New India Foundation reveals Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay Prize shortlist

The New India Foundation has unveiled the shortlist for the 2026 Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize, recognising outstanding works of non-fiction writing. The prestigious award celebrates literary excellence and contributions to Indian intellectual discourse.

The announcement marks an important milestone in the foundation's commitment to promoting quality scholarship and public engagement with ideas. The Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize has established itself as a significant recognition for authors working across disciplines including history, biography, social analysis, and cultural studies.

The award ceremony will take place on December 12 at the Bangalore Literature Festival 2026, providing a high-profile platform for recognising the winning work. The festival setting underscores the prize's role in fostering broader conversations around contemporary Indian writing and intellectual life.

The New India Foundation, through its various initiatives, continues to support scholarship that contributes to understanding India's complex social, political, and cultural landscape. The prize represents part of the foundation's broader mission to strengthen public discourse and encourage rigorous, accessible writing on matters of national importance.