Nehru Child Literature Prize

Nehru Child Literature Prize is a state-level scheme run by the Arts and Culture Department, Puducherry to honour writers who create children's books in Tamil. Winners get a cash prize of ₹10,000 along with an official certificate, and the department gives out two awards every year. If you are a Puducherry resident who writes for young readers, you can take part through the offline application process by submitting your published works for review.

The Arts and Culture Department of Puducherry gives this prize to support the creative spirit of Tamil writers. The main aim is to encourage good quality children's literature so that more young readers develop a love for books. Authors who publish original work in Tamil for children can send in their books and stand a chance to win the cash prize and certificate. All applications are handled through the offline process, so there is no online form for this scheme.

Nehru Child Literature Prize - Introduction

This prize is part of the yearly awards given by the Department of Art and Culture, Puducherry. It sits alongside other honours such as Tholkappiar Award and Kamban Pugazh Literary Prize. The books published in Tamil on children's literature during a calendar year are considered for the award, and two winners are selected each time.

To apply, you need to be a writer, author, or joint author. You should either be a native of Puducherry by birth or have lived there continuously for at least five years before applying. Your work should be a first edition published in the relevant year, and it must be an original piece, not a translation, adaptation, or abridged version of another book.

The prize is still being given by the department as of August 2026. The official website of the Department of Art and Culture lists Nehru Children Literary Prize among its current schemes, so eligible writers can continue to send in their Tamil children's books for consideration.

Key Information

Benefits

Selected winners receive a cash prize of ₹10,000 along with an honorary certificate recognizing their contribution to children's literature. The department presents two awards, so two writers can be honoured in a single year. The prize money is shared among all authors if a joint work is selected.

Besides the money, the award brings public appreciation for the writer's work and helps the book reach more young readers. Winning this prize also adds to the literary standing of the author in the Tamil writing community.

Eligibility

To apply for Nehru Child Literature Prize, you should meet the following criteria:

• You should be a writer, author, or joint author of children's literature in Tamil.
• You should be a native of Puducherry by birth or have lived there continuously for at least five years before the date of application.
• Your submitted text should be a first edition printed and published by 31st December of the relevant year.
• You must not have received this award in the previous four years.
• Your work must be original and not an abridgment, adaptation, translation, or paraphrase of another text.
• Academic theses or books written for a syllabus are not eligible, and your children's literature work should not exceed 120 pages.

You may submit different literary categories including novels, short stories, poems, plays, travelogues, and essay collections written in Tamil for children. Works such as foundation lectures or material published in journals as serials are not considered for the award.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Get the prescribed application format by visiting the Department of Art and Culture during office hours, or download the official application form for Nehru Children Literary Prize from the department website.

STEP 2 - Fill in all the required sections, affix your passport-sized photograph, and attach self-attested copies of all the required documents.

STEP 3 - Submit your completed and signed application form along with the necessary texts to the Superintendent, Department of Art and Culture, No.1, Roman Roland Road, Puducherry 605 001.

STEP 4 - Collect an acknowledgment receipt that carries the date, time of submission, and your unique reference number.

Only applications signed by the author are accepted. If you submit a joint work, the prize money will be shared among all contributors. The five copies submitted for evaluation cannot be returned.

Documents

You should keep the following documents ready for your application:

• Passport-size photograph
• Residence Certificate
• Birth Certificate
• Author biographies
• Five copies of the published text

References

Official Website of Department of Art and Culture | Programmes and Schemes | Application Form

FAQ's

What is Nehru Child Literature Prize?

It is an award for Tamil children's literature authors, given by the Arts and Culture Department of Puducherry to recognize quality writing for young readers.

Who is eligible to apply?

Authors who were born in Puducherry or have lived there continuously for at least five years before the application date are eligible.

What type of works are accepted?

You can submit novels, short stories, poems, plays, travelogues, or essay collections written in Tamil for children.

What is the benefit amount?

Winners receive ₹10,000 cash and an official certificate, and two awards are given each year.

Can previous winners apply again?

No, if you have won this prize, you cannot apply again for the next four years.

Are translations allowed?

No, translations, adaptations, or paraphrased works are not accepted.

How is the winner chosen?

A specialized five-member committee appointed by the government evaluates all submissions to select the best work.

Are joint entries accepted?

Yes, you can submit work written by multiple authors, and the prize money will be distributed among them if selected.