Context: Recently, Priya A S has been awarded the prestigious Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023 in the Malayalam language for her novel Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal. 

Key Points

• The novel Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal, set against the backdrop of the 2018 Kerala floods, captures the resilience and unity displayed by children from diverse backgrounds during the calamity.

• The Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar is a prestigious literary award for children's literature in India. 

• It is presented by the Sahitya Akademi and recognizes outstanding contributions in the field. 

• The award carries a cash prize and plaque, encouraging authors and promoting the growth of children's literature.

The Sahitya Akademi Awards

These are bestowed annually by the Sahitya Akademi – India’s National Academy of Letters, on writers of the most outstanding books of literary merit published in

• Any of the 22 languages of the 8th Schedule to the Indian constitution

• As well as in English and Rajasthani

• With four awards for each language, the Akademi plays a crucial role in recognising excellence in literature.

The selection process

• For the main award/ Bhasha Samman conducted through a rigorous and confidential process overseen by experts – the body comprises one writer chosen from each of the 24 regional languages.

• Each member suggests 200 names, following which an expert committee finalises 50 in phase one → 5 in the next phase and finally, one of the five is shortlisted.

• Changes proposed: Open nomination process, where any writer can nominate himself or herself and also recommend other candidates for the awards.

• Concerns: Political interference will distract the qualitative work of the Akademi.