The Sahitya Akademi for Yuva Puraskar in 23 languages, and Bal Sahitya Puraskar for 22 languages were announced on June 14. Malayalam writer Malayath Appunni and Tamil writer Devi Nachiappan aka Deivanai won Bal Sahitya awards for their contribution to children’s literature. Devi Nachiappan is the daughter of popular Tamil poet Azha Valliappa, better known as ‘Kuzhandai Kavignar’ (Children’s poet).
The Yuva Puraskar for 2019 has the highest number of awards for poetry in the country.
Kannada writer Shridhar Banvasi GC who goes by Fakeer won for his novel Beru, while Telugu writer Gaddam Mohan Rao won it for Kongavalu Kathu. Malayalam writer Anuja Akathootu’s Amma Urangunnila and Tamil writer Sabarinathan’s Vaal – both collections of poetry – won awards.
The Bal Sahitya award in Kannada went to Chandrakanth Karadalli’s Kadu Kanasina Beedige, a novel; while Telugu writer Belagam Bheemeswara Rao’s short story collection Thatha Mata Varaala Moota won the award.
Popular children’s writer Malayath Appunni, now 75 years old, has won several awards including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi for his works.
These awards relate to books first published between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017. The prize comprises an engraved copper plaque and a cheque for Rs 50,000.
Awards for Maithili language spoken in Bihar and Jharkhand states will be announced at a later date. The annual award established in 1954 by Government of India aims to promote regional literature in the country through awards, fellowships, grants, publications, literary programmes, workshops and exhibitions. The awards in each language is decided by a jury panel of three members.