Javed Akhtar to Receive SOA Sahitya Samman 2025

Bhubaneswar, Nov 1 : Renowned poet, lyricist, scriptwriter, and social thinker Padma Bhushan Javed Akhtar will be honoured with the SOA Sahitya Samman 2025 for his outstanding and lifelong contribution to Indian cinema and literature.

The honour, instituted by Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) Deemed to be University, will be conferred on Akhtar during the inaugural session of the 3rd SOA Literary Festival, scheduled to be held on November 29–30 at the university campus in Bhubaneswar.

The SOA Sahitya Samman, carrying a cash prize of ₹7 lakh, a citation, a silver idol of Goddess Saraswati, and a shawl, is presented annually to a distinguished Indian litterateur writing in any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India.

Speaking about the event, Prof. Gayatribala Panda, Head of the SOA Centre for Preservation, Propagation and Restoration of Ancient Culture and Heritage of India (PPRACHIN) and Director of the Festival, said this year’s theme is “Culture, Creativity and Artificial Intelligence.” The two-day literary festival will bring together around 100 eminent writers, poets, novelists, artists, translators, publishers, and media personalities from across the country, featuring 30 interactive sessions.

Javed Akhtar, one of India’s most celebrated literary and creative minds, has penned iconic works that have defined the emotional and cultural fabric of Indian cinema. A recipient of five National Film Awards and 15 Filmfare Awards, he has also been honoured with the Padma Shri (1999), Padma Bhushan (2007), and the Sahitya Akademi Award (2014).

His acclaimed poetry collections, Tarkash and Lava, remain among the most popular works in modern Hindi literature, translated into several Indian and foreign languages. Known for his sharp intellect and progressive voice, Akhtar has addressed students and scholars at premier global institutions including Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge.

A true creative visionary, Akhtar’s words continue to inspire generations through their poetic imagination, humanism, and fearless truth, bridging the worlds of literature and life, art and conscience.