Northeast Desk, 7th October: Celebrated Meghalaya writer Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Shakti Bhatt Award, recognizing his significant contributions to literature. Along with the title, Nongkynrih will receive a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh.
Nongkynrih, a renowned poet and novelist, is particularly known for his work that draws heavily on local Khasi folktales and legends. His most recent novel, “The Distaste of the Earth,” has been longlisted for the 2024 JCB Prize for Literature, further solidifying his position in contemporary Indian literature.
In addition to his latest novel, Nongkynrih’s notable works include “Funeral Nights,” a reflection on his Khasi tribe and his hometown Sohra, as well as other critically acclaimed books such as “The Yearning of Seeds: Poems,” and “Time’s Barter: Haiku and Senryu.”
He writes in both Khasi and English and teaches at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU).
The Shakti Bhatt Prize, established in 2007 in memory of Indian publisher Shakti Bhatt, now honors a writer’s entire body of work, shifting its focus from debut works since 2020. Nongkynrih’s award is a testament to his contribution to both Khasi and Indian literature.