Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 16: Three writers from Jammu and Kashmir have been honoured with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for their poetry collections, bringing recognition to the region’s literary talent.
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The awardees include Khajur Singh Thakur from Kathua for his Dogri poetry and couplets “Thakur Satsayie”, Pritpal Singh Betab from Poonch for his Urdu poetry collection “Safar Jaari Hai”, and Ali Shaida from Anantnag for his Kashmiri poetry “Najdavanek’y Pot Aalav”.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated the awardees for their achievements and said their works would inspire future generations of writers.
In a message shared through the Office of the Lieutenant Governor on social media, he said, “Congratulations to Khajur Singh Thakur, Ali Shaida & Pritpal Singh Betab upon receiving prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for their distinguished contributions to Dogri, Kashmiri & Urdu language & literature. Their exemplary works shall inspire future generations.”
Union Minister of State (MoS) in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Dr Jitendra Singh also congratulated the writers and appreciated their role in promoting the rich linguistic diversity and literary heritage of the region.
Pertinently, Khajur Singh Thakur has contributed immensely for the promotion of the Dogra literature and culture through various art forms including singing, dancing, and poetry. Ali Shaida has also contributed for the promotion of Kashmiri culture through his poetry.
Meanwhile, a statement said renowned Urdu poet Pritpal Singh Betab received the honour for his immense contribution to Urdu literature through several poetry collections including Pesh Khema, Sarab Dar Sarab, Khud Rang, Mauj-e-Reg, Shehr-e-Ghazal, Nazm Ikkisvin Sadi, Falak Aasaar, and Ek Jazeera Beech Samandar, besides the award-winning Safar Jaari Hai.
Literary circles, writers and admirers have welcomed the recognition and extended their congratulations, expressing hope that Betab’s creative work will continue to enrich Urdu literature.
The Sahitya Akademi Award carries a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl and prize money of Rs 1 lakh. The awards will be presented at a ceremony scheduled to be held on March 31, 2026 in New Delhi.
Every year, Sahitya Akademi confers awards in 24 languages recognised by it through an established selection process.
For the 2025 awards, the process began in January 2025 with the issuance of an open advertisement inviting nominations for literary works across various categories.
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