Bhubaneswar: Santhali writer Kali Charan Hembram from Odisha has won the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, 2019 for his book ‘Sisirjali’.
The award-winning book comprises 15 short stories in Santhali that describe the struggle of tribal people and human relationships.
Elated by the news, Hembram said, “I am really happy for the award because it is recognition for my continuous literary pursuit. The award will certainly motivate me to write more and more.”
Hembram is the second writer from Odisha to have won the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award this year. Former bureaucrat Tarun Kanti Mishra has been selected to get the award for his book ‘Bhaswati’ in Odia.
The winners will receive an engraved copper plate and Rs 1 lakh cash prize at a special function in New Delhi on February 25, 2020.
