Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh: The Rise Insight Literary Awards Season 5, 2026, has recognised six remarkable books and their authors for their valuable contributions to contemporary literature. Following their nominations, 24 Open Secrets, Before You Call It Love, Mee Majhya Manasancha, A Life in Many Frames, We Were All Wrong and A Tale of Two Heights emerged as winners, reflecting the impressive diversity, creativity and emotional depth of modern Indian writing.
The winning authors—Akarsha Alapati, Akshay V. Kadu, Avinash Kamalakar Ratnaparkhi, Khazi Altaf Hussain, Dr. Vigneshmani Karunanidhi and Vamsi Krishna—represent different literary genres and perspectives. Their works explore motivational wisdom, emotional responsibility, personal memories, leadership, crime, relationships and healing. Despite their varied subjects, all six books share a strong commitment to understanding human behaviour and presenting meaningful stories to readers.
The Rise Insight Literary Awards celebrate writers whose books demonstrate literary merit, originality, social relevance and the ability to connect with readers. Season 5 continued this mission by recognising books that not only offer engaging reading experiences but also encourage reflection, awareness and personal growth.
Akarsha Alapati – 24 Open Secrets
Akarsha Alapati’s 24 Open Secrets received recognition for its accessible and refreshing approach to motivation and personal development. The book consists of twenty-four concise reflections on communication, kindness, leadership, gratitude, relationships, generosity, confidence and emotional intelligence.
A technical writer, former IBM professional, patent holder and emerging filmmaker, Alapati combines analytical thinking with creative sensitivity. Instead of relying on lengthy theories or complicated formulas, she draws lessons from ordinary experiences and familiar situations.
The “open secrets” presented in the book are universal values that people already understand but often forget to practise amid demanding schedules and digital distractions. Through chapters such as “Pay It Forward!” and “Talk and Walk,” the author encourages readers to embrace thoughtful generosity and meaningful communication.
Its concise chapters and conversational style make 24 Open Secrets relevant to students, working professionals, entrepreneurs and readers looking for practical inspiration. Its recognition at the awards highlights the enduring power of simple ideas presented with sincerity and purpose.
Akshay V. Kadu – Before You Call It Love
Akshay V. Kadu’s Before You Call It Love: Understanding Projection, Emotional Responsibility and Dependency was honoured for its thoughtful examination of relationships and emotional well-being.
The book challenges conventional beliefs about love by asking whether certain intense emotional experiences are actually love or forms of attachment, projection, dependence, fear and the need for external validation. Through relatable situations, Kadu explains how individuals may unknowingly make another person responsible for their happiness, confidence and emotional stability.
Rather than offering quick relationship advice, the book invites readers to examine their emotional patterns. It explores heartbreak, identity, the need to feel chosen, fear of separation and the importance of learning to stand emotionally steady as an individual.
Kadu does not discourage love or human connection. His work advocates healthier relationships built on awareness, respect and emotional responsibility. The award acknowledges the book’s relevance to modern readers, especially young adults and those trying to understand recurring emotional patterns in their relationships.
Avinash Kamalakar Ratnaparkhi – Mee Majhya Manasancha
Marathi author Avinash Kamalakar Ratnaparkhi was recognised for Mee Majhya Manasancha, a heartfelt collection of 47 autobiographical memories connected with family, friendship, education, government service and social life.
Ratnaparkhi’s professional experience in the Income Tax Department allowed him to meet people from varied backgrounds and observe human behaviour closely. These experiences have contributed to his sensitive, simple and conversational literary style.
The book is not a traditional autobiography arranged around dates and achievements. Instead, it remembers the people who influenced the author’s life, including his parents, siblings, life partner, teachers, colleagues, mentors and well-wishers.
Blending emotional warmth, gentle humour and practical wisdom, Mee Majhya Manasancha celebrates gratitude, honesty, family values and meaningful relationships. Its recognition by The Rise Insight Literary Awards also underscores the importance of regional-language literature and personal narratives that preserve lived experiences with authenticity.
Khazi Altaf Hussain – A Life in Many Frames
Khazi Altaf Hussain’s A Life in Many Frames: Walking Through Fire—Fragments of Time was selected as a winner for its inspiring account of struggle, leadership, responsibility and resilience.
Hussain is an author, entrepreneur and corporate leader with experience across institutional development, healthcare, media, hospitality and entrepreneurship. He has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Indian Dairy Association and has been associated with the senior management team of the Torrent Group.
His book moves beyond a chronological account of professional milestones. It presents meaningful fragments from his life and examines the events, choices and relationships that shaped his personality and leadership journey.
The narrative communicates that genuine success cannot be measured solely through positions or material achievements. It must also be understood through responsibilities fulfilled, trust earned, challenges overcome and relationships preserved. The book is particularly valuable for young professionals, entrepreneurs and readers interested in leadership grounded in human values.
Dr. Vigneshmani Karunanidhi – We Were All Wrong
Dr. Vigneshmani Karunanidhi’s We Were All Wrong earned recognition as an emotionally layered crime thriller combining suspense, investigation, guilt, betrayal and redemption.
Set in Chennai, the novel follows ACP Vikrant, who has spent three years pursuing Dharma, a criminal mastermind associated with land grabs and staged deaths. Vikrant believes the danger has ended after shooting Dharma while rescuing his kidnapped fiancée, Dr. Meera. However, new murders bearing Dharma’s signature soon challenge that belief.
The case becomes increasingly personal when Vikrant’s former college love, Tejashree, returns as a witness. His unresolved guilt affects his judgment, while Meera begins noticing contradictions, surgical scars and Tejashree’s disturbing fixation on her transplanted left hand.
The novel goes beyond a conventional police investigation by examining how past choices can influence present decisions. Its psychological depth, Chennai setting and emotionally complex characters make it a compelling contribution to contemporary Indian crime fiction.
Vamsi Krishna – A Tale of Two Heights
Young author Vamsi Krishna was honoured for A Tale of Two Heights, an emotional novel exploring love, family, memories, separation and healing.
With more than 34 published stories and several books, Krishna has already demonstrated an impressive commitment to storytelling. Although known for thrillers written for adults and teenagers, he adopts a relationship-oriented and emotionally reflective approach in this novel.
The story follows Aarav and Swarasthi through adolescence and adulthood. Their connection is shaped by affection, family expectations, misunderstandings, sacrifices and circumstances that gradually create distance between them.
Rather than presenting love through grand gestures or a guaranteed perfect ending, the novel considers how it can survive through memories, silence and the lasting influence one person leaves on another. Its Indian setting, family dynamics and focus on unspoken emotions make the narrative relatable to readers who appreciate contemporary romance and character-driven fiction.
The success of these six books at The Rise Insight Literary Awards Season 5, 2026, reflects the richness of contemporary Indian literature. From self-development and emotional awareness to memoir, leadership, psychological suspense and romance, the winning works demonstrate that meaningful literature can take many forms.
Through this recognition, The Rise Insight continues to provide a valuable platform for authors and books that deserve wider visibility. The Season 5 winners stand as compelling examples of how literature can inspire, challenge assumptions, preserve memories and create lasting connections between writers and readers.
