meeting of the Sahitya Akademi held today.
The final jury for the 2025 Yuva Puraskar included noted writer Yasodhara Mishra, Rabi Swain, and Subhash Satpathy. For the Bal Sahitya Puraskar, the selection committee comprised Professor Niladribhushan Harichandan, Dr. Shakuntala Baliarsingh, and acclaimed children’s author Ramachandra Nayak.
This information was provided by Gaurahari Das, the Odia language convener of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi. However, no comments were received from either the writers or the Akademi authorities in this regard.
Worth mentioning, the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar is an annual award given to emerging writers aged 35 or under, in recognition of their exceptional literary work in any of the 24 officially recognised Indian languages.
Similarly, the Bal Sahitya Puraskar is awarded yearly to honour remarkable contributions to children’s literature across these 24 languages.
