Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar
Children are the seeds out of which future trees will sprout. Just as one would nourish and nurture a fledgling plant, it is the duty of all to provide right kind of inputs to children of the society.
Right kind of materials spark creativity in children, they enable to children think out of box and enhance their awareness about Nature and the world around us.
So, those who create children’s literature need to be encouraged and promoted. Alive to this need, Sahitya Akademi instituted Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar in 2010.
Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar is conferred on outstanding and meritorious children’s books annually and in the 24 languages recognized by the Akademi.
For each language the ground list is prepared by two experts.
Then the concerned language advisory board members forward their own lists based on the ground list provided by the experts.
The same is sent to the Preliminary Panel comprising 10 scholars in that language.
The recommendations of the Preliminary Panel are placed before a 3-member jury and the jury selects one from those recommendations.
Bal Sahitya Puraskar carries a plaque, shawl, citation and a cheque for Rupees Fifty Thousand [₹ 50,000].
Procedure Of Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar
1. General
Subject to the provision of rule 1(2), there shall be an award every year for the most outstanding book by an Indian author, first published in any of the languages recognized by the Sahitya Akademi (hereafter referred to as the Akademi) during the five years prior to the year, immediately preceding the year of the award.
Illustration: For the award of 2010, books published between 2004 and 2008 would be considered.
The award for any language may not be given during any year if, in the opinion of the Jury constituted in pursuance of rule 5 (1), no book published in that language during the five years preceding the year of the award merits the award. However, during the initial ten years i.e. from 2010 to 2019, the award may be given to an author based on his/her total contribution to Children’s Literature if no book is considered suitable for the award.
The award shall consist of such amount as the Akademi may from time to time decide besides a citation that brings out, briefly, the book’s significance and its author’s contribution to his/ her language and literature.
The author must be of Indian nationality.
The award will be considered only if there is minimum of three books in the final stage of selection.
2. Criteria of eligibility for the Award
In order to be eligible for the award, the Children’s book must be an outstanding contribution to the language and literature to which it belongs. The book may be a creative work but must not be
(a) a work of translation; or
(b) an anthology of multiple authors; or
(c) an abridgement; or
(d) a treatise or research work prepared for a university degree or any examination; or
(e) the work of an author who is a member of the Executive Board of the Akademi; or
(f) a recipient of Bhasha Samman; or
(g) the Fellow of Sahitya Akademi.
An adaptation or recreation of any myth or story presented for children is eligible.
A fresh collection of writings published earlier in book form, or revised editions of books published earlier, are not eligible for Award. However, if at least 75% of the work included in a collection has been published for the first time in book form, it can be considered for Award.
Any section of an integrated work is complete by itself as a book can be considered for the award.
A posthumous publication is eligible for Award only if the author has died within the five-year period stipulated for the award or later.
Illustration: An author who has died before 2004 would not be eligible for the award of 2010.
A book/writer shall be disqualified for the award if it is established to the satisfaction of the Executive Board that canvassing has been done by the author.
The book is meant for the target readership of 9 to 16 years age group.
3. Preparation of the Ground list and obtaining recommendations from members of the Language Advisory Board
The Akademi shall have every year a ground list prepared of eligible books of each recognized language. Preparation of the ground list shall be entrusted to two experts. The remuneration of experts shall be such as may, from time to time, be decided by the Akademi.
Each Language Advisory Board member shall send a panel of not more than five names and the President of the Akademi (hereafter referred to as the President) shall choose the experts out of this panel.
In preparing the ground list, the experts shall strictly conform to the criteria of eligibility laid down in these rules. The ground list so prepared along with the ground list of previous year shall be sent to all the members of the concerned Language Advisory Board (including the Convener) with the request to recommend two titles each by such date as may be specified by the Akademi. A member may select:
(a) both the titles from the ground list, or
(b)one title from the ground list and the other on his/her own, or
(c) both the titles on his/her own.
4. The Preliminary Panel and its Functions
The Preliminary Panel shall consist of ten Referees. These Referees shall be nominated by the President after considering suggestions of the members of the Language Advisory Board concerned.
The recommendations received from members of the Language Advisory Board shall be compiled and sent to each Referee.
Each Referee should recommend two books. These titles may be selected either out of the list sent in pursuance of rule 4 (2) above or by the Referee on his/her own.
5. The Jury and its Functions
The recommendations of Referees in the Preliminary Panel shall be considered by a three-member Jury. The Jury members shall be selected by the President after considering the recommendations in this behalf by the members of the Language Advisory Board concerned.
The Akademi shall purchase the books recommended by the Referees in the Preliminary Panel and send them to the Jury members and to the Convener.
The Convener shall act as the link between the Jury and the Akademi. He/she will ensure that the meeting of the Jury is conducted properly and satisfactorily and will countersign the report of the Jury. In the absence of the Convener, President may nominate a General Council or Advisory Board Member to convene the Jury meeting.
The Jury members shall, either by consensus or by majority, recommend a book or an author based on his total contribution for the first ten-year period of this award. They may also recommend that, in their opinion, no book is eligible for the Award during, the year. All the members have to attend the meeting, however, only in case of emergency he/she may convey his/her views in writing. He/she should be provided with the facility of participating in the discussion over the phone.
6. Declaration of Award
The recommendation of the Jury shall be placed before the Executive Board for formal approval and announcement of the award. The names of the Jury members and the shortlisted books in the final stage shall be made public simultaneously with the announcement of the Award.
7. Miscellaneous
If the time limit for submission of the recommendations is not observed by a member of the Language Advisory Board or by a Referee, the Akademi shall presume that he or she has no recommendation to make and shall proceed accordingly unless, in any particular case, it is in a position to extend the time limit and actually does so.
The award ceremony shall be held on such date and at such place as the Executive Board/President may decide.
In the event of the death of an award-winning author/writer before conferment of the award, it shall be given to his/her spouse or to a legal heir. .
Winners of Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar
| YEAR | BOOK | |
| ASSAMESE | ||
| Mili, Amia Aru Ekhon Nadi (Stories) | ||
| Sonbali Bagichar Bhoot (Novel) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Bijnanar Anupam Jagat (Essays) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Seujia Dharani (Novel) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| BENGALI | ||
| Total Contribution | ||
| Total Contribution | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Gorillar Chokh (Novelette) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Comics Samagra-Vol. 1&2 (Stories) | ||
| Bhaluker Dolna (Short Stories) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| BODO | ||
| Solobatha Khwnasong De (Folk Tales) | ||
| Gotho Gothaini Solo Bhata (Short Stories) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| NO AWARD |
||
| Bokhali (Novel) | ||
| Gothosaforni Rao (Poetry) | ||
| Birbalni Solo (Stories) | ||
| Okhrangma Isingao (Essays) | ||
| Puranni Solo Phithikha (in 2 vols.) (Short Stories) | ||
| Chitrakutni Frai – Mount Abu (Travelogue) | ||
| DOGRI | ||
| Larjaan (poetry) | ||
| NO AWARD | ||
| Jangal Di Sair (Short Stories) | ||
| Jangal Ch Mangal (Novelette) | ||
| Satrangi Peengh (Poetry) | ||
| Pardhe Nyaane Gurdhe Syaane (Poetry) | ||
| Khadaune (Stories) | ||
| Dikho Te Sikho (Poetry) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Phi Keh Hoa (Novel) | ||
| ENGLISH | ||
| India Through Archaeology: Excavating History (History) | ||
| Son of the Thundercloud (Fables) | ||
| Wild Child and other Sroties (Short Stories) | ||
| His Share of Sky (Stories) | ||
| Mayil Will Not Be Quiet! (Novel) | Niveditha Subramaniam |
|
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| The Grasshopper’s Run (Novel) | ||
| Just A Train Ride Away (Novel) | ||
| GUJARATI | ||
| Total Contribution | ||
| Total Contribution | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Bantina Surajdada (Stories) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Aav Haya, Varta Kahu… (Short Stories) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| HINDI | ||
| Kachu Ki Topi (Stories) | ||
| Mere Man Ki Bal Kahaniyan (Short Stories) | ||
| Pyare Bahi Ramsahay (Short Stories) | ||
| Mataki Mataka Matkaina (Novel) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Gayain Geet Gyan-Vigyan Ke (Poetry) | ||
| Mere Priya Baalgeet (Poetry) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Ek Tha Thunthuniya (Novel) | ||
| KANNADA | ||
| Kadu Kanasina Beedige (Novel) | ||
| Total Contribution | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Mulugade Oorige Bandavaru (Novelette) | ||
| Paapu Gandhi: Gandhi Baapu Aada Kathe (Novelette) | ||
| KASHMIRI | ||
| Shurin Hund Naji (Poetry) | ||
| TchonchiPoot(Poetry) | ||
| Jiggar Khaunt (Poetry) | ||
| Shoer Bashe (Stories) | ||
| Goloo Katha Boozive (Short Stories) | ||
| Haari Jang (Novelette) | ||
| Gul Te Bulbul (Essays & Poetry) | ||
| Gulalane Shadmani (Poetry) | ||
| Nov Kentsha Mentsha (Poetry & Short Stories) | ||
| Kath Wany (Poetry) | ||
| KONKANI | ||
| Chitkulya Chinkichye Vishaal Vishwa (Stories) | ||
| Monitor (Short Stories) | ||
| Jaduchem Petul (Novel) | ||
| Pintuchi Kallbhonvddi (Novelette) | ||
| Sadu Ani Jadugar Mhadu (Novel) | ||
| Bhurgyanlo Samsar (Stories) | ||
| Ranachya Manant (Novel) | ||
| Kanni Eka Sunnyachi (Story) | ||
| Vors Fukat Vochunk Na (Novelette) | ||
| Igadi Bigadi Tigadi Tha (Play) | ||
| MAITHILI | ||
| Ee Phoolak Guldasta (Stories) | ||
| Khissa Sunu Bau (Short Stories) | ||
| Lalgachhi (Novel) | ||
| Bharat Bhagya Vidhata (Part-I) (Biography) | ||
| Hansani Pan A Bajanta Supari (Novel) | ||
| Hamar Athanni Khaslai Van Me (Poetry) | ||
| Hamra Beech Vigyan (Essays) | ||
| Pilpilha Gachha (Short Stories) | ||
| Jakar Nari Chatur Hoi (Short Stories) | ||
| Ee Bhetal Tan Ki Bhetal (Short Stories) | ||
| MALAYALAM | ||
| Total Contribution | ||
| Olachoottintte Velicham (Short Stories) | ||
| Kunhunniyude Yathrapusthakam (Novel) | ||
| Kuttippattalathinte Keralaparyadanam
(Informative Literature) |
||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Chiruthakkuttiyum Mashum (Science-Novel) | ||
| Oridath Oridathu Oru Kunjunni (Short Stories) | ||
| MANIPURI | ||
| Thawaishinggi Thawai (Play) | ||
| Mahousha Lairembigee Mashaigonda Thirushi Lao Yenglushi Lao (Poetry) | ||
| Angangi Wari Macha Niphu (Short Stories) | ||
| NO AWARD |
||
| Eshusha Pupu Waree Leerage (Stories) | ||
| Sana Kokchao Amasung Bhut Ningthou (Stories) | ||
| Patpangi Thoibi (Stories) | ||
| Thada Thabaton (Science Fiction) | ||
| Tal Taret (Folk Tales & Plays) | ||
| Sorarengi Machanupi Atonbi Leimashang Amasung Atei Phunga Warising (Folk Tales) | ||
| MARATHI | ||
| Jangal Khajinyacha Shodh (Novel) | ||
| Total Contribution | ||
| Kharicha Vata (Novel) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Bokya Satbande (Part 4 and 5) (Short Stories) | ||
| Srishtit… Goshtit (Short Story) | ||
| NEPALI | ||
| Chara Ko Chirbir Bhura ko Kirkir (Poetry) | ||
| Baal Koseli (Short Stories) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Bal Sudha Sagar (Stories) | ||
| Malati (Novel) | ||
| Junkiri (Stories) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Bal Kavita Kosheli (Poetry) | ||
| Bal Suman (Poetry) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| ODIA | ||
| Total Contribution | ||
| Rumku Jhuma (Poetry) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Kuni Goinda (Short Stories) | ||
| PUNJABI | ||
| Aliens Di Dharti Te (Novel) | ||
| Tahli Wali Gali (Novel) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Rajkumar Da Supna (Stories) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Bujo Bachio Mai Han Kaun? (1-3 vols.) (Poetry) | ||
| Patal De Githmuthie (Novel) | ||
| RAJASTHANI | ||
| NO AWARD |
||
| Chada Chadi Ki Kheti (Short Stories) | ||
| Number One Aoola (Poetry) | ||
| NO AWARD |
||
| Dharti Ro Mol (Stories) | ||
| Jaadoo Ro Pen (Stories) | ||
| Anmol Bhent (Stories) | ||
| Baalpane Ri Baatan (Essays) | ||
| Satoliyo (Short Stories) | ||
| Bulbul Ra Bol (Short Story) | ||
| SANSKRIT | ||
| Chitva Trinam Trinam (Poetry) | ||
| Shanaih Shanaih (Poetry) | ||
| Dayate Kathamakashe (Poetry) | ||
| Chamtkarikah Chaladurabhashah (Short Story) | ||
| Balakathasaptatih (Stories) | ||
| NO AWARD | ||
| Marjalasya Mukham Drishtam (Plays) | ||
| Isap-Katha Nikunjam (Short Stories) | ||
| Kaumarm (Poetry) | ||
| Sanskrit-Katha-Satakam (in 2 Vols.) (Short Stories) | ||
| SANTALI | ||
| Jharumjhag (Poetry) | ||
| Budi Goag Garn Thaylag (Short Stories) | ||
| Olon Baha (Short Stories) | ||
| Sisir Jali (Poetry) | ||
| Haryar Mayam (Poetry) | ||
| Bachra Bayar (Poetry) | ||
| Dombe Baha (Poetry) | ||
| Jib Jiyali Kowag Gidra Kahni (Short Stories) | ||
| Singar Akhra (Poetry) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| SINDHI | ||
| Total Contribution | ||
| Suhini Daian (Short Stories) | ||
| Roshn Barana Bol (Poetry) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Moonkhe Char Puchh, Rel (Stories) | ||
| Roshan Rah (Short Stories) | ||
| Naon Niralo Jungle (Novel) | ||
| Suhinaa Gulra Baar (Poetry) | ||
| TAMIL | ||
| Total Contribution | ||
| Siragu Mulaitha Yaanai (Poetry) | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Thedal Vettai (Poetry) | ||
| Vigghana Vikramaathithan Kathaikal (Stories) | ||
| Pavalam Thantha Parisu (Stories) | ||
| Kattukkulle Isaivizha (Short Stories) | ||
| Cholak Kollai Bommai (Poetry) | ||
| Antoniyin Attukkutti (Novel) | ||
| TELUGU | ||
| Thatha Maata Varaala Moota (Short Stories) | ||
| Aananda Lokam | ||
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Swarna Pushpaalu (Poetry) | Rao ‘Balabhamdhu’ |
|
| Total Contribution to Children’s Literature | ||
| Anandam (Stories) | ||
| Aatalo Aratipandu (Stories) | ||
| Chiru Divvelu (Poetry) | ||
| Uggupaalu (Short Stones) | ||
| Aclavi Talli (Novel) | ||
| URDU | ||
| Science ke Dilchasp Mazameen (Stories) | ||
| Batooni Ladki (Short Stories) | ||
| Mera Desh Mahan (Short Stories) | ||
| Masiha (Novel) | ||
| Bachchon Ke Liye Yakbabi Dramey (One Act Play) | ||
| Rangarang Phulwari (Poetry) | ||
| Nanhe Munno Ki Sarkar (Stories) | ||
| Jaise Ko Taisa (Short Stories) | ||
| Kulliyat-e-Aadil (Vol. 1) (Poetry) | ||
| Akhri Chori aur Doosri Kahaniyan (Short Story) | ||