Nina Andotra’s ‘Bindlu’ Wins HSM Navlekhin Tej Puraskar 2024

Nina Andotra, a talented story writer and poet originally from Kathua and currently residing in Ahmedabad, has been honored with the prestigious HSM Navlekhin Tej Puraskar 2024 for her story collection titled ‘Bindlu’. This announcement was made on November 23, 2023, marking a significant recognition in Andotra’s literary career.

The Hindi Sahitya Mandal, which administers the award, established it in memory of the late Tej Bhan Gulati, with financial support from his family. The award comprises a cash prize of Rs 11,000, a coconut, and a citation, celebrating contributions to Hindi literature. This year’s accolade is especially noteworthy as it is the first time the award will be given for a short story collection, highlighting the changing landscape of literary recognition.

Distinguished Jury Selection Process

The decision to award Andotra’s ‘Bindlu’ was made unanimously by a jury appointed by the Mandal. The panel consisted of prominent figures in the literary community, including poet, storyteller, and literary critic Professor Rajkumar; short story writer and Ayurvedic scholar Dr Adarsh; and former Principal and Hindi short story writer Prof Kiran Bakshi.

After careful consideration of the submissions, the jury praised ‘Bindlu’ for its diverse narrative themes and the promising style of expression displayed throughout the collection. The selection process reflects a commitment to recognizing significant contributions to Hindi literature, with past recipients including poets and playwrights from 2018 to 2023.

A Legacy of Literary Excellence

The HSM Navlekhin Tej Puraskar has been awarded annually since its inception, celebrating various literary forms. Previous winners include Kunwar Shakti Singh (2018), Sumit Sudan (2019), Kajal Suri (2020), Naresh Khajuria (2021), Rajneesh Gupta (2022), and Rakesh Abrol (2023), all recognized for their contributions to poetry and drama.

Nina Andotra’s achievement not only adds her to this esteemed list but also underscores the importance of short stories in contemporary literature. Her collection ‘Bindlu’ promises to resonate with readers, showcasing the depth and richness of Hindi storytelling.

The award ceremony will serve as a platform to highlight the evolving landscape of Hindi literature and the vital role that new voices like Andotra’s play in shaping its future. As the literary community awaits the ceremony, anticipation builds for what promises to be a celebration of creativity and expression in Hindi literature.