THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW
DELHI, MARCH 16, 2026
Renowned Odia poet
Girijakumar Baliyar Singh has been honoured with the prestigious Kendra Sahitya
Akademi Award for 2025 for his celebrated poetry collection Padapurana, a recognition that has
brought renewed attention to contemporary Odia poetry on the national literary
stage.
The award was
conferred after the distinguished jury unanimously chose Padapurana for its rich lyrical expression, profound emotional
undercurrents and the way it captures the cultural and philosophical essence of
Odisha. First brought out in 2020, the volume presents a thoughtful blend of
tradition and modern sensibility, weaving together reflections on society,
spirituality and human experience through evocative poetic language.
The Odia language
jury — comprising noted literary figures Gayatri Saraf, Jayanti Rath and Shyama
Prasad Choudhury — commended the collection for its artistic finesse and the
depth with which it resonates with readers. Their unanimous verdict underscores
the enduring vitality of poetry as a medium that not only reflects cultural
identity but also enriches the broader literary discourse.
Among ten shortlisted
works spanning essays, short stories, plays and novels, Padapurana distinguished itself through its distinctive poetic
voice and thematic richness. The honour is seen as a significant acknowledgment
of Baliyar Singh’s creative contribution to Odia literature and his ability to
transform everyday cultural experiences into compelling verse that speaks to
both regional and national audiences.
