Poet and critic Sukrita Paul Kumar won the sixth edition of the Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize for her book “Salt & Pepper: Selected Poems.” At the Monday award ceremony, Kumar received USD 5,000, a Tagore statue, and a certificate for his literary contribution.

“Receiving the sixth Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize is a deeply humbling experience. This recognition not only validates my artistic journey but also emphasizes the universality of storytelling in connecting diverse cultures. I am profoundly thankful for this acknowledgement,” said the 74-year-old poet.

The prize was established in 2018 by US-based publisher Peter Bundalo as a forum for human rights, literature, art, education, and world peace. With the Social Achievement Prize, it also honors contributions made in the name of global peace and human rights.

Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee received the Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize for social achievement in recognition of his services to the betterment of society.

“Being awarded the Tagore Prize for Social Achievement is a profound honor. This recognition underlines the importance of addressing societal issues and underscores the impact of collective efforts in shaping a better world,” said Banerjee in a statement.

The Prize for ‘The City and the Sea’ was awarded to journalist-writer Raj Kamal Jha last year.