Sayantan Datta

2026 - Print

For a feature article published in print or online that covers a story or topic in the Global South. The Award recognises impact, exclusive content and/or new perspectives. Entries must be articles of 750 words or longer.

2024 - Children's Literature

The citation for this award reads: "Perhaps the first children’s book in India that chronicles a significant transgender public figure, Grace Banu. The engaging storyline, along with plentiful illustrations shape an interesting narrative, introducing children to a theme they may not have encountered often. Written by a queer-trans author, this is a significant representation in Indian CL. A great book to help children think about gender and caste realities."

2024 - Critical Writing Pedagogies

The citation for this award reads: "The first edition of the Sage-Ashoka Award for Critical Writing Pedagogies is conferred to Vivek Tewary and Sayantan Datta for their insightful paper ‘Form and Formula: Reflections on Teaching Technical & Journalistic Writing in Mathematics’. This was presented at the Critical Writing Pedagogies Symposium at Ashoka University on 6-7 April 2024, and was commended by the award panel for its deft and instructive account of the disciplinary differences between journalism and mathematics in relation to reading and writing practices. The panel comprised Aditi Sriram (Associate Professor, Shiv Nadar School of Law, Shiv Nadar University, Chennai); Anannya Dasgupta (Director, Centre for Writing and Pedagogy, and Associate Professor of Literature, Krea University, Sri City); Shilpa Phadke (Professor, School of Media and Cultural Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai) and Krittika Bhattacharjee (Head of Programme and Assistant Professor, The Undergraduate Writing Programme, Ashoka University, Sonepat)."

2023 - Web Features (English)

The citation for this award reads: "Sayantan Datta's feature exposes the wide-ranging consequences of gender-segregated living arrangements in science institutions, including reinforcing biases, sexualising friendships and hindering scientific collaborations. The report's impact led to policy changes at the Indian Institute of Science and Education and Research (Mohali) towards more inclusive student housing. In recognition of their efforts to advance the conversation on inclusivity and advocate for the rights and well-being of transgender, gender non-conforming and gender non-binary individuals on campus, Sayantan Datta is honoured with the Laadli Media and Advertising Award for Gender Sensitivity 2023."

2023 - Children's Book

2023

2023 - Social Activism

2023 - Zine production

2023 - Children's Literature

2022

2021 - Journalistic Research

2021 - Diversity Reporting in Science

2021 - Fellowship

2020 - Honorable mention

2014 - Best Cover Story