As the Crossword Book Awards celebrates its landmark 20th edition, the literary platform has announced an accomplished panel of judges for its non-fiction category. Bringing together voices from history, journalism, and literature, the jury reflects the diversity of contemporary Indian non-fiction and the growing importance of informed public discourse.
This year’s panel comprises historian and author Anirudh Kanisetti, The Tribune Editor-in-Chief Jyoti Malhotra, and writer-editor Naresh Fernandes, three individuals whose work has consistently shaped conversations around history, politics, culture, and society.
A Milestone Year for Indian Publishing
Over the past two decades, the Crossword Book Awards have become one of India’s most recognized literary honours, celebrating outstanding writing across fiction, non-fiction, children’s literature, translations, and debut works. The awards have played an important role in bringing Indian authors into the national spotlight while encouraging readers to engage with diverse voices and genres.
The selection of this year’s jury signals the awards’ continued emphasis on rewarding books that combine rigorous research with compelling storytelling and meaningful public engagement.Â
Anirudh Kanisetti Brings Historical Perspective
Historian and bestselling author Anirudh Kanisetti has emerged as one of India’s most respected young public historians. Widely known for making complex historical narratives accessible to general readers, Kanisetti has earned praise for works such as Lords of the Deccan and The Ocean’s Own, both of which revisit Indian history through fresh, deeply researched perspectives.
His expertise in medieval Indian history and his ability to bridge academic scholarship with engaging storytelling make him a natural choice for evaluating works of non-fiction that balance research with readability.
Jyoti Malhotra Adds Journalistic Insight
Joining the panel is veteran journalist Jyoti Malhotra, currently the Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune. With decades of experience covering politics, diplomacy, international affairs, and public policy, Malhotra has built a reputation for thoughtful, nuanced reporting on some of India’s most significant political developments.
Her editorial leadership and extensive understanding of current affairs bring a valuable journalistic lens to the jury, particularly for books examining politics, governance, foreign policy, and contemporary social issues.Â
Naresh Fernandes Completes the Panel
Rounding out the jury is Naresh Fernandes, an acclaimed writer, editor, and cultural historian whose work often explores the intersection of music, cities, migration, and social history.
Best known for his award-winning book Taj Mahal Foxtrot: The Story of Bombay’s Jazz Age, Fernandes has long been celebrated for uncovering overlooked chapters of Indian cultural history through meticulous research and engaging narrative writing. His editorial background further strengthens the panel’s ability to evaluate books across a broad spectrum of non-fiction genres.
Recognising the Best of Non-Fiction
Together, the three jurors represent a rare combination of historical scholarship, editorial excellence, and literary storytelling. Their collective experience positions them to assess books not only for factual accuracy and research but also for originality, narrative quality, and cultural relevance, qualities that increasingly define outstanding non-fiction writing today.
As Indian publishing continues to witness a surge in biographies, history, investigative journalism, memoirs, and narrative non-fiction, the jury’s role will be central in identifying works that contribute meaningfully to public knowledge and intellectual discourse.
Celebrating Two Decades of Literary Excellence
The 20th edition of the Crossword Book Awards arrives at a time when Indian readers are engaging with non-fiction more enthusiastically than ever before. From history and politics to science, culture, and personal memoirs, the genre has expanded dramatically over the past decade.
With a jury comprising Anirudh Kanisetti, Jyoti Malhotra, and Naresh Fernandes, this year’s awards promise a thoughtful evaluation of the country’s finest non-fiction works, reinforcing the Crossword Book Awards’ position as one of India’s most respected celebrations of literature.
