IAF Veteran Anand Kumar Ashodhiya Honoured with Indian Literature Award 2026; Bridging Military Discipline and Folk Heritage
MUMBAI, INDIA — Anand Kumar Ashodhiya, a retired Warrant Officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and founder of Avikavani Publishers, has been officially conferred with the prestigious Indian Literature Award 2026. This accolade recognizes his monumental contribution to Hindi, Haryanvi, and English literature, specifically his work in reviving the technical complexities of Pingal Prosody in traditional folk verses.
Known in literary circles by his pen name, Kavi Anand Shahpur, Ashodhiya’s transition from a 32-year distinguished military career to a cultural custodian marks a unique chapter in Indian letters. As a "Soldier-Scholar," he has authored over 380 compositions, positioning himself as a leading expert on the Ragni form—a traditional Haryanvi folk style that he has elevated through rigorous scholarly review and English transcreation.
A Master of Pingal Prosody and Folk Traditions
Ashodhiya’s work is distinguished by his mastery of Pingal (the ancient science of prosody). His critical reviews of folk legends like Heer Ranjha and Kissa Bhagat Puranmal provide a rare technical framework for oral traditions, ensuring that the structural integrity of Haryanvi folk music is preserved for future generations.
"My service in the Air Force taught me the value of heritage and discipline," says Ashodhiya. "In literature, especially folk traditions like the Ragni, discipline is found in the meter and the rhythm—the Pingal. My mission is to ensure our vernacular treasures are not just heard, but understood globally."
Global Reach: English, Hindi, and Haryanvi Bibliography
Under his imprint, Avikavani Publishers, Ashodhiya has released an expansive bibliography that bridges regional idioms with global languages:
Epic & Folk Traditions (Haryanvi/Hindi):
Adhirajan (Folk Epic in Ragni Form) – ISBN: 978-81-958735-0-0
Ath Marjarika Uvaach (The Great Battle of Indian History) – ISBN: 978-93-5619-397-0
Kiss Bhagat Puranmal - Haryanvi Lok Ragni Sangrah with Pingal Prosody Review - ISBN: 978-81-989952-8-5
Heer Ranjha & Kissa Bhagat Puranmal (Ragni Collections with Pingal Review)
Draupadi: Ek Lok Chetna – ISBN: 978-93-344-4058-4
Avikavani Haryanvi Ragni Sangrah (Ragni Samiksha) - ISBN : 978-93-344-2403-4
English Transcreations & Scholarly Works:
SAKET: An English Trans-creation – ISBN: 978-93-5469-845-3
Antaryatra: The Inner Journey – ISBN: 978-93-5626-749-7
Niswarthi Udyoga Parva – ISBN: 978-93-5525-694-2
Kahaan Kahaan Paiband Lagau (English Translations) - ISBN: 978-93-5592-178-9
Social & Modern Verse:
Prem Ke Sau Rang (Hindi Poetry) – ISBN: 978-93-344-5526-7
Thara Mudda Thari Baat (Haryanvi Poetry) – ISBN: 978-81-989952-2-3
Sain Samaj Ka Gauravshali Itihas – ISBN: 978-93-5655-031-5
About Anand Kumar Ashodhiya
Anand Kumar Ashodhiya (ISNI: 0000 0005 3018 7854) is a postgraduate in English Literature from Annamalai University and a veteran of the Indian Air Force. As a poet, publisher, and prosody expert, he remains dedicated to the "literary decolonization" of Indian folk arts.
For more information, review copies, or interview requests, please contact:
Avikavani Publishers
Website: github.io
YouTube: @anandragnipoint
