Author
K Shivalingappa Handihal
Dr. K. Shivalingappa Handihal has won the Sahitya Akademi’s Bal Sahitya Puraskar for the year 2025, in the Kannada category, for his anthology of children’s stories titled Notebook.
The Bala Sahitya Puraskar is the highest Indian literary award at the national level, conferred by the Sahitya Akademi in recognition of outstanding contributions to children’s literature. Presented annually, it honours writers selected from among the scheduled Indian languages.
Dr. Handihal, an enthusiastic young writer from Ballary, is a teacher by profession. Constantly surrounded by children, he has committed himself to creating literature that reflects contemporary sensibilities and resonates with young readers. He holds a PhD in children’s literature and is engaged in serious scholarly study of the genre in Kannada and other languages. As the first recipient of this prestigious award from Ballary district, Dr. Handihal draws inspiration from the lives of rural children, many of whom face poverty, inadequate facilities, and harsh realities. His stories often revolve around the struggles and silent traumas experienced by these young lives.
His acclaimed collection of stories, Notebook, vividly portray the anguish and hardships of rural children. Interestingly, elements of fantasy are woven into these realistic storylines, creating a compelling blend of imagination and truth. These stories mark a bold departure from the traditional trend of children’s literature, which has often been confined to moral lessons, information, and didactic themes.
The Bala Sahitya Puraskar is the highest Indian literary award at the national level, conferred by the Sahitya Akademi in recognition of outstanding contributions to children’s literature. Presented annually, it honours writers selected from among the scheduled Indian languages.
Dr. Handihal, an enthusiastic young writer from Ballary, is a teacher by profession. Constantly surrounded by children, he has committed himself to creating literature that reflects contemporary sensibilities and resonates with young readers. He holds a PhD in children’s literature and is engaged in serious scholarly study of the genre in Kannada and other languages. As the first recipient of this prestigious award from Ballary district, Dr. Handihal draws inspiration from the lives of rural children, many of whom face poverty, inadequate facilities, and harsh realities. His stories often revolve around the struggles and silent traumas experienced by these young lives.
His acclaimed collection of stories, Notebook, vividly portray the anguish and hardships of rural children. Interestingly, elements of fantasy are woven into these realistic storylines, creating a compelling blend of imagination and truth. These stories mark a bold departure from the traditional trend of children’s literature, which has often been confined to moral lessons, information, and didactic themes.
Books by K Shivalingappa Handihal
Dr. K. Shivalingappa Handihal has won the Sahitya Akademi’s Bal Sahitya Puraskar for the year 2025, in the Kannada category, for his anthology of children’s stories titled Notebook. He has now brought the book out in English. Notebook & Other Stories celebrates ordinary children using their armour of grit, gumption and chutzpah to face tough odds.
