Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Jun 13: In a significant initiative to encourage and recognise literary talent among Kannada women writers, Jagajyoti Kalavrinda of Dombivli, a suburb of Greater Mumbai, has announced the Smt Sushila Seetharam Shetty Memorial Story and Poetry Awards–2026, inviting entries from women across India.

The awards are instituted in memory of Sushila Seetharam Shetty, a well-known figure in Mumbai’s literary, cultural and social circles. Her passing was deeply felt by the Kannada literary community, which had looked forward to many more contributions from her. In her remembrance, Jagajyoti Kalavrinda has been organising the memorial awards for the past 28 years and has now opened entries for the 2026 edition at the national level.

Separate prizes will be awarded in the story and poetry categories. Each award carries a cash prize of Rs 10,000, in addition to a commemorative plaque and a certificate of honour.

The competition is open to Kannada women writers from across the country. Participants are required to adhere to the rules and guidelines prescribed by the organising body.

According to the organisers, entries must comprise original manuscripts ready for publication. Those competing for the story award should submit a single collection of short stories, while entrants for the poetry award must send a single collection of poems. Writers may participate in both categories if they wish.

Manuscripts should be either neatly handwritten or typed on one side of the paper only. Carbon copies, photocopies and previously published material will not be accepted.

For the story award, manuscripts should contain between 100 and 130 foolscape pages. Poetry collections must include a minimum of 30 poems. Epic poems, long narrative works, short verses, aphoristic poems and similar forms will not be considered under the competition rules.

The manuscript itself should not bear the author's name. A separate sheet containing the participant’s name, postal address, brief profile, telephone number and a recent photograph must accompany the submission.
There is no entry fee for either category.

The organisers have clarified that submitted manuscripts will not be returned. Award-winning works, when published, must carry the inscription ‘Jagajyoti Kalavrinda Smt Sushila Seetharam Shetty Memorial Story/Poetry Award Winning Work – 2026’ on the upper portion of the cover page as well as on the first inner page.

Writers who have already received the award in a particular category will not be eligible to enter the same category again. Jagajyoti Kalavrinda has reserved the right to take decisions on all matters concerning the competition. The verdict of the judges will be final, and no correspondence regarding the selection process will be entertained.

Entries must reach the organisers on or before September 30. Participants have been requested to write the destination address clearly in English on the envelope.

For further information, aspirants may contact 9892110826, 9869824709 (Santosh P Shetty) or 9892833623 (G Suvarna).

The award presentation ceremony will be held during the annual celebrations of Jagajyoti Kalavrinda. Winners will be informed individually through telephone or postal communication, the organisers said.