Aaditya Sengupta Dhar: Tagore Award Honors Teen’s Purpose-Driven Storytelling

At 16, Aaditya Sengupta Dhar is gaining recognition as a distinctive storyteller, using his work to highlight voices often overlooked. The Mumbai teen’s recent win of the Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Award for Literature 2025 recognizes his literary skill and his focus on social impact. His latest project, Apna Time Aayega, an anthology of letters by Mumbai’s slum youth, reflects his purpose-driven approach, presenting a young writer who sees storytelling as a bridge to opportunity and change.

Raised in Powai, Aaditya grew up surrounded by Mumbai’s strong contrasts—modern high-rises looming overcrowded slums. The 2020 lockdowns, with migrant workers trekking home under a scorching sun, struck a chord. “I saw two Indias, living worlds apart,” he says softly, his tone reflective rather than self-assured. This moment shifted his focus from the fantasy worlds of his early novels, like Legend of the Broken Blade, to the real struggles nearby. He utilized his storytelling skills to mentor teens from underserved communities, guiding them to write the stories that became Apna Time Aayega, published in April 2025 with Udaan India Foundation and Anecdote Publishing.

The anthology reflects the resilience of its young authors. Dhananjay, once a construction worker, now dreams of civil services, while Shalini became her family’s first Chartered Accountant. Aaditya’s role was to listen and nurture, helping teens develop their narratives. “Their strength taught me more than I offered,” he says. The book’s launch was electric, with tears, applause, and Aaditya leading a chant: “Our time will come!” Sales fund Udaan’s education programs, which have uplifted marginalized communities for 20 years. Udaan’s founder, Mamta Rangan, acknowledges Aaditya’s sensitivity for providing these stories life.

Aaditya’s path reflects a teen driven by purpose. His six books, including the Amazon hit Kaalchakra, which highlights Indian heritage, and The Teen’s Guide to Saving the World, a youth call to action, have earned accolades like the 2024 Young Achievers Award. he remains focused on the current issues, citing IMF data that Indian graduates face unemployment rates nine times higher than the illiterate. “Every dream needs a chance,” he urges, encouraging readers to mentor or back efforts like Udaan.

His initiatives extend his storytelling ethos. Through his Vedanomics column in BW Businessworld, Aaditya connects ancient Indian wisdom to modern policy issues. His Spotify podcast, with nearly two lakh streams, explores compassionate leadership with CXOs. He also founded HistoByte, India’s first historical fiction contest for teens, encouraging creativity across 23 cities. These projects reflect a young mind eager to encourage curiosity and action among peers.

Apna Time Aayega stands out for its collaborative heart. Building trust with teens to share personal stories took patience, Aaditya notes, adding that being a teen himself helped. Juggling workshops, editing, school, and ventures like Kaalchakra was tough, but the teens’ resolve fuelled him. “I learned storytelling’s power lies in lifting others’ voices,” he reflects.

The Tagore Award honours Apna Time Aayega and Aaditya’s broad impact. His books, from Underdogs supporting Save the Children India to The Teen’s Guide inspiring action, consistently combine storytelling with purpose. Yet, he deflects attention to those he enables. “I’m just part of their story,” he says of the anthology’s writers.

Aaditya Sengupta Dhar demonstrates age doesn’t limit impact. His storytelling isn’t about personal acclaim but about creating space for others to dream and speak. As he writes and mentors, this teen storyteller is helping build a future where every voice counts, showing India’s youth are not just the future—they’re shaping the present.