Dileswar Rana, a young Odia writer from Kalahandi district, has been honored with the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar for 2023 in Odia literature. The prestigious award recognizes his outstanding contribution to literature, specifically for his book ‘Seranra,’ a compelling compilation of short stories. Sahitya Akademi’s president announced Dileswar Rana’s selection for the award, highlighting his literary prowess in the realm of short storytelling. The decision was made based on the recommendations of a jury comprising three eminent litterateurs from the state – Bibhuti Pattnaik, Gobinda Chandra Chand, and Dash Benhur.

The Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar not only acknowledges literary excellence but also includes a copper plaque and a monetary reward of Rs 50,000. The award ceremony to felicitate Dileswar is scheduled for a special function at a later date. It is noteworthy that the Akademi initially faced a setback this year as it had announced the cancellation of the award due to the inadvertent leak of the jury members’ names and those of shortlisted writers. However, responding to the concerns in the literary community, the Akademi formed a new jury consisting of eminent writers to ensure a fair selection process.

Born in 1994, Dileswar Rana currently serves as a teacher in a primary school in Kalahandi. His recognition with the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar marks a significant milestone in his literary journey, contributing to the vibrant literary landscape of Odisha.