Deadline: 30-Nov-2025
The Azim Premji University invites emerging and experienced writers to share their creations for children in Kannada through stories, poems, plays, biographies, travelogues, or novels.
The fellowship aims to build and share a strong repository of children’s literature in Kannada through this process. This Fellowship is an integral part of Kathavana, Azim Premji University’s annual bilingual children’s literature festival, which focuses on bringing children’s literature into classrooms. This fellowship represents a significant opportunity for writers to contribute to enriching the landscape of children’s literature in Kannada while receiving mentorship, exposure, and recognition.
Selected writers will receive dedicated support and mentorship to create high-quality, engaging, and age-appropriate literature for children. Writers new to children’s literature will particularly benefit from: Mentorship by literary experts through a series of workshops, Peer interaction with both emerging and established writers, Opportunities for publication, Financial support for all selected writers for travel and accommodation for workshops. In addition, a nominal fellowship amount of Rs. 10,000/- will be paid to the writers whose manuscripts have been selected for publication (on submission of final manuscripts).
The fellowship is open to both experienced and emerging writers. Applicants may be writers with previously published works, even if not in children’s literature, or new writers who are keen to explore this field. All submissions must be original works in Kannada, and translations are not eligible. Writers can contribute in a wide range of genres, including stories, poems, plays, biographies, travelogues, and novels. They are expected to clearly indicate the target age group of their work. Content that is inclusive, celebrates diversity, and employs creative and innovative storytelling approaches is especially encouraged.
The submission process requires applicants to provide personal details, writing experience, and information on their proposed contribution, along with either a writing sample or an extended summary of up to 1000 words in Kannada (Unicode format). Previously published works may also be attached as optional material. Applications must be complete in all respects, including the attachments checklist and declaration.
Selection will take place through a multi-stage process. It begins with an initial screening of writing samples or summaries by an expert panel. Shortlisted writers will then be asked to submit complete drafts, after which selected participants will attend mentorship workshops, refine their drafts based on expert feedback, and submit final manuscripts. Only a few final writings will be chosen for publication, and submission does not guarantee selection. Publication rights will remain with Azim Premji University, and works cannot be shared or published elsewhere without written permission.
The last date for submissions is November 30, 2025.
For more information, visit Azim Premji University.
