INDIA: YOUx Talks e-MAGAZINE introduced the Gurudeb Sahitya Puraskar, a digital literary award named in honor of Rabindranath Tagore, recognizing 14 writers for their contributions to contemporary literature. The award, presented entirely online, celebrates works across genres that reflect themes of truth, beauty, and humanism, echoing Tagore’s literary legacy.
The recipients, selected from India and beyond, represent a range of backgrounds, ages, and styles. Among them is Yogita Warde from Madhya Pradesh, recognized for novels like Saahi & Sudheer and Diya, noted for their emotional depth and societal insights. Maitridevi Sisodia, a civil servant from Gujarat, was honored for her debut Contemporary Cheerharan and poetry collection Moments and Eternities, previously praised by Ruskin Bond. Roshan Bhondekar, an Indian-Spanish author, earned recognition for Love: The Key to Optimism and his cinematic work, including The Shoes.
Ansuman Bhagat from Jamshedpur was awarded for his Hindi bestseller Ek Safar Mein, which explores social and spiritual themes. Sandeep Murarka was acknowledged for documenting India’s tribal heritage in works like Tribals Touching the Pinnacle (शिखर को छूते ट्राइबल्स) and coffee table books on Padma-awarded tribal figures. Ravindra Mardia, a Jaipur-based philanthropist, was recognized for his autobiography Buddy to All, detailing his shift from industrialist to social reformer impacting over 1,100 villages.
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Shree, an Indian-American author, was honored for The Crimson Thread, blending women’s empowerment and cross-cultural narratives. Aparnaa Jadhav’s Paradise Sucked – Thrive After Divorce, Ladies! was celebrated for its focus on post-divorce empowerment. At 16, Veruschka Pandey impressed with her poetry collection The Quiet Geometry of Chaos, addressing human rights and mental health. Similarly, 16-year-old Aaditya Sengupta Dhar from Mumbai was recognized for Apna Time Aayega, an anthology amplifying youth voices from underserved communities.
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Zoovi, a fantasy author, was awarded for her emotionally resonant storytelling, while 15-year-old Anagha Ratish earned accolades for her Celestia Chronicles series and poetry collection A World of Intricacies. Dr. Preethi Amaresh, a political scientist, was honored for her scholarly writings blending political theory with global perspectives. Pinky N. D. Kansara, a corporate leader, was recognized for Empowering Emotional Awareness, a guide for professionals seeking emotional growth.
Honoring Literary Diversity: The Gurudeb Sahitya Puraskar
The Gurudeb Sahitya Puraskar, hosted by YOUx Talks e-MAGAZINE, aims to highlight diverse literary voices in a digital format, emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity. The award process, conducted entirely online, seeks to foster a global literary community by recognizing writers across languages and professions. The jury emphasized the award’s role in sustaining literature’s relevance in a digital age, drawing inspiration from Tagore’s vision of universal human values.
This inaugural edition marks the beginning of an annual tradition for YOUx Talks e-MAGAZINE, which plans to continue recognizing writers who challenge conventions and explore profound themes. The 2025 recipients, ranging from teenagers to seasoned professionals, reflect the award’s commitment to diversity and its focus on narratives that resonate across generations. The digital platform ensures broad reach, allowing readers worldwide to engage with the honored works.
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