Vyas Samman Winners List (1991-2025)

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Published Sep 20, 2026 Updated Sep 20, 2026 1 min read

Name	Vyas Samman
Award For	Outstanding contributions in Hindi literature
Award By	K.K. Birla Foundation
First Award	1991
First Awardee	Ram Vilas Sharma
Last Award	2025
Last Awardee	Suryabala
Total Awarded	33
Status	active

About Vyas Samman

The Vyas Samman is a prestigious annual Indian literary award instituted by the K.K. Birla Foundation in 1991. It recognizes outstanding literary works in Hindi authored by an Indian citizen and published in the preceding 10 years. The award carries a cash prize of ₹4 lakh, a plaque, and a citation.

Vyas Samman (1991-2025) Winners List

This Winners List features 33 winners of the Vyas Samman, from 1991 to 2025.

Image	Year	Recipient Name	Profession	Book Name	Book Type

	2024	Suryabala	Hindi novelist and short-story writer	Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary	Novel
Suryabala is a prominent Hindi novelist, short-story writer, and satirist born in Varanasi, holding a PhD in Hindi literature from Banaras Hindu University. Known for works like "Mere Sandhi-Patra" and satire collections such as "Dhritarashtra Times," she explores tradition, modernity, and social change. She won the 34th Vyas Samman in 2024 for her novel "Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary."
	2023	Pushpa Bharati	Hindi writer and memoirist	Yaadein, Yaadein!...Aur Yaadein	Memoir
Pushpa Bharati is a Hindi writer born in Moradabad, best known as the widow and literary custodian of celebrated writer Dharamvir Bharati. Her works include "Yaadein, Yaadein aur Yaadein" (memoir), "Shubhagata," and "Amitabh Bachchan Jeevan Gaatha." She won the 33rd Vyas Samman in 2023 for her memoir "Yaadein, Yaadein!...Aur Yaadein," recounting her life with Dharamvir Bharati.
	2022	Gyan Chaturvedi	Hindi satirist novelist and cardiologist (physician)	Pagalkhana	Novel
Gyan Chaturvedi is a Hindi satirist and novelist who is also a practicing cardiologist. Renowned for biting social satire, his key works include "Baramasi," "Narak Yatra," and "Pagalkhana." He received the Padma Shri in 2015. He won the 32nd Vyas Samman in 2022 for his novel "Pagalkhana," a satirical work exploring mental illness and society.
	2021	Asghar Wajahat	Hindi playwright, fiction writer, and academic	Mahabali	Play
Asghar Wajahat is a Hindi playwright, novelist, and former professor of Hindi at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Known for the acclaimed play "Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai" and novels like "Saat Aasmaan," he also works as a documentary filmmaker. He won the 31st Vyas Samman in 2021 for his play "Mahabali," examining the relationship between Akbar and Tulsidas.
	2020	Sharad K. Pagare	Hindi historical novelist and history professor	Patliputra ki Samragi	Novel
Sharad Pagare was a Hindi historical novelist and retired history professor from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, celebrated for blending rigorous historical research with romantic narrative in novels set in ancient and medieval India. He was the first litterateur from Madhya Pradesh honored with the Vyas Samman, winning it in 2020 for his novel "Pataliputra ki Samragyi" (Empress of Pataliputra). He died in Indore.
	2019	Nasira Sharma Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (2016)	Hindi novelist and Persian-language scholar	Kagaz Ki Naav	Novel
Nasira Sharma is a Hindi novelist and short-story writer with expertise in Persian language and Iranian studies, known for exploring themes of communal harmony, gender, and the Muslim experience. Her works include "Paarijat," "Ajnabi Jajira," and "Patthar Gali." She won the 29th Vyas Samman in 2019 for her novel "Kagaz Ki Naav" ("Paper Boat").
	2018	Leeladhar Jagudi Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (1997)	Hindi poet, academic, and journalist	Jitne Log Utne Prem	Novel
Leeladhar Jagudi is a major Hindi poet from Uttarakhand, recognized for his socially conscious, plainspoken verse rooted in rural and hill life. His notable collections include "Shankha Mukhi Shikharon Par," "Natak Jari Hai," and "Ghabaraye Hue Shabda." He won the 28th Vyas Samman in 2018 for his poetry collection "Jitne Log Utne Prem" ("As Many People, As Many Loves").
	2017	Mamta Kalia Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (2025)	Hindi novelist, poet, and teacher	Dukkham Sukkham	Novel
Mamta Kalia is a Hindi novelist, poet, and former college principal born in Vrindavan, known for candid, feminist-inflected fiction about middle-class domestic life. Her works include the novels "Beghar" and "Dukkham Sukkham" and the poetry collection "Kitne Prashna Karun." She won the 27th Vyas Samman in 2017 for her novel "Dukkham Sukkham," praised for capturing the essence of Indian culture.
	2016	Surendra Verma Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (1996)	Hindi playwright and novelist	Kaatna shami ka vriksha padma-pankhuri ki dhar se	Novel
Surendra Verma is a leading Hindi playwright and novelist known for historically and philosophically rich works, including the play "Surya Ki Antim Kiran Se Surya Ki Pahli Kiran Tak" and the Sahitya Akademi Award-winning novel "Mujhe Chand Chahiye." He also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. He won the 26th Vyas Samman in 2016 for his novel "Kaatna Shami Ka Vriksha Padma-Pankhuri Ki Dhar Se."
	2015	Sunita Jain	Hindi and English poet, novelist, and scholar	Kshama	Poetry
Sunita Jain was a bilingual poet, novelist, and short-story writer who wrote in both Hindi and English and held academic posts in literature. Her works include "Sensum: Collected Poems," "A Girl of Her Age," and "Eunuch of Time and Other Stories." She won the 25th Vyas Samman in 2015 for her Hindi poetry collection "Kshama." She died in New Delhi in 2017.
	2014	Kamal Kishore Goyenka	Hindi literary critic and Premchand scholar	Premchand Kee Kahaniyon Kaa Kaal Kramanusar Adhyan	Literary Criticism
Kamal Kishore Goyenka was a leading Hindi literary critic and the foremost scholar of Munshi Premchand, authoring dozens of books and compiling thousands of rare Premchand documents over five decades of research; he also taught Hindi at Delhi University for forty years. He won the 24th Vyas Samman in 2014 for "Premchand Kee Kahaniyon Kaa Kaal Kramanusar Adhyayan" (a chronological study of Premchand's stories). He died in Delhi.
	2013	Vishwanath Tripathi Also won: Moortidevi Award (2014)	Hindi literary critic, memoirist, and poet; former professor of Hindi at Delhi University	Vyomkesh Darvesh	Memoir
Vishwanath Tripathi is a prominent Hindi critic and memoirist celebrated for blending literary criticism with lyrical autobiographical prose. His acclaimed memoir "Nangatalai Ka Gaon" and critical biography "Vyomkesh Darvesh" (on Hazari Prasad Dwivedi) established his reputation. He won the Vyas Samman in 2013 for "Vyomkesh Darvesh."
	2012	Narendra Kohli	Hindi novelist and former college teacher, known for mythological and historical retellings	Na Bhooto Na Bhavishyati	Novel
Narendra Kohli was a major Hindi novelist renowned for reimagining epics and Puranas in modern prose, notably "Abhyudaya" (Ramayana-based) and the eight-part "Mahasamar" (Mahabharata-based). His prolific mythological fiction earned him the label of pioneering a "Kohli Era" in Hindi literature. He received the Vyas Samman in 2012 for "Na Bhooto Na Bhavishyati."
	2011	Ramdarash Mishra Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (2015) , Saraswati Samman (2021)	Hindi poet, novelist, and academic (former professor at Delhi University)	Aam K Patte	Poetry
A towering figure of post-independence Hindi literature, author of over 150 books spanning poetry, novels, and short stories rooted in rural life and humanist philosophy. He won the Saraswati Samman 2021 for his poetry collection "Main To Yahan Hoon." He died in Delhi on 31 October 2025 at age 101, prompting condolences from the Indian Prime Minister and tributes across the Hindi literary world.
	2010	Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari Also won: Moortidevi Award (2019)	Hindi poet, critic, and academic; former president of the Sahitya Akademi (2013-2018)	Phir Bhi Kuch Rah Jayega	Poetry
Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari is a noted Hindi poet and critic from Gorakhpur, known for works like "Kavita Kya Hai" and "Saath Chalte Hue." He served as president of the Sahitya Akademi from 2013 to 2018 and received the Padma Shri in 2023. He won the Vyas Samman in 2010 for his work "Phir Bhi Kuch Rah Jayega."
	2009	Amar Kant Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (2007) , Jnanpith Award (2009)	Novelist and short-story writer	Inhi Hathiyaron Se	Novel
Amar Kant and Shrilal Shukla win 45th Jnanpith Award in 2009. He is the considered one of the prominent writers of the story writing tradition of Premchand but certainly is credited to add something better in that tradition by his own individuality.
	2008	Mannu Bhandari	Hindi short-story writer, novelist, screenwriter, and teacher	Ek Kahani Yah Bhi	Autobiography
Mannu Bhandari was a leading Hindi fiction writer whose novels "Aap Ka Bunty" and "Mahabhoj" addressed family breakdown and caste violence, and who wrote over 150 short stories. She also co-wrote screenplays for Hindi films. She received the Vyas Samman in 2008 for her autobiographical work "Ek Kahani Yeh Bhi." She died in Gurgaon at age 90.
	2006	Parmanand Srivastava	Hindi poet, literary critic, and editor	Kavita Ki Arthaat	Literary Criticism
Parmanand Srivastava was a distinguished Hindi poet and critic, longtime editor of the literary journal "Aalochana," and helped establish the Premchand Chair at Gorakhpur University. His works include poetry collections like "Agli Shatabdi Ke Bare Mein" and criticism such as "Samkaleen Kavita Ka Vyakaran." He won the Vyas Samman in 2006 for "Kavita Ka Arthaat."
	2005	Chandrakanta	Hindi novelist and short-story writer	Katha Satisar	Novel
Chandrakanta is a Hindi novelist best known for fiction centered on Kashmir and the Kashmiri Pandit experience, including displacement and terrorism's impact on the community. Her acclaimed works include "Katha Satisar" (her magnum opus) and "Ailan Gali Zinda Hai" (translated as "A Street in Srinagar"). She won the Vyas Samman in 2005 for "Katha Satisar."
	2004	Mridula Garg Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (2013)	Hindi and English-language novelist, short-story writer, and playwright	Kath Gulab	Novel
Mridula Garg is a bilingual Indian writer known for bold, socially candid fiction, including "Chittacobra" and "Uske Hisse Ki Dhoop." Her writing often explores women's inner lives and societal constraints. She won the Vyas Samman in 2004 for her novel "Kathgulab."
	2003	Chitra Mudgal Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (2018)	Hindi novelist and short-story writer	Aavan	Novel
Chitra Mudgal is a prominent Hindi novelist known for works addressing marginalized and working-class lives, including "Aavaan" and "Post Box No. 203, Nala Sopara" (for which she won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2018). She was the first woman to receive the Vyas Samman, winning it in 2003 for her novel "Aavaan."
	2002	Kailash Vajpeyi Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (2009)	Hindi poet, writer, and lyricist	Prithvi Ka Krishna Paksha	Poetry
Kailash Vajpeyi was a prominent Hindi poet whose works include "Sankranta," "Sufinama," and "Hawa Mein Hastakshar," reflecting philosophical and spiritual themes influenced by Indian and Western thought. He received numerous honors for his contribution to Hindi and Indic literature, including the Vyas Samman in 2002 for "Prithvi Ka Krishna Paksh."
	2001	Ramesh Chandra Shah Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (2014)	Hindi novelist, poet, playwright, essayist and literary critic	Aalochana ka paksh	Literary Criticism
Born in Almora, Uttarakhand, and based in Bhopal, Shah is a versatile Hindi man of letters with roughly 78 books to his name, spanning novels ("Gobar Ganesh," "Vinayak"), poetry, essays and criticism. He won the Vyas Samman in 2001 for his critical work "Aalochana Ka Paksh," the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for the novel "Vinayak," and the Padma Shri in 2004.
	2000	Giriraj Kishore Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (1992)	Hindi novelist and essayist	Pehla Girimitya	Novel
Born in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, Kishore worked as registrar at Kanpur University and IIT Kanpur before turning fully to writing. He is best known for "Pahla Girmitiya," a landmark novel about Gandhi's years in South Africa, and "Baa," about Kasturba Gandhi. He won the Vyas Samman in 2000 for "Pahla Girmitiya," the Sahitya Akademi Award (1992), and Padma Shri (2007). Died in Kanpur.
	1999	Shrilal Shukla Also won: Padma Bhushan (2008) , Sahitya Akademi Award (1969) , Jnanpith Award (2009)	Hindi novelist and satirist; former civil servant	Bishrampur Ka Sant	Novel
Shrilal Shukla and Amar Kant win 45th Jnanpith Award in 2009. He is also recived Sahitya Akademi Award in 1969, Vyas Samman in 1999 and Padma Bhushan in 2008 by the President of India for his contribution to Indian literature and culture.
	1998	Govind Mishra Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (2008) , Saraswati Samman (2013)	Hindi novelist and former civil servant	Panch Angano wala Ghar	Novel
A leading Hindi novelist and retired IRS officer who served as Chairperson of the Central Board of Direct Taxes until 1997. Known for novels such as "Lal Peeli Zameen" and "Paanch Aangan Wala Ghar," he explores middle-class Indian life with psychological depth. He won the Saraswati Samman 2013 for his novel "Dhool Paudho Par" (2008), becoming only the second Hindi author to receive it after Harivansh Rai Bachchan.
	1997	Kedarnath Singh Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (1989) , Jnanpith Award (2013)	Poet, critic and essayist	Uttar Kabir Tatha Anya Kavitaen	Poetry
Hindi Poet Kedarnath Singh Receives 49th Jnanpith Award, 2013. He is the 10th Hindi literati to receive this prestigious award. After winning the award, he has joined the list of prominent Hindi litterateurs including Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’, Sumitranandan Pant, S.H.V. Ajneya, Mahadevi Varma, Naresh Mehta, Nirmal Verma, Kunwar Narain, Shrilal Shukla and Amarkant. Kedarnath has penned the many essays and stories including Abhi Bilkul Abhi, Zameen Pak Rahi Hai, Akaal Mein Saaras, Yahan Se Dekho, Tolstoy Aur Cycle, Kalpana Aur Chhayavad, Kabristan Mein Panchayat, Mere Samay Ke Shabd and Taana Baana among others. He has been honoured with Kumaran Aashan and Vyas Award.
	1996	Ramswarup Chaturvedi	Hindi literary critic and academic	Hindi Sahitya aur Samvedana ka Vikas	Literary Criticism
A leading Hindi critic and long-time professor of Hindi at Allahabad University, known for rigorous theoretical and practical criticism in works such as "Kamayani Ka Punarmulyankan" and "Gadya Ki Satta." He won the Vyas Samman in 1996 for "Hindi Sahitya Aur Samvedna Ka Vikas," a study tracing the development of sensibility in Hindi literature, cementing his standing among the foremost Hindi critics of his era.
	1995	Kunwar Narayan Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (1995)	Hindi poet	Koi Dusra Nahin	Poetry
An influential modern Hindi poet from Faizabad, celebrated for philosophically reflective, imagist verse in works including "Chakravyuh," "Atmajayi," and "Koi Dusra Nahin." He won the Vyas Samman in 1995 for the poetry collection "Koi Dusra Nahin," the Jnanpith Award in 2005 for his overall contribution to Hindi literature, and was also honoured with the Padma Bhushan.
	1994	Dharamvir Bharati	Hindi novelist, poet, playwright and editor	Sapna Abhi Bhi	Poetry
A celebrated writer from Allahabad, best known for the novel "Gunahon Ka Devta" (1949) and the verse-play "Andha Yug." He served as chief editor of the influential Hindi weekly Dharmyug from 1960 to 1987, shaping Hindi journalism for decades. He won the Vyas Samman in 1994 for his poetry collection "Sapna Abhi Bhi," and received the Padma Shri in 1972.
	1993	Girija Kumar Mathur Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (1991)	Hindi poet	Main Waqt ke Hoon Samane	Poetry
A prominent Nayi Kavita-era Hindi poet known for lyrical, socially engaged verse in collections such as "Naya Nirman" and "Main Vakt Ke Hoon Samne." He famously rendered the anthem "We Shall Overcome" into Hindi as "Ham Honge Kaamyab," widely broadcast on Doordarshan. He won the Vyas Samman in 1993 for the poetry collection "Main Vakt Ke Hoon Samne," shortly before his death in January 1994.
	1992	Shiv Prasaad Singh Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (1990)	Hindi novelist and academic	Neela Chand	Novel
A novelist and long-time professor of Hindi at Banaras Hindu University, regarded as among the foremost "aanchalik" (regional) Hindi writers after Phanishwar Nath Renu for his depiction of post-independence rural North India. Best known for his 1990 novel "Neela Chand," part of his Kashi Trilogy. He won the Vyas Samman in 1992 and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1990, both for "Neela Chand."
	1991	Ram Vilas Sharma Also won: Sahitya Akademi Award (1970)	Hindi critic, linguist and Marxist thinker	Bharat ke Pracheen bhasha parivar aur Hindi	Linguistics
A pioneering Hindi literary critic, linguist and Marxist intellectual who authored over 50 books, including the three-volume "Nirala Ki Sahitya Sadhana" and "Premchand Aur Unka Yug." He was the first-ever recipient of the Vyas Samman, winning it in 1991 (the award's inaugural year) for his linguistic study "Bharat Ke Prachin Bhasha Parivar Aur Hindi."