Thursday, Oct 15, 2026 11:15 [IST]
Last Update: Thursday, Oct 15, 2026 05:42 [IST]
GANGTOK,:
Sikkim Akademi on Wednesday announced “Manuscript Award 2026-27” to encourage
literary expression and promote original writing, with a focus on the history,
traditions and culture of Sikkim.
The
Akademi has invited writers residing in Sikkim to submit unpublished
manuscripts for the competition, which also seeks to promote literary
criticism, essays and research related to art and culture.
Speaking
at a press conference, Akademi president Parvin Rai Jumeli said the initiative
aimed to encourage writers from Sikkim, including those who had made the state
their home, to produce original literary works and contribute to the growth of
Sikkimese literature.
The
competition is open to writers, teachers, researchers, students and individuals
from all professional backgrounds, provided their manuscripts are original and
have not been published in any form, he said.
Priority
will be given to manuscripts featuring detailed studies on Sikkimese history,
traditions and culture, as well as literary criticism, essays and art-related
research, Rai said.
The
entries will be evaluated by a book selection committee appointed by the
Akademi on the basis of quality, relevance and depth. The first and
second-ranked manuscripts will receive cash prizes and be published by the
Akademi, subject to meeting its publication standards.
According
to the guidelines, manuscripts must be between 200 and 250 pages and can be
submitted in English, Nepali or Hindi. Applicants must pay an entry fee of Rs
1,000 and submit at least three proofread copies printed on A4-size paper,
along with an admission letter, to the Akademi office by the prescribed
deadline.
Those
submitting their PhD research work must rewrite it in a suitable literary
format, as purely academic writing will not be accepted. Controversial writings
will also be excluded from consideration, Rai said.
He
said the award would provide both aspiring and established writers an
opportunity to bring their unpublished works before the public.
