AutHer Awards 2026: Celebrating the Voices of Indian Women Writers
It was an enchanting evening at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, on March 22, 2026, as the literary community gathered to celebrate the AutHer Awards 2026. This annual event, a collaboration between JK Paper and The Times of India, honors the remarkable contributions of women authors who have enriched the literary landscape of India. The seventh edition of the AutHer Awards was a star-studded affair, attended by authors, publishers, academicians, and art enthusiasts, all united in their admiration for the power of women’s storytelling.
The Winners Are…
The AutHer Awards 2026 recognized outstanding talent across four major categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s Literature, and Debut. Additionally, a Lifetime Achievement Award, a Popular Choice Award, and a Best Manuscript Award were presented, celebrating both established and emerging voices in literature.
Best Author Fiction
The prestigious Best Author Fiction award went to Kavery Nambisan for her novel Rising Sons, published by Penguin Random House India. Nambisan’s work, which delves into the complexities of familial relationships and societal expectations, resonated deeply with the jury, showcasing her unique narrative style and profound insights.
Best Author Non-Fiction
In a remarkable twist, the Best Author Non-Fiction award was shared by two talented women: Vidya Rajan for Rubber and Narayani Basu for A Man For All Seasons, both published by Westland Books. Rajan’s exploration of the rubber industry and its socio-economic implications, alongside Basu’s compelling biography, highlighted the diverse themes women authors are tackling in contemporary non-fiction.
Best Author Debut
The Best Author Debut award was also a dual honor this year, going to Swati Pandey for Invisible In Plain Sight: Voices From The Bylanes of Kamathipura and Subi Taba for Tales From The Dawn-Lit Mountains. Pandey’s poignant narrative sheds light on the lives of women in Kamathipura, while Taba’s enchanting tales draw readers into the mystical landscapes of the mountains.
Best Children’s Author
Likla Lal was celebrated as the Best Children’s Author for her delightful book Ganesh Haloi: Colours of Home, published by Art1st. Lal’s ability to weave vibrant stories that engage young readers while imparting cultural values was a standout feature of her work.
Popular Choice Award
The Popular Choice Award, determined by an online poll, was awarded to Astha Gill for her book Blame It On The Hormones: The Divine Chemistry, The Daily Chaos. Gill’s candid exploration of the complexities of womanhood struck a chord with readers, earning her the top spot in this category.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to veteran author Mrs. Urmila Pawar, recognizing her enduring contributions to Indian literature. Pawar’s body of work has inspired generations of writers and readers alike, making her a true luminary in the literary world.
Best Manuscript Award
Lastly, the Best Manuscript Award was given to Saanvi Shabeesh for City of Doom, a recognition aimed at encouraging budding writers to unleash their creativity and share their stories with the world.
The Selection Process
The journey to the AutHer Awards 2026 was rigorous, with a comprehensive selection process that involved multiple layers of screening. The Times of India received approximately 3,000 entries from both publishers and authors, all vying for recognition in this prestigious event. The jury meticulously reviewed books published in India between December 2024 and November 2025, ensuring that only the most deserving works made it to the Longlist and Shortlist.
The Jury
The jury for the AutHer Awards 2026 comprised distinguished figures from the literary realm, ensuring a fair and insightful evaluation of the entries. The Fiction category was judged by Manju Kapur, Sudeep Nagarkar, and Kiran Manral. Non-fiction was assessed by Ravikant Kisana, Amrita Shah, and Dr. Radha Kumar. The Debut category featured Soha Ali Khan, Preeti Shenoy, and Vasudhendra, while the Best Children’s Literature jury included Nina Sabnani, Neil D’Silva, and Zai Whitaker.
Jaya Bhattacharji Rose, the Literary Director of AutHer Awards 2026, eloquently expressed the significance of the event: "Women have always been storytellers. From oral traditions whispered across generations to novels that challenge power structures, women writers have shaped how we see the world." Her words encapsulated the essence of the AutHer Awards, which aims to honor those who have made a significant impact on literature and society.
As the largest literary platform in India dedicated to women writers, the AutHer Awards 2026 stands as a testament to the creativity, resilience, and diversity of voices that continue to shape the narrative of Indian literature. For more information, visit the official AutHer Awards website.
