The Asam Sahitya Sabha has announced the recipients of its prestigious President’s Special Literary Honour 2025, recognising distinguished personalities for their contribution to Assamese literature, journalism, research, and cultural life.

About the Honour

• The award is instituted by the Assam Sahitya Sabha, the premier literary organisation of Assam founded in 1917.
• It aims to honour individuals who have significantly enriched:
  • Assamese language.
  • Literature.
  • Research and criticism.
  • Journalism and intellectual discourse.
• The award ceremony will be held at the Sangeetacharya Lakshmiram Barua Auditorium in Guwahati.
• Recipients of the President’s Special Literary Honour 2025: The five distinguished awardees are:
  • Dr Pushpa Gogoi (Dhemaji) – noted researcher, artist and writer.
  • Devi Prasad Bagrodia (Dibrugarh) – tea planter and litterateur.
  • Upendra Barkotoki (Nagaon) – retired professor, writer, critic and journalist.
  • Jitumoni Bora (Guwahati) – senior journalist and noted litterateur.
  • Nomal Mahatta (Bongaigaon) – senior police officer, poet, writer and researcher.

About Asam Sahitya Sabha

• • It is the oldest literary and cultural organisation of Assam, established in 1917 in Sivasagar. 
  • The Sabha was formed through the merger of two Kolkata-based pioneering bodies: the Asamiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha and the Assamese Literary Society.
  • It was created with the primary objective of promoting and preserving Assamese culture, language, and literature during a period of rising linguistic consciousness.
  • The inaugural conference of the Sabha took place in Sibsagar on December 26th, 1917. It was earlier organised under the name “Sodou Axom Sahitya Sanmilani.” 
  • It was registered as “Axom sahitya Sabha” in May of 1924, and the formal name changed from its initial title in 1944.
  • Padmanath Gohain Baruah served as the first President, while Sarat Chandra Goswami was the first Secretary.

• Nalinibala Devi was the first woman president (1954) of Sabha.
• Its official emblem was designed by Jugal Das on 28 October 1960, symbolising Assam’s rich literary tradition.
• The Chandrakanta Handique Bhawan in Jorhat serves as the permanent headquarters. 
  • This heritage building was donated by philanthropist Radhakanta Handique in memory of his son.
• The sabha has 9 regional offices across Assam, 7 branches outside Assam in and 3 branches abroad.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Asam Sahitya Sabha:

1. It was founded in the early 20th century for the promotion of Assamese language and literature.
2. It is a constitutional body under the Ministry of Culture.
3. It organizes literary and cultural programmes across Assam.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

One Line Wrap

• The Asam Sahitya Sabha’s literary honours highlight Assam’s rich intellectual tradition and the continuing importance of regional literature in preserving India’s cultural diversity.