SHILLONG, July 13: Meghalaya’s literary voice, Bijoya Sawian, will be honoured at the 3rd Edition of the Aalekh Foundation Women Achievers’ Awards, to be held at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, on July 19.
The Shillong-based writer, translator, and cultural custodian, is among 20 exceptional women selected from across the country for their transformative work and impact in diverse fields.
The award recognises Bijoya Sawian’s outstanding contribution to Indian literature and the preservation of indigenous culture, particularly through her evocative storytelling and deep engagement with the heritage of the Khasi people. Her acclaimed translations, such as The Teachings of Elders and The Main Ceremonies of the Khasis, have played a pivotal role in preserving invaluable oral traditions. Meanwhile, her fiction works, including Shadow Men and Hill Songs of Love and Longing, offer lyrical and sensitive portrayals of life in the Khasi Hills.
Her writings have been lauded for bridging geographies and generations, bringing the rich cultural and socio-political history of the Northeast into the national literary consciousness.
The upcoming ceremony will be graced by distinguished guests, including R Venkataramani, Attorney General of India, and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, former judge of the Supreme Court of India, who will attend as chief guests.
Speaking ahead of the event, Dr Rennie Joyy, Founder of the Aalekh Foundation, said, “Bijoya Sawian’s work is a quiet revolution in literature—restoring dignity, voice, and visibility to stories that often go unheard. At Aalekh, we are proud to honour women like her who shape narratives, nurture legacies, and remind us of the power of words to preserve and transform.”
The Aalekh Foundation Women Achievers’ Awards is a flagship initiative that celebrates women who have not only broken barriers in their respective fields but have also contributed meaningfully to society, culture, and nation-building.
