The Emerging Young Writer category is particularly meaningful because it recognises individuals who are beginning to establish their voices and explore the possibilities of creative writing. Hridhi Sharma’s selection in this category reflects the significance of her first published poem and the promise of a young writer who is discovering her literary identity while pursuing a different academic discipline.
Hridhi Sharma: A Young Writer Discovering Her Literary Voice
At 20, Hridhi Sharma represents a generation of young individuals exploring interests beyond the boundaries of their formal education. An undergraduate student of Microbial and Food Technology at MCM DAV College, Chandigarh, she never initially imagined that writing would become a meaningful part of her life. Her journey into literature began with Tulips, her first poem, which found a place in an anthology published by Nexus Publications.
Seeing her words become part of a published collection proved to be a defining experience, giving her the confidence to explore a creative side she had not previously considered. Hridhi describes writing as a way of expressing thoughts and feelings that can sometimes be difficult to communicate aloud.
For Hridhi Sharma, poetry is not about finding perfect words but about giving genuine emotions an authentic expression. She continues to learn, experiment and discover her individual style, approaching writing with curiosity and an openness to growth. Her journey also demonstrates that academic specialisation does not have to restrict creative exploration. While her studies focus on microbial and food technology, literature has opened another avenue for her to understand herself and communicate with others.
Why Hridhi Sharma Was Selected for Emerging Young Writer
Hridhi Sharma’s selection for the Emerging Young Writer category of the Sahitya Ratna Samman Award 2026 is closely connected to the significance of her debut poem, Tulips, and the beginning of her published literary journey. Her achievement illustrates the value of recognising young writers who take their first steps towards creative expression and demonstrate the willingness to develop their abilities. The publication of Tulips through Nexus Publications gave her an opportunity to share her writing with readers and experience the process of becoming a published poet. Her progress is especially noteworthy because writing emerged alongside a demanding academic path rather than as a long established professional pursuit. Hridhi has also shared that another poem of hers has been selected for publication, with publication expected by November 2026. This next milestone offers further encouragement as she continues to explore poetry and refine her voice. Her recognition celebrates not a finished journey, but the confidence, sincerity and creative possibility that can define the beginning of a literary career.
Cherry Book Awards: Encouraging Writers and Celebrating Literary Achievement
Cherry Book Awards is associated with the Sahitya Ratna Samman Award 2026, an initiative that celebrates authors, poets and emerging literary voices through recognition of their creative contributions. By bringing attention to writers at different stages of their journeys, the platform provides an opportunity to acknowledge literary work that might otherwise receive limited visibility. Recognition in categories such as Emerging Young Writer highlights the importance of encouraging new talent, supporting creative confidence and appreciating the role of writing in cultural and intellectual life. Hridhi Sharma’s selection reflects the spirit of recognising individuals whose literary journeys are beginning to take shape and whose future development may bring new perspectives to contemporary writing.
A Promising Beginning for Hridhi Sharma
Every writer begins somewhere, often with a single idea, an unexpected moment of inspiration or a few words that gradually become something more. For Hridhi Sharma, that beginning was Tulips. What started as an exploration of an unfamiliar creative interest has led to publication, further opportunities and recognition through the Sahitya Ratna Samman Award 2026. Her story is a reminder that talent does not always follow a predictable path and that meaningful creative pursuits can emerge even when they seem distant from one's academic or professional identity. As she continues her studies at MCM DAV College, Chandigarh, and develops her interest in poetry, this recognition offers an encouraging milestone in her journey. With another poem selected for publication, Hridhi has reason to continue writing, learning and finding new ways to express her thoughts. The Emerging Young Writer honour celebrates the first chapter of that journey and the possibilities that lie ahead. Sometimes, a writer's future begins with a poem that simply needed to be written. For Hridhi Sharma, Tulips has become that beginning.
Award Details
Award: Sahitya Ratna Samman Award 2026
Recipient: Hridhi Sharma
Category: Emerging Young Writer
Recognised Work: Tulips
Publication: Anthology published by Nexus Publications
Organising Platform: Cherry Book Awards
Certificate ID: CBA/SRS/2026/022
