Dev Prakash Choudhary, a veteran journalist and writer hailing from Motia village in the Godda district of Jharkhand, has been conferred with the prestigious SAARC Literature Award. This international recognition honours his multifaceted contributions across journalism, literature, and fine arts spanning over three decades. The award was presented to Choudhary during the 67th SAARC-FOSWAL Literature Festival held in New Delhi. Rising from a modest rural background to establishing his mark on a global platform, his achievement serves as a proud moment for his hometown and the broader creative community.
Details of the Award Ceremony and International Presence
The felicitation ceremony took place on November 15 at the Academy of Fine Arts and Literature in New Delhi. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Dr. Madhav Kaushik, President of the Sahitya Akademi; Padmashree Ajeet Caur, Founder-President of FOSWAL (Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature); and Mahishini Kolonne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka. Literary figures and delegates from across South Asian nations, including India, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, actively participated in the gathering. Along with Choudhary, six other distinguished literary personalities from India and other participating countries were selected for the SAARC-FOSWAL Literature Award.
Focus on Environmental Theme: Earth is Our Only Home
The central theme of the 67th SAARC-FOSWAL Literature Festival was dedicated to environmental awareness and shared humanity, titled 'Earth is Our Only Home'. Organised under the leadership of Padmashree Ajeet Caur, the event brought together writers and intellectuals from South Asia to deliberate on shared cultural experiences and societal challenges through literary expression. Choudhary's honour at this event signifies international acclaim for his prolonged artistic journey and commitment to social narrative building.
Over 27 Years of Excellence in Journalism
With a career in journalism spanning over 27 years, Dev Prakash Choudhary has consistently used media as a tool for social reflection rather than merely reporting news. His body of work reflects a deep engagement with societal issues and creative storytelling. Since January 2011, he has been serving as the Head of the Feature and Magazine Department at the leading Hindi daily newspaper Amar Ujala, guiding its editorial content and feature stories.
Contributions to Television Journalism and 'Sansani'
Prior to his long-standing career in print journalism, Choudhary made substantial contributions to television broadcasting. Between 2007 and 2010, he served as a Senior Producer for the popular crime documentary show 'Sansani' on Star News. During his tenure, he played a critical role in concept planning, scriptwriting, and production execution. This hands-on experience in broadcast journalism allowed him to closely examine social dynamics and the lives of ordinary citizens.
A Remarkable Journey From Godda to the Global Stage
Beyond journalism and editing, Choudhary is actively engaged in fine arts, painting, and creative writing. His involvement in diverse artistic mediums has enriched his creative perspective over the years. His journey, which began in the rural surroundings of Motia village in Jharkhand, has reached international literary recognition on the SAARC platform. This accolade stands as a testament to his three decades of dedicated artistic endeavor and continuous contribution to regional and national culture.
