Diverse voices celebrated in children’s literature
Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025 Awardees List Announced: India’s rich literary landscape just became even more vibrant with the Sahitya Akademi’s latest announcement. The Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025 celebrates 24 outstanding works of children’s literature written in different Indian languages. The awards, curated under the chairmanship of Sri Madhav Kaushik, reflect the Akademi’s efforts to honor creative contributions that enrich young minds.
Recognizing work from 2019 to 2023
The awarded books had to be first published between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023. This selection period ensures that the works are recent, tested among readers, and still relevant. It helps identify not only fresh talent but also how writers are adapting traditional narratives to modern-day themes in children’s literature.
Wide linguistic and cultural representation
What makes these awards truly special is their inclusivity. All 24 recognized works are from different Indian languages, highlighting the diversity in Indian storytelling. From Assamese to Urdu, the winning entries reflect stories rooted in regional culture, values, and languages. For instance, Dibakar Sinha Indian Myths and Fables Retold in English and Ottrai Sirago Orva in Tamil show the range and imagination authors bring across genres.
Range of genres acknowledged
This year’s awards recognized works from a variety of genres:
- Poetry: 8 entries like Mahabharathar Padya (Assamese) and Balviyaam (Sanskrit)
- Short Stories: 6 collections including Notebook (Kannada) and Ek Kaley Bara (Hindi)
- Novels: 5 full-length narratives including Rangamandalache Yaadravadi (Malayalam)
- Dramatic Works: Plays like Anganganginage Shamahungsida (Manipuri)
- Articles: Quami Sitare (Urdu)
Such diversity ensures every child, no matter where they’re from, finds stories that reflect their surroundings.
What winners receive?
Each awardee gets a copper plaque in a special casket and a Rs. 50,000 cash prize. It’s not just about the money, though—it’s a nod to how important creative work is in shaping a child’s thoughts and imagination. The Akademi has planned a formal ceremony where all 24 winners will be honored.
Nurturing culture through children’s books
In a world flooded with screens, the Bal Sahitya Puraskar reminds us how essential good books are for children. Literature in native languages teaches them not just stories, but also values, culture, and imagination. Encouraging writing in regional languages like Maithili, Santali, and Konkani ensures that language learning is rooted in emotion and identity.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
| Content | Details |
| Name of Award | Bal Sahitya Puraskar |
| Organizing Body | Sahitya Akademi |
| Parent Ministry | Ministry of Culture, Government of India |
| Year of Announcement | 2025 |
| Total Winners | 24 |
| Eligible Publication Period | 2019 to 2023 |
| Prize Amount | Rs. 50,000 |
| Recognition Given | Copper plaque in casket + cash prize |
| Jury Head | Sri Madhav Kaushik |
| Genres Covered | Poetry, Short Stories, Novels, Drama, Articles |
| Languages Represented | 24 Indian languages |
| Event Type | Annual |
| Objective | Promote children’s literature in India |
| Highlighted Languages | Assamese, Tamil, English, Hindi, Urdu |
| Latest Award Edition | 2025 |
| First Time Held | 2010 (Static GK) |
| Target Readers | Children and Young Adults |
