Mysore/Mysuru: ‘Baala Batte’, a novel by writer M. Usha has been selected for Dr. Vijaya Dabbe Literary Award for the year 2024 given by Samatha Adhyayana Kendra, Mysuru.

The Kendra had invited novels written by women novelists and published between 2020-2023. As many as 24 entries were received for the award. A jury panel comprising litterateur and critic Prof. O.L. Nagabushana Swamy, Dr. D. Vijayalakshmi and Dr. H. M. Kalashree, selected the work of Usha for the award which carries a citation and purse of Rs. 25,000.

The award presentation programme is organised in the city on July 21, according to Samatha Adhyayana Kendra President Dr. Sabiha Bhoomigowda.

Profile: Usha, a native of Chamarajanagar district, did her MA in University of Mysore and obtained her Ph.D degree from Bangalore University. She served as the Professor in Department of Translation Studies at Kannada University, Hampi, from where she took voluntary retirement from service in 2019.

Samskriti Chinthane Mattu Bharateeya Streevaada, Mahila Chaluvali Mattu Mahila Vishayagalu, Mahile Mattu Jaati, Adhunika Mahila Sahitya: Innashtu Putagalu, Suruchi are among several of her literary works.

Her play Shooli Habba secured first prize in Bengaluru Natakotsava-2013, along with Indiravani Rao Endowment Fund Prize-2015. Artha Kathanaka, a translation work has won a Best Book prize by Kuvempu Bhasha Bharathi Pradhikara. Macbeth, a Kannada work has won P. Srinivas Rao Endowment Award for the year 2019 by Karnataka Sahitya Academy and Aragam Critic Award of B.M. Sri Prathishtana for the year 2019.