Bijoya Sawian to get women achievers’ award

Shillong, July 13: Writer Bijoya Sawian will be honoured at the 3rd edition of the Aalekh Foundation Women Achievers’ Awards ceremony to be held at The Leela Palace, New Delhi on July 19.
She is among 20 women selected from across the country for their work and impact in diverse fields.
The award recognises Bijoya Sawian’s contribution to Indian literature and indigenous cultural preservation, particularly through her evocative storytelling and engagement with the heritage of the Khasi people. Her translations such as The Teachings of Elders and The Main Ceremonies of the Khasis have preserved oral traditions, while her fiction works like Shadow Men and Hill Songs of Love and Longing offer lyrical and sensitive portrayals of life in the Khasi Hills.
Her writings have been lauded for bridging geographies and generations, bringing the rich cultural and socio-political history of the Northeast into the national literary consciousness.
The ceremony will be graced by distinguished guests including R. Venkataramani, Attorney General of India and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, former judge of Supreme Court of India.
Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Rennie Joyy, Founder of the Aalekh Foundation, said: “Bijoya Sawian’s work is a quiet revolution in literature — restoring dignity, voice, and visibility to stories that often go unheard. At Aalekh, we are proud to honour women like her who shape narratives, nurture legacies, and remind us of the power of words to preserve and transform.”
The Aalekh Foundation Women Achievers’ Awards is a flagship initiative that celebrates women who have not only broken barriers in their respective fields but have also contributed to society, culture, and nation-building.