Mumbai Litfest 2026 Celebrates Literary Excellence with Awards Across Five Categories

The Literature Live! Literary Awards, a cornerstone of the Mumbai Litfest, revealed its 2026 winners on Sunday, acknowledging outstanding contributions in Fiction, Nonfiction, and Business literature. This prestigious event serves to promote literary creativity, honoring both seasoned authors and emerging talents in the Indian literary scene.

The highlight of this year’s awards was the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was bestowed upon the renowned novelist Irwin Allan Sealy. His extensive body of work has left a significant mark on Indian literature, making him a fitting recipient of this honor. Additionally, celebrated Hindi poet Gagan Gill earned the title of Poet Laureate, recognizing her profound influence and contributions to poetry in India.

In the category of Publisher of the Year, Westland Books was recognized for its commitment to publishing quality literature, showcasing a diverse range of voices and stories. The awards featured several categories, each with noteworthy winners that reflect the rich tapestry of contemporary Indian writing.

For Fiction Book of the Year, the award went to “Railsong: A Novel” by Rahul Bhattacharya, published by Bloomsbury India. Bhattacharya’s narrative has been praised for its lyrical prose and deep exploration of themes relevant to modern India. In Nonfiction, the award was secured by Ghazala Wahab for her insightful work, “The Hindi Heartland: A Study,” which delves into the cultural and social dynamics of one of India’s most significant regions.

The awards also acknowledged new talent, with Deepika Arwind receiving the Fiction Best First Book award for her engaging debut, “Good Arguments.” In Nonfiction, Tanul Thakur’s “Wild Wild East: Exiled Americans, Enslaved Indians and the Systemic Abuse of the H-1B Visa Programme” was honored as the Best First Book, shedding light on critical issues in the context of immigration and labor rights. Finally, the Business category celebrated Adil Rustomjee’s “Running Behind Lakshmi: The Search for Wealth in India’s Stock Market,” a compelling exploration of the complexities of the Indian financial landscape.

Source: scroll.in