Bhubaneswar: The Sahitya Akademi on Tuesday recommended its highest honour, the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, for three eminent writers, including Pratibha Ray in Odia language. The two others are Sindhi writer Lakhmi Khilani and Urdu writer Abdus Samad. The general council of Sahitya Akademi held its meeting on Monday, wherein the decision was taken.The Sahitya Akademi, an autonomous body under the ministry of culture, grants this rare distinction to writers of exceptional merit and lasting contribution to Indian literature. A towering figure in Odia literature, Ray is widely acclaimed for her profound storytelling, humanistic themes and exploration of social issues.Her works, including the celebrated novel Yajnaseni, have been translated into multiple languages, earning her national and international acclaim. She has authored over 50 books and her contributions to literature have earned her several prestigious honours, including the Jnanpith award, Sahitya Akademi award and Sarala award. “I am thankful to Sahitya Akademi for choosing me for this rare distinction,” she said.
