IFFCO Sahitya Samman 2025 Awarded to Maitreyi Pushpa

The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has conferred the IFFCO Sahitya Samman 2025 on eminent Hindi writer Maitreyi Pushpa for her outstanding contribution to Hindi literature, especially her nuanced portrayal of rural society and agrarian realities. The award ceremony was held in the national capital, highlighting IFFCO’s continued engagement with literature rooted in India’s villages.

Recognition of Rural-Centric Hindi Literature

Instituted in 2011, the IFFCO Sahitya Samman is awarded annually to a Hindi writer whose literary work meaningfully reflects rural and agricultural life. The award carries a citation, a memento, and a cash prize of ₹11 lakh. Over the years, it has honoured leading literary figures such as Vidyasagar Nautiyal, Shekhar Joshi, Sanjeev, Mithileshwar, Shivmurti, Madhu Kankaria, and Jayanandan.

Maitreyi Pushpa’s Literary Contribution

Born on 30 November 1944 in Sikurra village of Aligarh district, Maitreyi Pushpa spent her formative years in Khilli village near Jhansi. She holds a master’s degree in Hindi literature from Bundelkhand College, Jhansi. Her extensive body of work includes short stories, novels, autobiographical writings, women-centric literature, poetry, plays, memoirs, and reportage. Her writings are widely recognised for their strong social conscience and authentic depiction of Bundelkhand’s rural life and women’s lived experiences.

IFFCO Young Literary Award 2025

At the same ceremony, the IFFCO Young Literary Award 2025 was presented to Ankita Jain for her book “Oh Re! Kisan”. Ankita Jain began her career as a research associate and assistant professor before turning to full-time writing. Her debut book “Aisi Vaisi Aurat” became a Jagran–Nielsen bestseller, followed by works such as “Main Se Maa Tak”, “Baheliye”, “Mohalla Salimbagh”, and the children’s novel “Aatanki Mor”.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• IFFCO Sahitya Samman was instituted in 2011.
• The award focuses on Hindi literature depicting rural and agrarian life.
• The cash prize for the Sahitya Samman is ₹11 lakh.
• IFFCO also confers a separate Young Literary Award annually.

Ceremony Highlights and Cultural Engagement

The awards were presented by IFFCO Chairman Dilip Sanghani, who praised both writers and expressed confidence in Ankita Jain’s literary future. IFFCO Managing Director K. J. Patel described Maitreyi Pushpa as a writer with a powerful social vision. The event also featured a theatrical adaptation of Maitreyi Pushpa’s story “Gunahgar” by Flying Feathers Art Association, and was attended by writers, teachers, students, and literature enthusiasts.