Literary Luminaries Mamta Kalia and Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi to Receive ‘Akashdeep’ Award
Chandigarh, January 16, 2026 – The Amar Ujala’s prestigious ‘Akashdeep’ Award for the year 2025 will be bestowed upon two prolific authors: renowned Hindi short-story writer Mamta Kalia and celebrated Manipuri writer Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi. This award recognizes their significant contributions to literature, particularly highlighting women’s voices in the literary realm.
A Celebration of Women’s Contributions
The year 2025 marks a milestone as it commemorates the Golden Jubilee of the United Nations declaring 1975 as the International Women’s Year. In continuation of this legacy, 2026 has been designated to acknowledge women’s contributions to agriculture, thereby enhancing the significance of honoring these dynamic authors. Each recipient will receive a cash prize of ₹500,000, along with a citation and a Ganga sculpture, embodying the essence of Indian culture.
Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi, born Dr. Thounaojam Chanu Ibemhal on January 1, 1957, is recognized for her influential writing that delves into postcolonial thought and women’s identity within Manipuri literature. Her keen focus on Meitei myths and her ability to portray the intricacies of contemporary Manipuri society positions her as a formidable figure in the literary landscape.
On the other hand, Mamta Kalia, born on November 2, 1940, made significant strides in Hindi literature at a time when feminism was emerging as a critical discourse. With over a dozen published works to her name, Kalia has consistently brought to light the struggles and nuances of middle-class life, along with the complexities surrounding women’s identities.
Recognizing Excellence in Literature
The Akashdeep Award, which honors one distinguished writer from Hindi and another from a non-Hindi Indian language, has previously celebrated talents from various languages such as Kannada, Marathi, and Bengali, among others. This year’s selection of Manipuri highlights the diversity and richness of Indian literature.
In addition to the Akashdeep recognition, Amar Ujala Shabd Samman is set to honor several other literary works from 2024. Awards include:
- Best Poetry: Savita Singh for “Vaasna Ek Nadi Ka Naam Hai” (Desire Is the Name of a River).
- Best Non-Fiction: Naish Hasan for “Mutah”.
- Best Fiction: Shahadat for “Curfew Ki Raat” (The Night of the Curfew).
- Bhasha-Bandhu Award: Sujata Shiven for translating Pradeep Dash’s work “Charu Chivar aur Charya” from Odia to Hindi.
- Thaap Award: Manish Yadav for debuting with “Sudhaargrih Ki Malikainen” (The Women Who Run the Reformatory).
Each of these awardees will receive ₹100,000, a citation, and a Ganga sculpture, further highlighting the value placed on literary excellence. A high-profile jury, including noted poet Varsha Das and acclaimed storyteller Dhirendra Asthana, has meticulously evaluated the submissions for these honors.
The formal presentation of the Amar Ujala Shabd Samman is anticipated shortly, celebrating the dedication and creativity of India’s authors and their valuable contributions to the literary landscape.
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