The Kashmir Dialogues
Recognizing outstanding voices shaping the literary landscape
The Literary Wits Awards 2025–26, organized by Writers Voice Group in association with Authors Paradise Literary Consultancy, Writers Voice, Book Buffs, and Arise Times as media partners, proudly announce the list of eminent awardees for this year. These prestigious awards aim to honour literary brilliance, creative expression, and meaningful contributions across a wide spectrum of genres and disciplines.
Guided by the principle that “real awards are always conferred upon the most deserving,” the Literary Wits Awards have once again brought together a distinguished panel of recipients whose work reflects depth, originality, and impact. This year’s awardees represent a vibrant mix of established and emerging voices, reaffirming the evolving dynamism of contemporary literature.
In the category of Epic Poetry & Ethical Literature, Dr. Jernail S. Anand has been honoured for his profound contribution to poetry that explores moral consciousness and philosophical depth. His work continues to inspire readers with its timeless themes and intellectual richness.
The award for Best Female Writer (Poetry) has been conferred upon Dr. Vandana Kumar, whose poetic expressions resonate with emotional intensity and artistic finesse. Her work stands as a testament to the enduring power of lyrical storytelling.
In the field of historical narratives, Dr. Shadab Ahmed has been recognized as the Best Male Writer (Non-fiction Historical Books). His meticulous research and engaging narrative style have significantly contributed to making history accessible and compelling for modern readers.
The Best Male Writer (Fiction) award goes to Dr. Anandajit Goswami, whose imaginative storytelling and nuanced characters have earned him acclaim in literary circles. His fiction reflects both creativity and a deep understanding of human emotions.
For excellence in non-fiction writing, Rituparna Ray Chaudhuri has been awarded Best Female Writer (Non-Fiction). Her insightful and thought-provoking work has contributed meaningfully to contemporary discourse and intellectual engagement.
In the category of Art and Literature, Dr. Arbind Kumar Choudhury has been recognized for bridging creative disciplines and enriching the cultural narrative through his work. His contributions highlight the synergy between artistic expression and literary thought.
The award for Literature and Cinema has been presented to Shrimoyee Chattopadhyay, acknowledging her efforts in exploring the intersection of storytelling across literary and cinematic platforms. Her work reflects innovation and cross-medium creativity.
Dr. Sona Agarwal has been honoured in the category of Culture and Literature, celebrating her role in preserving and promoting cultural narratives through her literary contributions.
In translation, which plays a vital role in connecting diverse linguistic traditions, Ambika Ananth has been awarded Best Female Translator, while Kallol Choudhury has received the award for Best Male Translator. Both have demonstrated exceptional skill in bringing literary works across linguistic boundaries while retaining their essence.
The award for Best Life-Changing Book has been conferred upon Nihit Mohan, whose work has inspired readers with its transformative message and motivational depth.
Recognizing excellence in short fiction, Dr. Alokparna Das has been awarded for Best Short Story of the Year, showcasing her ability to capture powerful narratives within a concise form.
In the category of Literary Stylistics, Nigama RV has been honoured for mastery over language and style, contributing significantly to the craft of writing.
The Poem of the Year award has been presented to Dr. Haseena Kabeer, whose work stands out for its lyrical beauty and emotional resonance.
Finally, the Outstanding Emerging Author award has been conferred upon Srikar Chitta, recognizing promising new talent and encouraging the next generation of literary voices.
Speaking on the occasion, the organizing committee emphasized that the Literary Wits Awards are not merely about recognition but about celebrating the spirit of literature itself. “Each awardee represents a unique voice and perspective that enriches the literary world. Through these honours, we aim to encourage writers to continue their pursuit of excellence and meaningful expression,” the organizers stated.
The collaboration between Writers Voice Group, Authors Paradise Literary Consultancy, Book Buffs, and Arise Times has ensured that the awards reach a wide audience, highlighting the importance of literature in shaping society and culture. The initiative also underscores the role of media in promoting literary achievements and bringing deserving authors into the spotlight.
The awardees will receive e-certificates and commemorative mementos as tokens of appreciation for their contributions. The organizers have also announced that the upcoming edition of the Literary Wits Awards will continue to expand its reach and categories, further strengthening its commitment to recognizing literary excellence.
As the Literary Wits Awards 2025–26 celebrate these remarkable individuals, the message is clear: literature continues to thrive through the passion, dedication, and creativity of its writers. These awardees not only reflect the richness of literary traditions but also pave the way for future innovations in the world of words.
Sheikh Sameer
M S Nazki
