Valley of Words Announces Winners of the 10th Annual Literary Awards
DEHRADUN — The Valley of Words (VoW) international literature and art festival has officially unveiled the winners for the 10th edition of its prestigious literary honors, the Valley of Words Book Awards. Recognized for celebrating excellence across diverse genres and languages, the awards highlight the festival’s commitment to fostering a vibrant literary culture.
This year’s edition spanned eight distinct categories, including English Fiction, English Non-Fiction, Hindi Fiction, Hindi Non-Fiction, Translation from Indian languages into Hindi, Translation from Indian languages into English, Writings for Young Adults (bilingual), and Picture/Children’s Books (bilingual).
A Transparent Selection Process
The journey to the final selection began earlier this year, with nominations closing on February 28. In June, coinciding with National Reading Month—a tribute to P.N. Panicker, the father of the Library and Literacy Movement in Kerala—the festival organizers announced the comprehensive shortlist.
The final victors represent a tapestry of Indian literary talent, showcasing both veteran authors and emerging voices. Key winners include:
- English Non-Fiction: The Hindi Heartland by journalist and writer Ghazala Wahab, a definitive, research-led exploration of the region.
- Hindi Non-Fiction (Kathetar): Chandan Kiwad by the renowned Indian folk and classical vocalist.
- English Translation: Sita’s Veil, translated by Nishtha Gautam from the original work by Anamika.
- Hindi Translation (Anuvaad): Dr. Rohini’s translation of Samantha Harvey’s Booker Prize-winning novel, Orbital.
- Young Adult Writing: Giants by Nagaland-based author Yuthuka Sumi.
- Children’s Literature: The Night Sky, written by Samina Mishra and illustrated by Ananya Srinivasan.
Celebrating Excellence in Dehradun
The recipients of these honors are set to be officially felicitated during the Signature Valley of Words Event. The two-day ceremony is scheduled to take place in Dehradun on November 28 and 29, 2026, where the literary community will gather to celebrate the contributions of these authors to the national discourse.
As the Valley of Words festival enters its next decade, these awards continue to serve as a vital platform for spotlighting works that engage, inform, and inspire readers across the globe.
