Verse Meets Varsity: Javed Akhtar to Receive SOA Sahitya Samman

Inside the announcement  
As per SOA University’s official release and media reports, the SOA Sahitya Samman carries a cash prize of ₹7 lakh, a citation, a silver idol of Goddess Saraswati, and a shawl. The festival will be inaugurated by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati. Akhtar, who has won the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Sahitya Akademi Award, five National Film Awards, and 15 Filmfare Awards, expressed his delight in a video message, congratulating SOA for celebrating literature and cultural dialogue.  

Notable updates  
• Event: 3rd SOA Literary Festival begins November 29 at SOA auditorium  
• Chief guest: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati to inaugurate the festival  
• Award: SOA Sahitya Samman instituted in 2025, conferred annually on eminent litterateurs  
• Recipient: Javed Akhtar, acclaimed poet, lyricist, and scriptwriter with a seven-generation literary lineage  
• Recognition: Award includes ₹7 lakh cash prize, citation, Saraswati idol, and shawl  

Major takeaway  
The conferment of the SOA Sahitya Samman on Javed Akhtar underscores his towering influence in Indian literature and cinema. It also highlights SOA University’s commitment to fostering literary excellence and cultural dialogue through its annual festival.  

Sources: UNI India Odisha Bytes The Statesman