Bhubaneswar: Odia litterateur Girijakumar Baliyarsingh poetry collection ‘Padapurana’ has been selected for the Sahitya Akademi Award 2025, one of India’s most prestigious literary honors. Among ten Odia books recommended for the award this year, the jury unanimously chose ‘Padapurana’ for its literary merit.
Published in 2020, Padapurana has been recognised in the poetry category, highlighting Baliyarsingh contribution to contemporary Odia literature.
The Sahitya Akademi announced its annual awards covering 24 Indian languages recognised by the institution. This year, eight poetry collections, four novels, six short story compilations, two books of essays, one literary criticism, one autobiography, and two memoirs have been honored with the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025.
The selection process for the 2025 awards began in January 2025 with an open advertisement issued on January 30. Recommendations from distinguished jury members across 24 languages were subsequently approved by the competent authority of the Akademi.
Each awardee will receive a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a ceremonial shawl, and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. The award presentation ceremony is scheduled for March 31, 2026, in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also extended his heartfelt congratulations to Girijakumar Baliyarsingh on his nomination for the 2025 Sahitya Akademi Award by the Central Sahitya Akademi for his poetry book ‘Padapurana’.
Taking to X, the Chief Minister lauded Baliyarsingh’s contribution to Odia literature, noting that this recognition brings a new national spotlight to the state’s literary heritage. He wished the poet a bright future and continued success, invoking the blessings of Lord Jagannath for his further achievements.
Baliyarsingh recognition for ‘Padapurana’ marks a significant milestone for Odia literature, reflecting the continuing vibrancy and relevance of regional literary traditions in India.
