Meghalaya Author Bijoya Sawian to Be Felicitated at Aalekh Foundation’s Women Achievers’ Awards

Renowned author Bijoya Sawian from Meghalaya is set to be honoured at the third Aalekh Foundation Women Achievers’ Awards, which will be held on July 19 at The Leela Palace in New Delhi. This prestigious event recognises the achievements of 20 exceptional women from across India who have made outstanding contributions in various fields. Sawian is being specifically recognised for her significant role in Indian literature and her dedicated efforts toward preserving the indigenous Khasi culture.

A key aspect of Sawian’s work is her focus on the documentation and promotion of Khasi oral traditions, which are an integral part of the cultural heritage of Northeast India. Her notable translations, such as The Teachings of Elders and The Main Ceremonies of the Khasis, have played a vital role in preserving the intangible cultural elements of the Khasi community. These works have ensured that traditional wisdom and cultural practices are not lost and are instead made accessible to a broader audience, both nationally and globally.

In addition to her translations, Sawian has made a mark with her fiction writing. Her books Shadow Men and Hill Songs of Love and Longing have been widely praised for their sensitive and vivid portrayal of life, identity, and social realities in Northeast India. Through these narratives, she brings to light the often-overlooked complexities of the region’s cultural and social landscapes, offering readers a more inclusive and comprehensive view of Indian life beyond mainstream representation.

Sawian’s literary work not only adds to the richness of Indian literature but also bridges the cultural divide between the Northeast and the rest of the country. By weaving the stories and voices of the Khasi and other Northeastern communities into her writings, she ensures their place in India’s national discourse. Her contributions highlight the importance of regional voices and reinforce the significance of cultural diversity within the broader Indian literary and social framework.

The upcoming award ceremony will be graced by several prominent personalities, including the Attorney General of India, R. Venkataramani, and former Supreme Court judge, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul. Their presence underscores the national importance of the event and the impact of the achievements being celebrated.

Rennie Joyy, the founder of the Aalekh Foundation, described Bijoya Sawian’s literary contributions as “a quiet revolution.” She noted that the purpose of the awards is to honour women who have brought about meaningful social and cultural change through their work. The Aalekh Foundation Women Achievers’ Awards aim to spotlight women whose dedication and achievements have advanced not only their respective fields but also the cause of cultural heritage and social development in India.

In recognising Bijoya Sawian, the awards are also acknowledging the power of literature as a tool for social change and cultural preservation. Her work stands as a testament to the role of storytelling in fostering understanding, empathy, and a deeper connection to India’s rich and diverse cultural landscape.