NEW DELHI, Dec 19 � Works by Arupa Patangia Kalita and UG Brahma have won the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2014.
At least eight books of poetry, five novels, three essays, three short stories, one literary criticism, autobiography and play have won the coveted awards this year, it was announced here today.
The books were selected on the basis of recommendations made by a jury of three members in the concerned language. The award, in the form of a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl and a cheque of Rs 1 lakh, will be presented to the authors at a function scheduled to be held on March 9, next year at the Festival of Letters.
Arupa Patangia Kalita is an Assamese novelist and short story writer and known for her fiction in Assamese. Her literary awards include the Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad Award, Katha Prize and Prabina Saikia Award. She teaches English at Tangla College in Darrang, Assam. She has over 10 novels and short story collections to her credit.
UG Brahma is an eminent Bodo poet and essayist with five collections, including poetry, short stories, biography and essay. His poetry book �damgwphral Gidinghphnnanal reflects the socioeconomic and cultural conditions of contemporary Bodo society. The book speaks about decaying social values of the present time and expresses hope to bring human values to the global society for peaceful coexistence.
Our Staff Reporter adds: Talking to The Assam Tribune, Dr Kalita said awards had never been a motivating factor for her as she regarded writing to be a resolute
pursuit of creative excellence. �However, people have expressed their joy and satisfaction over the award and this has made me happy as well,� she said.
Her Moriom Austin Athaba Heera is a collection of 10 short stories.
Kokrajhar Correspondent adds: Former Rajya Sabha MP and BPPF leader UG Brahma�s said that he is yet to receive any official intimation in that regard.
�I have heard about it, but I have not received any formal intimation,� he said.