Prayagraj’s Senior IRS Officer Veerendra Ojha Honored with Maharashtra State Hindi Literature Academy’s ‘Jainendra Kumar Novel Award – Gold’
Prayagraj: Prayagraj-based senior Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) officer, Mr. Veerendra Ojha, has been selected for the prestigious ‘Jainendra Kumar Novel Award – Gold’ by the Maharashtra State Hindi Literature Academy. He has been recognized for his exceptional contribution to Hindi literature through his novel “Allahabad Diary – Ek Gair Mamuli Dastaan.”
The award, conferred by the Maharashtra State Hindi Literature Academy for the year 2023-24, includes a cash prize of ₹75,000, along with a commemorative memento and an honor certificate. The official award ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 18, 2025, where Ojha will be felicitated.
A 1993-batch IRS officer, Ojha currently serves as the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax in Mumbai. Alongside his administrative responsibilities, he actively pursues literature and sports. He has authored a poetry collection titled “Kuchh Shabd Mere” and two novels, “Allahabad Diary – Ek Gair Mamuli Dastaan” and “Dastaan Aur Bhi Hai.”
In addition to his literary contributions, Ojha is also an avid marathon runner. He has participated in several national and international marathon competitions. Notably, he secured a bronze medal in the grueling 89 km ultra-marathon in South Africa’s rugged terrain. He has also completed a 101 km run from Guwahati to Shillong in support of the Swachh Dhan Abhiyan.
The Maharashtra government’s recognition of Mr. Ojha’s literary work underscores the growing prominence of Hindi literature and honors his dual contributions to public administration and creative writing.
