This year, 14 outstanding voices from across India and beyond were honored for their unique literary contributions.
Gurudeb Sahitya Puraskar
In a stirring tribute to the timeless legacy of Rabindranath Tagore, YOUx Talks e-MAGAZINE proudly concluded the inaugural edition of the Gurudeb Sahitya Puraskar 2025-a wholly digital literary honor celebrating contemporary writers whose words stir thought, awaken purpose, and inspire transformation.
"This year, 14 outstanding voices from across India and beyond were honored for their unique literary contributions. Each winner embodies a commitment to crafting narratives that reflect Tagore’s vision of truth, beauty, hope, and humanism, says Sunil Sihaag, Founder of YOUx Talks e-magazine."
Award Winners 2025
Yogita Warde
Born in Madhya Pradesh, Yogita Warde is celebrated for her emotionally resonant novels such as Saahi & Sudheer, Diya, Postcard, and Cooker ki Seeti. Her storytelling is known for its depth, honesty, and rich societal reflections.
“Literature is a revolution of the soul. This award fuels my purpose to write what matters.”
Maitridevi Sisodia
A civil servant from Gujarat, Maitridevi is known for her powerful debut Contemporary Cheerharan – Women Fighting Indignity and Injustice, and her acclaimed poetry collection Moments and Eternities, praised by literary icon Ruskin Bond.
“Tagore’s words taught me to dream with my pen. I’m honored beyond measure.”
Roshan Bhondekar
An Indian-Spanish entrepreneur, filmmaker, and author of Love: The Key to Optimism and The Frame: An Art of Optimism, Roshan is a creative force behind award-winning films like The Shoes and Hausla Aur Raste. He is also the founder of Transcontinental Times (Spain).
“Being honored in Rabindranath Tagore’s memory deepens my dedication to storytelling.”
Ansuman Bhagat
Based in Jamshedpur, Ansuman Bhagat is renowned for his Hindi bestseller Ek Safar Mein, which delves into profound social and spiritual themes. His thought-provoking work has resonated with educators, youth, and thought leaders across India.
“Writing is a sea of thoughts; the deeper you go, the clearer the emotions hidden in words become.”
Sandeep Murarka
A passionate chronicler of India’s tribal legacy, Sandeep is known for his series शिखर को छूते ट्राइबल्स and coffee table books documenting Padma-awarded tribal icons. In 2023, he presented one of his works to the President of India. He is now working on a book chronicling the Tata Group’s nation-building efforts.
“My work strives to illuminate the unseen. This award energizes that pursuit.”
Ravindra Mardia
A philanthropist-turned-author from Jaipur, Ravindra’s autobiography Buddy to All recounts his transformative journey from industrialist to social reformer. Through his self-funded NGO, he has impacted over 1,100 villages in North Gujarat.
“For me, literature is an inward odyssey, akin to spirituality. Receiving this award feels like a truly sacred milestone.”
Shree
An Indian-American author, entrepreneur, and screenwriter, Shree’s work spans themes of women’s empowerment, psychology, health, and lifestyle. Her recent work The Crimson Thread exemplifies her cross-cultural narrative depth.
“Poetry connects the divine to the mundane. I’m humbled to be seen through Tagore’s lens.”
Aparnaa Jadhav
A leading voice for post-divorce empowerment in India, Aparnaa’s bestselling book Paradise Sucked – Thrive After Divorce, Ladies! has helped countless women reclaim their strength and rewrite their stories.
“Writing is a form of healing. This award affirms my journey from breakdown to breakthrough.”
Veruschka Pandey
At just 16, this young poet stunned readers with The Quiet Geometry of Chaos, a poetic exploration of human rights, emotions, and mental health. Her voice is noted for its maturity, courage, and grace.
“Tagore taught us to embrace multiplicity. I write for voices that often go unheard.”
Aaditya Sengupta Dhar
A 16-year-old bestselling author and changemaker from Mumbai, Aaditya is honored for Apna Time Aayega, an anthology amplifying grassroots youth voices. Developed with Udaan India Foundation and Anecdote Publishing, the book is part of his social initiative to mentor youth from underserved communities with communication skills to enhance employability.
“Tagore inspires me to blend storytelling with purpose. I’m truly grateful for this recognition.”
Zoovi
A renowned fantasy author and editor, Zoovi’s vivid and emotionally resonant storytelling has captivated digital readers worldwide. With a decade of experience, her work redefines fantasy for a new generation.
“This recognition validates the courage it takes to write the unspeakable.”
Anagha Ratish
At only 15, Anagha is honored for her Celestia Chronicles series and her poetry collection A World of Intricacies. Her philosophical and imaginative narratives explore themes of morality, hope, and heroism.
“As a young writer, this honor inspires me to continue exploring the world with wonder and words.”
Dr. Preethi Amaresh
A globally respected political scientist and Switzerland Scholar, Dr. Amaresh is recognized for her scholarly writings that blend political theory with global perspectives. Her work bridges academia and impactful literature.
“Feeling incredibly grateful for every award I’ve received throughout my journey. Winning the Tagore Memorial Award is a beautiful addition to my collection.”
Pinky N. D. Kansara
A veteran corporate leader and certified REBT practitioner, Pinky’s book Empowering Emotional Awareness is for professionals and anyone seeking to deepen their emotional awareness and transform their inner world.
“This recognition isn’t just for me - it’s for everyone who’s ever struggled to live without purpose, yet still found the strength to rise. We are the story of resilience.”
“The Gurudeb Sahitya Puraskar is a wholly digital literary honor presented by YOUx Talks e-MAGAZINE, created to spotlight powerful voices from across the globe. In a world shaped increasingly by screens and scrolls, this online platform seeks to bring literary brilliance to the forefront-accessible, inclusive, and inspired by the human spirit. We believe that literature, in any format, continues to be a revolutionary act. Through this award, we hope to keep that revolution alive,” says the editor of YOUx Talks e-MAGAZINE.
As the inaugural chapter of the Gurudeb Sahitya Puraskar comes to a close, it marks not just a celebration of literary excellence but the birth of a legacy rooted in the timeless vision of Rabindranath Tagore. The 14 awarded voices-diverse in age, background, and genre-stand united in their pursuit of truth, beauty, and transformation through words. In honoring them, YOUx Talks e-MAGAZINE reaffirms its commitment to nurturing narratives that awaken the soul, challenge conventions, and echo across generations. This is not just an award; it is an awakening-a call for writers to continue weaving the spirit of Tagore into the fabric of our contemporary world.
A Digital Legacy Begins
As YOUx Talks e-MAGAZINE launches this literary tradition, the Gurudeb Sahitya Puraskar becomes more than an award-it becomes a digital awakening. It invites writers everywhere to carry Tagore’s spirit forward through storytelling that is bold, beautiful, and deeply human.
The Gurudeb Sahitya Puraskar is not just an award-it is a digital literary movement. Hosted by YOUx Talks e-MAGAZINE, the award recognizes writers from all walks of life, across languages, professions, and geographies, with the aim of building a more conscious, inclusive, and creatively vibrant literary community.
“In a world shaped increasingly by screens and scrolls, this award keeps the revolutionary spirit of literature alive-accessible, inclusive, and inspired by the human soul,” said the award jury.
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