Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Stalin Announces Literary Award for Non-Hindi Languages
The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, announced a new literary award called the Semmozhi Illakiya Virudhu.
This award is for the best books written in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odiya, Bengali, and Marathi.
The winner of each language category will get Rs 5 lakh.
The award is given by the Tamil Nadu government to celebrate good writing in these languages.
The Chief Minister also criticized the Central Government for interfering with the Sahitya Akademi awards, which made him decide to create this new award.
The announcement was made at the Chennai International Book Fair, which had many countries participating and signing agreements for translations and copyright exchanges.
Chief Minister MK Stalin announced an annual literary award, Semmozhi Illakiya Virudhu, for best works in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odiya, Bengali, and Marathi.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh for each language and is under the auspices of the Tamil Nadu government.
Stalin criticized the Central Government for alleged political intervention in the Sahitya Akademi awards, leading to the creation of this new award.
Independent expert committees will be set up for each language to ensure the quality and transparency of the selection process.
The announcement was made at the valedictory event of the Chennai International Book Fair (CIBF-2026), which focused on global literature and cultural exchanges.
- Who
- Chief Minister MK Stalin and the Tamil Nadu government
- What
- Announced an annual literary award for best works in non-Hindi languages and criticized the Central Government for political intervention in Sahitya Akademi awards
- When
- Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Where
- Chennai, at the valedictory event of the Chennai International Book Fair (CIBF-2026)
- Why
- To support and recognize literary works in various Indian languages and to counter perceived political interference in national literary awards
Tamil Nadu Government
Central Government
Literary Awards
Tamil Nadu Government
The Tamil Nadu government is introducing its own literary awards to support and recognize works in non-Hindi languages, ensuring independence and quality through expert committees.
Central Government
The Central Government is accused of political intervention in the Sahitya Akademi awards, which has led to uncertainty and concerns about the integrity of literary recognition.
- Award Name
- Semmozhi Illakiya Virudhu (Classical Language Literature Award)
- Cash Prize
- Rs 5 lakh per language
- Languages Included
- Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odiya, Bengali, Marathi
- Announced By
- Chief Minister MK Stalin
- Announcement Date
- Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Event
- Valedictory of Chennai International Book Fair (CIBF-2026)
- Selection Process
- Independent expert committees for each language
- Book Fair Theme
- A conversation between civilisations
Sources
Stalin Announces Literature Award for Non-Hindi Languages
DMK’s counter to Sahitya Akademi: Stalin announces annual National Award for best literary works in Indian languages
Stalin announces TN govt literary award for 7 non-Hindi languages, hits out at Centre
Stalin announces TN govt literary award for non-Hindi languages
