Odia poet Girijakumar Baliyar Singh has won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for his acclaimed poetry collection Padapurana, marking a major literary milestone.
The Sahitya Akademi jury unanimously selected Padapurana for its lyrical depth, cultural resonance, and poetic craftsmanship. First published in 2020, the collection explores themes rooted in Odisha’s spiritual and social landscape, blending tradition with contemporary reflection.
The jury for the Odia language category included Ms Gayatri Saraf, Dr Jayanti Rath, and Shyama Prasad Choudhury. Their selection highlights the enduring power of poetry to shape cultural discourse and elevate regional voices to national recognition.
Padapurana stood out among the ten shortlisted works across genres such as essays, short stories, plays, and novels. The award affirms Baliyar Singh’s contribution to Odia literature and his ability to connect with readers through evocative verse.
