Sushil Shukla Receives the 2025 Bal Sahitya Award

The Sahitya Akademi announced the 2025 Bal Sahitya Award on June 18. The Hindi Bal Sahitya Award will be presented to Bhopal-based writer Sushil Shukla for his collection "Ek Bate Barah". The Young Writer Award will be given to Parvati Tirki from Jharkhand for her poetry collection "Phir Ugna". The Akademi has selected creators for Bal Sahitya in 24 languages and for Young Writer awards in 23 languages.

Shukla’s Message

Shukla said, "Today's children are very intelligent. They need literature that is not just entertaining, but filled with depth and sensitivity. Children's literature should not be limited to children, but its content should resonate with readers of all ages."

He also mentioned that this honor recognizes the idea that children too need serious, rich literature, not just childish entertainment.

Active in Children’s Literature for 18 Years

Sushil Shukla has been active in children’s literature for the past 18 years. He is the director of Takshila Educational Society's 'Ektara – Children's Literature and Art Center'. He is also the co-editor of two popular children's magazines, "Saikil" and "Pluto". In just six months, over 40,000 copies of his collection "Ek Bate Barah" have been sold.

Prize and Recognition

Sushil Shukla and Parvati Tirki will both be awarded a cash prize of ₹50,000 and a Tamra Phalika (Bronze Plaque). This recognition will be given at a special ceremony, the date of which will be announced later.