Maitreyi Pushpa gets IFFCO Sahitya Samman; Ankita Jain wins Yuva prize

Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has announced the recipients of its prestigious literary awards for 2025, recognising significant contributions to Hindi literature with a strong focus on rural and agrarian life. Renowned writer Maitreyi Pushpa has been selected for the IFFCO Sahitya Samman 2025, while Ankita Jain will receive the IFFCO Yuva Sahitya Samman 2025 for her book “Oh Re! Kisan”.

The awardees were chosen by an eminent jury chaired by senior litterateur Chandrakanta. Other members of the selection committee included Nasira Sharma, Anant Vijay, Yatindra Mishra, Utkarsh Shukla and Dr Nalin Vikas, IFFCO said in a statement.

Born in 1944 in Sikurra village of Aligarh district, Maitreyi Pushpa spent her early years in Jhansi and completed her post-graduation in Hindi literature from Bundelkhand College. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential contemporary Hindi writers, known for her powerful portrayal of women, rural society and social change.

Her literary output spans short stories, novels, autobiographies, women’s discourse, poetry, plays, memoirs and reportage, with several works adapted for television. She has previously received a number of prestigious honours, including the SAARC Literary Award, Premchand Samman and Sarojini Naidu Award.

Ankita Jain began her professional career in academics before turning to full-time writing. Her debut book “Aisi Vaisi Aurat” became a Jagran–Nielsen bestseller, followed by other widely appreciated works such as “Main Se Maa Tak”, “Baheliye”, “Oh Re! Kisan”, the novel “Mohalla Salimbagh” and the children’s novel “Aatanki Mor”. She has also written popular columns and contributed to several leading media platforms.

Beyond writing, Jain is actively involved in agriculture and rural entrepreneurship. She is the Director of the agro-manufacturing firm Vaidik Vatika and a founding Director of Jai Jungle Farmers Producer Company, where she works closely with tribal women self-help groups. She is also a professional sculpture painting artist and conducts workshops across various cities.

Instituted in 2011, the IFFCO Sahitya Samman is awarded annually to a Hindi writer whose work primarily reflects rural and agricultural life. The award carries a trophy, a citation and a cash prize of `11 lakh. The IFFCO Yuva Sahitya Samman includes a trophy, a citation and a cash prize of `2.5 lakh. Both Maitreyi Pushpa and Ankita Jain will be formally honoured at an award ceremony to be held in New Delhi on December 30, 2025.