The Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) a dynamic platform for literary dialogue and Indian culture, has unveiled the recipients of the 2025 KLF Book Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to literature across 12 distinct categories. Conferred by Honourable Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, these accolades commend literary distinction in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, business writing, translation, children's literature, and debut works in both English and Hindi.

Acclaimed authors such as Dr Vikram Sampath (Tipu Sultan: The Saga of Mysore's Interregnum (1760-1799)), Vikas Swarup (The Girl with the Seven Lives), Jeet Thayil (I’ll Have It Here), and renowned translator Arunava Sinha (Ten Days of the Strike: Selected Stories) are among the winners in the English categories. Meanwhile, in Hindi, celebrated writers including Anant Vijay (Over the Top: OTT ka Mayajaal), Shiv Balak Misra (Gaanv Se Bees Postcard), Manisha Kulsherstha (Vanya), Sujata Shiven (Charu, Chivar Aur Charya), and Prabhat Ranjan (Kissagram) have been recognised for their exemplary literary contributions.

A Celebration of Literary Brilliance

The award ceremony, held at the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, commenced with a traditional Lighting of the Lamp and Saraswati Vandana, symbolising cultural reverence. 

The Chief Guest, Honourable Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, addressed the audience, emphasising the enduring power of storytelling in shaping India's diverse literary tradition and said, “First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the esteemed authors whose wisdom and literary brilliance have given life to these masterpieces, upholding India’s centuries-old literary tradition. I regard them as both artists and artisans—custodians of our rich cultural heritage. No award can truly capture the depth of their contributions; it is merely a humble gesture of gratitude for their dedication to preserving and enriching our literary legacy.”

Ashok Kumar Bal, CEO & Patron of KLF, delivered an inspiring inaugural speech, reaffirming the festival’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural literary dialogue. Addressing the gathering, he said, “The 2025 award-winning books are more than just literary masterpieces—they are voices shaping intellectual discourse. As KLF moves forward, we envision these works sparking new conversations, broadening worldviews, and leaving an indelible mark on readers across the globe.”

Rashmi Ranjan Parida, KLF Founder & Director, reflected on the evolution of the awards, stating, “The KLF Book Awards have grown into a benchmark of literary excellence. They celebrate voices that challenge perspectives, inspire generations, and contribute to the intellectual and cultural fabric of our society."

Award Winners Across Categories

Recognising the richness and diversity of contemporary literature, the KLF Book Awards honour excellence across seven categories in English and five in Hindi. Each recipient is awarded a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a citation, a distinguished trophy, and a traditional shawl, celebrating their literary achievements.

Winners – KLF Book Awards 2025

English Language Winners:

• Non-Fiction: Tipu Sultan: The Saga of Mysore's Interregnum (1760-1799) – Dr Vikram Sampath (Penguin) & The Sherpa Trail: Stories from Darjeeling and Beyond – Nandini Purandare & Deepa Balsavar (Roli Books)

• Fiction: The Girl with the Seven Lives – Vikas Swarup (Simon & Schuster) & The Enclave: A Sharp and Hilarious Portrait of Womanhood in India – Rohit Manchanda (HarperCollins)

• Poetry: I’ll Have It Here – Jeet Thayil (HarperCollins)

• Business: Digital Fortunes: A Value Investor’s Guide to the New Economy – Smarak Swain (Bloomsbury India)

• Translation: Ten Days of the Strike: Selected Stories – Sandipan Chattopadhyay, translated from Bengali by Arunava Sinha (HarperCollins)

• Debut Writing: The Many Lives of Syeda X: The Story of an Unknown Indian – Neha Dixit (Juggernaut)

• Children’s Literature: Laxmi Panda: The Story of Netaji's Youngest Spy – Savie Karnel (Westland)

Hindi Language Winners:

• Non-Fiction: Over the Top: OTT ka Mayajaal – Anant Vijay (Prabhat Prakashan)

• Fiction: Vanya – Manisha Kulsherstha (Rajpal and Sons) & Kissagram – Prabhat Ranjan (Rajpal and Sons)

• Poetry: Dharm Wah Naav Nahin – Shirish Kumar Maurya (Rajkamal Prakashan)

• Translation: Charu, Chivar Aur Charya  – Pradeep Das, translated by Sujata Shiven (Penguin)

• Debut Writing: Chakka Jaam – Gautam Choubey (Rajkamal Prakashan)

• Special Citation: Gaanv Se Bees Postcard – Shiv Balak Misra (Westland - Eka)

Honouring Excellence Across Languages

In addition to honouring 15 exceptional books in English and Hindi, the KLF Book Awards will also recognize four outstanding works in Sanskrit and Odia. These prestigious awards will be presented during the annual Kalinga Literary Festival, scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar from March 21–23, 2025.

Established as a benchmark for literary distinction, the awards highlight India’s rich linguistic heritage and the evolving role of literature in shaping society. The overwhelming response this year reaffirms KLF’s growing influence in fostering literary excellence and cross-cultural dialogue.

A Grand Conclusion

The event culminated in a sincere vote of thanks by Professor Kamala Kanta Dash, who expressed deep appreciation for the invaluable contributions of authors, jurors, publishers, and literary enthusiasts in ensuring the awards' resounding success.

A post-event gathering at the lush lawns of India International Centre allowed attendees to engage in stimulating literary discussions. The evening was further enriched by the launch of the book A Various World by Ashok Kumar Bal, followed by an insightful panel discussion featuring distinguished members of the KLF Advisory Board.

The Legacy and Future of KLF 

The Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) has grown into a dynamic platform for literary and cultural discourse, championing works that inspire dialogue and challenge perspectives. Central to this vision, the KLF Book Awards honour literary excellence, recognising works that shape contemporary intellectual debates and leave a lasting impact on readers. As KLF looks ahead, it remains committed to fostering diverse voices and expanding literary engagement. The award-winning books of 2025 exemplify this mission, offering narratives that provoke thought and enrich global conversations.

The Kalinga Literary Festival remains steadfast in its mission to celebrate literary excellence, foster intellectual discourse, and bridge cultures through the power of the written word.

About KLF Book Awards: 

The Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) has become a premier annual event in India’s literary and cultural landscape, dedicated to fostering a vibrant reading and writing culture while bridging Indian and English literary traditions.

Established in 2021, the KLF Book Awards honour literary excellence across genres, recognising both emerging and established writers and shaping future literary icons.

One of India’s leading literary gatherings, KLF attracts over half a million attendees over four dynamic days. The 11th edition spotlights Indonesia as the Country Partner, promoting cross-cultural dialogue.

Featuring Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, acclaimed authors, celebrities, and thought leaders, KLF remains a cornerstone of India’s literary calendar.

Kalinga Literary Festival celebrates the vibrant spirit of India and its rich literary heritage, fostering dialogues that resonate with people from every walk of life. Since 2013, it has become a sanctuary for the free exchange of ideas, welcoming thousands to the shared love of literature and the arts.

In the festival's symphony of voices, we find our own uplifted — in celebration, in contemplation, and in the humble pursuit of wisdom that transcends time. The Kalinga Literary Festival beckons you to be a part of this grand narrative — to listen, to speak, and to be inspired.