Debut Spiritual Author Award | Almoraliteraturefest

Debut Spiritual Authors' Award

Almora has been the cultural and spiritual capital of Kumaon Uttarakhand for centuries and is associated with many spiritual luminaries, and great minds. Many amazing books have been written here, it has been a thriving centre of art and culture. Over time this Almora has become eclipsed, and we are trying to rejuvenate the spirit of Kumaon which lives in the hearts of all those who have known this space.

We require details about any book recommended along with a bio about the author, and one sample chapter. Please email these to us at contact@almoraliteraturefestival.org. We would also require the contact details of the author being recommended for the award so our jury can have a dialogue with them.

Based on this, our jury of three writers in the genre of Religion and Spirituality will be shortlisting about five books. We will require shortlisted books to be sent to our jury members, for selecting the winner of the award.

We are seeking books on spirituality that resonate with the knowledge and wisdom of the lofty Himalaya. Criteria for the award is a well-researched book that reflects the depth of search of the writer and subject knowledge, while being presented well and importantly, being inspirational.

The Jury for 2024 Awards comprises of Ms. Romola Butalia, Ms. Sunita Pant Bansal and Sh. Vithal C. Nadkarni.

Meet The Jury

Our jury for the 2024 Awards comprises of more than a century's worth of experience in spiritual writing and literature among themselves. Each member brings with them a distinct perspective, contributing to a holistic assessment of all the entries for the Awards.

Romola Butalia

Romola Butalia is a writer, journalist, environmentalist and a practitioner in the traditions of the Himalayan yogis.

As a media person she worked in print, visual and digital media. She is the Editor of India Travelogue, a website that was started in 1997. She is co-founder of Save Kumaon, which supports initiatives to preserve, protect, foster and rejuvenate the natural ecology, traditions, culture and spiritual heritage of the Himalaya and creates environmental and ecological awareness and promotes sustainability.

Her first book In the Presence of the Masters traces her early encounters with Himalayan yogis and different sant-mahatmas. Sri Babaji Immortal Yogi of the Himalaya takes us to the tapasya sthals of Kumaon talking with, and about, well-known and loved yogis of the Kumaon Himalaya. Her essay on the Siddha Traditions in Namita Gokhale's Mystics and Sceptics In Search of Himalayan Masters takes us on an experiential journey through the meditative practices of the Siddha Traditions. We learn about the transformative role of the chimta and dhuni in the custody of the knowledge holders of these ancient and sacred traditions.

Her search for wisdom and joy led to a continuing tryst with the Himalaya where she lives a mostly reclusive life.

275555884_10159902845598489_3319653340234343444_n-2.jpg

Sunita Pant Bansal

Sunita Pant Bansal’s forte is demystifying Hindu scriptures to show their relevance and application in today’s times. She explores and reinterprets the timelessness of characters from the epics and foundational texts in her stories, seamlessly blending mythology and history with real life.

Sunita has authored 30 books for adults and young adults decoding the philosophy of mythology and over 100 books for children on folk literature and scriptures. Her books sell in multiple languages globally. Not limiting herself to only books, Sunita has also dabbled in writing articles, columns & stories, creating jigsaw puzzles & board games, and producing short films.

In her long and illustrious career path spanning four decades, Sunita has also headed publishing houses, founded-edited newspapers and magazines for readers in India as well as in the US and UK. She has worked with giants like Walt Disney, Warner Bros., Pearson Education, The Times of India, Hindustan Times and ABP Group of newspapers and magazines.

WhatsApp Image 2023-12-23 at 7_edited.png

Vithal C Nadkarni

Vithal C Nadkarni is a renowned journalist who has worked with some of the biggest brands, newspapers and magazines, globally. As a science and technology editor with an in-depth background in the arts and letters, he was associated with the founding of The Speaking Tree brand for The Times Group.

He also has extensive broadcasting and television experience. He is a fellow of the London-based 21st Century Trust and a Salzburg Fellow and a recipient of the prestigious fellowship named after The Washington Post editor Alfred Friendly.

Mr Nadkarni is the author of several books and his latest adventure is a UNICEF-backed guide on how to conduct a successful Kumbh Mela. It was launched at the Museum Society.

As an initiated practitioner and follower of Hatha Yoga, Mr Nadkarni curated an expo on Jhansi ki Rani’s Yoga Manuscript for The Tata Institute of Social Sciences. This was pegged to the first ever International Day for Yoga.

Mr Nadkarni is also active in conserving India’s classical and folk traditions in music.