Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 29: The 7th Hindi Sahitya Mandal (HSM) Navlekhan Tej Puraskar by Hindi Sahitya Mandal was given to story writer-poet Nina Andotra from Kathua, currently residing in Ahmedabad.
She was awarded for her story collection ‘Bindlu’.
The author was presented the award at a programme presided over by writer-critic and former HoD Hindi, Prof. Rajkumar.
The award, presented by the Mandal in memory of Late Tej Bhan Gulati with the support of his family, includes a cash prize of Rs. 11,000, a citation and a memento.
The jury for the award included Prof. Rajkumar, story writer-poet, Dr. Adarsh, Ayurvedic scholar and Prof. Kiran Bakshi, a Hindi story writer and former Principal.
During the ceremony, Sushma Deol, a research scholar at University of Jammu, presented a critique of the story collection ‘Bindlu’.
Writer Neena Andotra, in her response, explained that she draws her stories from her immediate surroundings but her focus intrinsically remains on the social and personal status of women.
In his presidential address, Prof. Rajkumar expressed his hope that Neena’s potential for writing stories reflecting the regional themes and concerns, should only grow from strength to strength.
Earlier, Sanjeev Bhasin, senior vice-president of HSM, on behalf of president HSM, Dr. Chanchal Dogra, delivered welcome address after which Mandal’s deputy general secretary Shyam Juneja, introduced author Neena to the audience.
Jang S. Verman, media secretary read out the citation prepared for the award ceremony.
HSM general secretary, Manto Dutta Sharma and literary secretary, Uma Sharma conducted the programme and vice president HSM, Dr. Pawan Khajuria presented vote of thanks.
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