‘Chodya’ wins Vijaya Dabbe literary award

Mysuru: Writer Anupama Prasad’s short story collection ‘Chodya’ has won the Dr Vijaya Dabbe Literary Award for 2026.

Instituted in 2022 by the Samatha Adhyayana Kendra, Mysuru, the award honours outstanding literary works by women writers. Entries were invited from collections published between 2022 and 2025; 63 were received.

A jury comprised Dr Sabitha Bannadi, Swami Ponnachi and Dr MS Veda. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 25,000, the release said.

The kendra also announced the results of state-level poetry and light essay competitions held in memory of Dr Vijaya Dabbe.

In the poetry category (20–35 years), Darshan Kumar won first prize, Jyothirlakshmi second and Achala B. Henli third. The jury gave special mentions to Seema Shiraguppi (Shegunasi, Athani taluk) and YS Supriya (Hanumantha Nagar, Bengaluru).

In the light essay category for women (20–40 years), Achala B Henli won first prize and Radhika S (Amasebailu, Kundapura taluk) second.

In association with the Karnataka Lekhakiyara Sangha, the kendra will hold a two-day poetry workshop from May 31. The awards will be presented on June 1 at 4pm, according to a release by president Sabiha Bhoomigowda.