Renowned poet honored for distinguished lifetime contribution to English poetry
Bhubaneswar: Distinguished poet Robin S. Ngangom has been named the recipient of the 3rd Jayanta Mahapatra National Award for Literature for the year 2026. The announcement was made by the Udaygiri Foundation on Thursday, recognising Ngangom's lifetime contribution to Indian English poetry.
This prestigious accolade includes a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and a citation. Literary enthusiasts can witness the ceremony on January 31, 2026, during the inaugural session of the upcoming Toshali Literature Festival 2026 in Bhubaneswar.
Honoring a Poetic Legacy
The jury selected Ngangom after a rigorous evaluation of nominations from across India. They highlighted his seminal role in shaping contemporary Indian English poetry, noting that his work is defined by "lyrical restraint, moral depth, and ethical seriousness". His verses frequently explore profound human themes such as memory, loss, love, violence, and vulnerability.
According to the jury, Ngangom's writing resonates deeply with the humane and contemplative legacy left by the late literary icon Jayanta Mahapatra. His work has achieved sustained international circulation and recognition through major global anthologies.
Shortlist and Previous Winners
Competition for this year's honor was fierce. The jury shortlisted several eminent poets based on their lifetime achievements and national reputation. Alongside Ngangom, the final shortlist included Sudeep Sen, Shanta Acharya, Sanjukta Dasgupta, Sharmila Ray, and Santosh Bakaya.
The Jayanta Mahapatra National Award for Literature continues to build a tradition of excellence. Previous recipients include Gopal Lahiri, who won the inaugural award in 2024, and Vinita Agrawal, who was honored in 2025.
President of the Udaygiri Foundation Trust, Jay Jagdev, authorised the release, marking another significant chapter in Odisha's vibrant literary calendar.
