Meghalaya’s literary voice Bijoya Sawian to be honoured at Aalekh Women Achievers’ Awards

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 13, 2025

Shillong-based writer, translator and cultural custodian Bijoya Sawian will be felicitated at the 3rd Edition of the Aalekh Foundation Women Achievers’ Awards, to be held on July 19, 2025 at The Leela Palace, New Delhi. 

She is among 20 exceptional women selected from across the country for their transformative work and impact in diverse fields.

The award recognises Bijoya Sawian’s outstanding contribution to Indian literature and indigenous cultural preservation, particularly through her evocative storytelling and deep engagement with the heritage of the Khasi people. Her acclaimed translations such as The Teachings of Elders and The Main Ceremonies of the Khasis have preserved invaluable oral traditions, while her fiction works like Shadow Men and Hill Songs of Love and Longing offer lyrical and sensitive portrayals of life in the Khasi Hills.

Her writings have been lauded for bridging geographies and generations, bringing the rich cultural and socio-political history of the Northeast into the national literary consciousness.

The ceremony will be graced by distinguished guests including Shri R. Venkataramani, Hon’ble Attorney General of India and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, former judge of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, as chief guests.

Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Rennie Joyy, Founder of the Aalekh Foundation, said:

“Bijoya Sawian’s work is a quiet revolution in literature — restoring dignity, voice, and visibility to stories that often go unheard. At Aalekh, we are proud to honour women like her who shape narratives, nurture legacies, and remind us of the power of words to preserve and transform.”

The Aalekh Foundation Women Achievers’ Awards is a flagship initiative that celebrates women who have not only broken barriers in their respective fields but have also contributed meaningfully to society, culture, and nation-building.