Nipora (Anantnag), Mar 17: Kashmiri poet Ali Mohammad Reshi, popularly known as Ali Shaida from Nipora, Anantnag, has been awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 in the Kashmiri language category for his poetry collection Najdavaneky Pot Aalav.
The Sahitya Akademi Award, one of the country’s top literary honours, carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a copper plaque and a shawl. It is presented annually for outstanding works in 24 recognised Indian languages.
The selection is made through a multi-stage process involving recommendations by language experts, scrutiny by advisory boards and final approval by a three-member jury. Shaida’s work was chosen from among several entries in the Kashmiri category.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated the awardees, including Khajur Singh Thakur (Dogri) and Pritpal Singh Betab (Urdu).
“Congratulations to Sh Khajur Singh Thakur, Sh Ali Shaida and Sh Pritpal Singh Betab on receiving Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for their contribution to Dogri, Kashmiri and Urdu language and literature. Their work will inspire future generations,” he said.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Shaida said the award comes as encouragement for his continued work in literature. “I have been writing for many years, and it feels good to see my work recognised. It gives me strength to keep writing and stay connected with the Kashmiri language,” he said.
Shaida said writing in Kashmiri is close to him. “Our language has a strong tradition, and I just try to write about what we see and live every day,” he said.
He said the award also brings attention to regional languages. “When a local language is recognised at the national level, it encourages more people, especially young writers, to continue writing,” he added.
Shaida said he is thankful to Allah for the honour. “I am grateful for this blessing. It encourages me to move forward and do more work for the language,” he said.
He said the recognition also challenges the belief that the Kashmiri language lacks readership. “Those who think Kashmiri has no buyers or recognition need to rethink. Our language has its place,” he added.
Ali said his work has reached beyond Kashmir as well. “Some of my writings have been translated into Kannada and other languages. Kashmiri has a rich and old history, and this award is actually recognition of the language itself,” he said.
A resident of Nipora in Anantnag district, Shaida has been active in Kashmiri literary circles and has contributed through poetry and prose. His writings have appeared in newspapers and literary journals, and he has remained associated with platforms promoting regional language and literature.
Notably, Sahitya Akademi Award is among the country’s top literary honours, given annually for outstanding works in 24 Indian languages.
