Noted Manipuri writer Haobam Nalini has been awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for 2025 in the Manipuri language category for her short story collection Kanglamdriba Eephut. The announcement was made as part of the Akademi’s annual recognition of outstanding literary works across Indian languages.The Sahitya Akademi Award is considered one of the country’s most respected literary honours. It is given every year to writers whose work makes a strong contribution to literature and reflects the diversity of Indian languages and cultures.Nalini’s book Kanglamdriba Eephut has received wide appreciation from readers and critics. The collection brings together a series of short stories that deal with everyday life, emotions, and social realities.
Her writing focuses on people, their struggles, and their experiences, while staying closely connected to the culture and traditions of Manipur. According to officials, the selection for the Manipuri category was made by a three-member jury. The panel included H. Nani Kumar Singha, Irungbam Basanta Singh, and Mongsatabam Tuleshwari Devi. After reviewing several entries, the jury unanimously selected Nalini’s work, noting its strong storytelling and meaningful representation of society.
Kanglamdriba Eephut is seen as a significant contribution to Manipuri literature. The stories in the collection present a simple yet powerful picture of life in the region, touching upon human relationships, social change, and cultural identity.With this recognition, Haobam Nalini has further strengthened her place in contemporary Manipuri literature, bringing attention to voices and stories from the region on a national platform.
