Thu Mar 20 04:07:23 UTC 2025: ## Bengali Literature Snubbed from Sahitya Akademi Awards Sparks Outrage
**Kolkata, March 20, 2025** – The omission of Bengali literature from the 2024 Sahitya Akademi Awards has ignited a firestorm of controversy in West Bengal’s literary circles. This marks the first time in 52 years that Bengali works and writers have been excluded from the prestigious award, prompting accusations of procedural irregularities and sparking demands for transparency.
The Sahitya Akademi, in its award ceremony on March 8th, recognized 23 recipients from various regional languages. While winners received Rs 1 lakh, a shawl, and a plaque, the absence of a Bengali laureate has fueled widespread speculation and criticism.
The Akademi’s Executive Board attributed the exclusion to “technical issues.” However, sources suggest that the withdrawal of a jury member at the last minute resulted in the postponement of the Bengali language award decision. The reasons behind the jury member’s withdrawal remain undisclosed, further intensifying the controversy.
The West Bengal Democratic Writers Artists Association has formally demanded clarification from the Sahitya Akademi, questioning whether any Bengali works were even nominated and why the purported “technical issue” wasn’t resolved. The association’s letter highlights the public’s right to know, given the Akademi’s taxpayer-funded status.
Adding to the pressure, journalist and former Akademi member Anadiranjan Biswas has filed a Right to Information (RTI) request seeking clarification on the nomination process and the absence of Bengali representation.
While Bengali literature has been excluded from the Sahitya Akademi Awards on three previous occasions (1960, 1968, and 1973), the latest omission, particularly given Bengali’s 2024 designation as a classical language, has raised serious questions about the selection process and its potential bias. The controversy continues to unfold as demands for transparency and accountability intensify.
First Piper 