Girijakumar Baliyarsingh’s ‘Padapurana’ Selected for Sahitya Akademi Award 2025

Bhubaneswar: Renowned Odia litterateur Girijakumar Baliyarsingh has been selected for the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for his poetry collection Padapurana, one of the most distinguished literary honours in India.

Published in 2020, Padapurana has been recognised in the poetry category for its literary merit. The jury unanimously chose the work from among ten Odia books recommended for the award this year, acknowledging Baliyarsingh’s significant contribution to contemporary Odia literature.

The Sahitya Akademi announced its annual awards for works in 24 Indian languages recognised by the institution. This year, the awards include eight poetry collections, four novels, six short story compilations, two essay collections, one work of literary criticism, one autobiography, and two memoirs.

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 to be held on March 31, 2026, in New Delhi.

Baliyarsingh’s recognition for Padapurana marks a significant milestone for Odia literature and reflects the continued vibrancy of regional literary traditions in India.