Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday conferred the Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman 2025 posthumously on noted Hindi writer Shailesh Matiyani. His son Rakesh Matiyani received the award during a simple yet dignified ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s residence, attended by officials, literary figures and family members. The honour recognises the late author’s literary achievements, his contribution to modern Hindi storytelling and his role in shaping Uttarakhand’s cultural identity.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Minister said that Shailesh Matiyani was not merely a writer but a “master craftsman of human emotions”, whose works continue to influence readers across generations. He remarked, “Shailesh Matiyani’s place in Indian literature is firmly established. He portrayed the struggles, truths and lived experiences of ordinary people with remarkable depth and authenticity.”
Our correspondent adds that the Chief Minister highlighted Matiyani’s impact on Hindi fiction and the narrative tradition of Uttarakhand’s hill regions. CM Dhami said, “Uttarakhand is proud of the writers who have shaped our intellectual and cultural space. Stories such as Borivali se Boribandar, Muthbhed, Adhagini and Cheel remain as powerful and relevant today as when they were written.”
The Chief Minister added that the award is not only a tribute to a distinguished writer but also an acknowledgement of the literary movement he represented. He said, “It is a matter of honour for the state to present this award posthumously to his family. Honouring writers strengthens both our society and our cultural foundations.”
Receiving the award, Rakesh Matiyani expressed deep gratitude to the Uttarakhand government and the Chief Minister. “This honour is a proud moment for everyone who admired my father’s work. It recognises not just his writings but also the affection and respect he continues to receive from people,” he said.
Officials and literary personalities present at the event noted that Shailesh Matiyani’s contribution to Hindi literature remains an integral part of Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage. They said the award reflects the state’s continuing commitment to preserving and promoting literary excellence.























