Mysore/Mysuru:
Kodagu-based author and engineer Mookonda P. Nitin Kushalappa has been awarded the prestigious Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar for his latest work, Dakshin: South Indian Myths and Fables Retold, published by Puffin Books in 2023.
The awards were announced in New Delhi on Wednesday (June 18), and Nitin is among 24 writers to receive the Bal Puraskar this year.
The Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters, is the country’s central institution for literary dialogue, publication and promotion, and is the only organisation to conduct literary activities in 24 Indian languages, including English.
These distinguished literary honours recognise exceptional contributions to Indian literature across multiple languages, celebrating diversity, creativity, and the country’s rich linguistic heritage.
Presented annually, the awards honour authors whose works exemplify outstanding literary merit and cultural relevance. This year’s selection showcases a rich tapestry of genres — from poetry and novels to short stories and criticism — highlighting both emerging and established voices.
“Although I have authored seven other books so far, this is my first book for children. Winning this award was unexpected, and I am grateful that my current work has found such recognition. I thank the Sahitya Akademi for conferring the Bal Sahitya Puraskar on me. I am also thankful to my publishers, book agents, relatives, friends, and everyone who supported me on this journey,” Nitin Kushalappa told Star of Mysore.
An engineer by profession, Nitin is widely known for his deep interest in Kodagu’s local history, folklore and fiction. His notable publications include ‘The Early Coorgs’, ‘Long Ago in Coorg’, ‘1785 Coorg’, ‘Kodagu Principality vs British Empire’, ‘The Major Who Kept His Cool’, ‘The House of Awadh’ and ‘The Gandhi of Kodagu’.
His latest work, ‘Dakshin: South Indian Myths and Fables Retold’, reflects his signature storytelling style, which blends regional history with creative retelling. Award winners will each receive a casket containing an engraved copper plaque and a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 at a special ceremony on a later date.
A native of Kodagu, Nitin is the son of Mookonda K. Poonacha (Sunny) and M.P. Damayanthi (Pushpa), residents of Ammathi. He is married to Deepthi Belliappa from the Ketolira family.
He completed his education at Clarence High School, St. Joseph’s Pre-University College, CMR Institute of Technology (B.E.), Kuvempu University (M.A.) and Alliance University (Executive Post Graduate Diploma in Management).
2019 award
In 2019, Codanda Devika Cariapa received the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar for her book ‘A Children’s History of India in 100 Objects’, published by Penguin Random House India.
The book is a compilation featuring 100 objects that hold significant relevance in Indian history, from prehistoric times to modern-day India. The emphasis has been to capture India’s diversity through concise and descriptive texts and beautiful illustrations.
Devika is the daughter of Lt. Gen. Biddanda Chengappa Nanda (late) and Leela Nanda, and wife of Indian Air Force Group Captain (Retd.) Codanda Chitrajit Cariapa.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 21st, 2025
