Achyutananda Pati and Daisy Rockwell Named for Kalinga Literary Awards 2026

The Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) has announced the recipients of its prestigious literary honours for 2026, recognising writers and translators who have made significant contributions to literature, cultural dialogue, and cross-border literary exchange.

Renowned Odia writer Achyutananda Pati has been selected for the Kalinga Literary Award (India) in recognition of his acclaimed short stories that vividly portray the lives, struggles, and resilience of marginalised communities. His work is widely regarded for its social sensitivity and narrative depth within contemporary Indian literature.

The Kalinga Literary Award (International) will be conferred on writer and translator Daisy Rockwell, celebrated for her contributions to bringing South Asian literature to a global audience. Rockwell’s English translation of Ret Samadhi (published internationally as Tomb of Sand) played a pivotal role in the novel winning the International Booker Prize in 2022.

In the youth category, Nepalese writer and poet Ranjana Niraula has been honoured with the Kalinga Literary Award (Youth). Her writing has been noted for encouraging younger readers to engage deeply with the shared literary traditions of India, Nepal, and the wider South Asian region.

The festival also announced that the International Living Legend Award 2026 will be presented to Binod Chaudhury, recognising his role in strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties between Nepal and India.

The awards will be presented during the Kalinga Literary Festival 2026, scheduled to be held from January 8 to 11, celebrating literary diversity and fostering dialogue across cultures and borders.