New Delhi, 22 December 2023: The Kalinga Literary Festival proudly announces the longlisted titles in English for its prestigious annual KLF Book Awards, showcasing a diverse range of literary works across various genres. The longlist, featuring fiction, nonfiction, poetry, business, children’s literature, translations, and debut works, represents the best of contemporary literature. The shortlist will be revealed on January 15, with the ultimate winners announced on February 11, coinciding with the final day of the 10th Kalinga Literary Festival in Bhubaneswar. Additionally, the longlisted titles in Hindi will be announced on December 27.

This year’s longlist includes notable works such as Amitav Ghosh’s ‘Smoke and Ashes: A Writer’s Journey through Opium’s Hidden Histories,’ Salman Rushdie’s ‘Victory City,’ Devika Rege’s ‘Quarterlife: A Novel,’ Ranjit Hoskote’s ‘Icelight,’ and former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan’s ‘Breaking the Mould – Reimagining India’s Economic Future.’ These selections exemplify the rich tapestry of narratives that the KLF Book Awards aim to honor.

The KLF Book Awards are not just accolades but a celebration of the enduring power of literature to connect, inspire, and transform. As Mr. Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Founder and Director of Kalinga Literary Festival, eloquently states, “Literature is the mirror and the lamp of society – it reflects our realities and illuminates our dreams. At KLF, we strive to honor those literary works that challenge our perspectives, enrich our experiences, and elevate our understanding of the world and ourselves.”