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Former U.S. Amb Navtej Sarna wins Sahitya Akademi
His book 'Crimson Spring' explores the historical consequences of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
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Rwittika Chakraborty - Tue, 17, Mar 2026
- 02:58 EDT
- 14
Former Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Navtej Sarna and his book, 'Crimson Spring.' / navtejsarna.in/
Former Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Navtej Sarna has been honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for his novel 'Crimson Spring', based on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of April 1919.
Sarna is among the 24 authors selected as recipients of this award, and this year’s selections include eight poetry collections, four novels, six short story collections, two essays, one literary criticism, one autobiography, and two memoirs.
The U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum took to X to congratulate Sarna, who is among the advisers to the board of directors, and wrote,
“Congratulations to Ambassador @NavtejSarna, Advisor to the Board of Directors at USISPF, on being honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel 'Crimson Spring'. A veteran diplomat and former Ambassador of India to the United States, and a writer extraordinaire.”
Congratulations to Ambassador @NavtejSarna, Advisor to the Board of Directors at USISPF, on being honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel Crimson Spring.
— US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (@USISPForum) March 16, 2026
A veteran diplomat and former Ambassador of India to the United States, and a writer extraordinaire. pic.twitter.com/Hj5R4rls2Y
The retired diplomat of the Indian Foreign Service has previously served as the high commissioner of India to the United Kingdom and the ambassador to Israel.
His book 'Crimson Spring' explores the historical consequences of the 1919 massacre.
ALSO READ: Suresh Kumar’s debut novel shortlisted for Delhi Literature Festival jury award
The announcement came on March 16, months after the academy canceled a scheduled press conference in December 2025 to announce the awards, which recognize 24 Indian languages.
Sarna, along with other awardees, will receive a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh at a ceremony on March 31.
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