Bishan Singh Dardi’s ‘Kukkadu-Kadu’ has been honored with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Award 2024
Bishan Singh ‘Dardi’, a poet from Samba, has been honored with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Award 2024 for his Dogri language poetry collection titled “Kukkadu-Kadu”. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to children’s literature in India, celebrating works that enrich and promote regional languages and their literary heritage.Dogri, an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the Jammu region, has a rich tradition of oral and written literature. Bishan Singh ‘Dardi’s “Kukkadu-Kadu” is a notable addition to this tradition, offering a collection of poems that capture the imagination of young readers while reflecting the cultural and linguistic nuances of the Dogri-speaking community.The Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Award is one of the most significant recognitions for children’s literature in India. It aims to encourage and acknowledge the efforts of writers who dedicate their creativity to developing engaging and educational content for children. Winning this award places Dardi among the prominent literary figures who contribute to the preservation and growth of regional languages through their work.As a resident of Samba, Dardi’s achievement brings pride to his local community, highlighting the region’s cultural and literary vitality. This award not only honors his individual talent but also draws attention to the Dogri language and its literary potential, encouraging more writers to explore and contribute to this field.