New Delhi, 31 March (H.S.):

On the occasion of the inaugural session of its annual literary festival, the Sahitya Akademi in Delhi has announced the conferment of its highest honor, the 'Honorary Fellowship' (Mahattar Sadasyata), upon three stalwart figures of Indian literature. The names—Odia writer Dr. Pratibha Ray, Sindhi storyteller Lakshmi Khilani, and Urdu author Abdus Samad—were selected during a meeting of the Akademi's General Council.

According to the Akademi, the 'Honorary Fellowship' is regarded as the rarest and most prestigious accolade in the Indian literary world. It is bestowed exclusively upon 'immortal luminaries' whose writings have elevated Indian literature to new heights.

Sahitya Akademi Secretary Pallavi Prashant Holkar noted that Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Pratibha Ray is a distinguished Odia writer and scholar with an expansive oeuvre exceeding 50 works.

Over her illustrious literary career, she has received the Padma Bhushan, Jnanpith Award, Sahitya Akademi Award, Sarala Award, and numerous other honors and accolades.

Lakshmi Khilani (Lakshmichand Bhiryomal Khilani), meanwhile, is a prolific Sindhi storyteller, playwright, translator, editor, and scholar. Her published works include over 24 books and several essays, earning her the Sahitya Akademi Award, Sahitya Akademi Translation Award, and various other distinctions.

Additionally, Abdus Samad is a renowned Urdu writer and poet whose repertoire boasts more than 24 works. His achievements include the Sahitya Akademi Award, Ghalib Award, Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad Award, and the Urdu Akademi's Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Sahitya Akademi expresses immense pride in bestowing this Honorary Fellowship upon these exceptional litterateurs, which will be formally presented in a special ceremony at a later date.

Notably, the 'Sahitya Utsav 2026'—an annual event—was inaugurated on March 30 in Delhi by Sahitya Akademi President Madhav Kaushik.

Hosted at Rabindra Bhavan complex from March 30 to April 4, the festival features over 100 sessions with participation from more than 650 renowned writers and scholars, representing over 50 Indian languages.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar