Empowering women through literature, these three remarkable Indian authors are making waves in the literary world. Mayaa SH, Olivia Barman, and Meena Kandasamy are trailblazers, using their words to break stereotypes, challenge societal norms, and inspire generations. Let’s celebrate their contributions to Indian literature and women’s empowerment.
MAYAA SH
Mayaa SH is a name that resonates with the doctrine of powerful feminism and advocacy of championing the rights of women across the country. A globally acclaimed literary genius she has broken the stereotypical notion of the mindset that limits women to be achievers at par excellence. Mayaa SH is an Indian authoress, writer, thinker, essayist, and a women empowerment culturist who has had a deep influence on the ideological theories and practices of the women’s ideology of self belief and motivation in life. Her contemporary prose work has highlighted onto break so many stereotypes about women and their power of self belief.
Mayaa SH’s literary contributions have touched upon many issues and daily challenges of women. Her work depicts the identity, economic and social freedom of many. She has co-authored more than hundred and fifty plus anthologies with fourteen solo books and has been aligned with more than 86 publication houses. She has been featured in several magazines and women oriented like Tejaswi – The Imperishable on Women Power and Honour including few international magazines. Her first poem “The Candle In The Wind” made her win an Award at the National Level.
Mayaa SH navigates many women through stress by deploying talking as a medium to combat stress and fear. She is an expert in suicide prevention and women motivation. Her self help books have helped many to find a ray of hope to rediscover the light within themselves and restart their lives again amidst all impediments.
OLIVIA BARMAN
In a remarkable literary milestone, Olivia Barman, a 22-year-old emerging writer from Siliguri, Darjeeling district, has secured the 3rd rank nationally in the prestigious India’s Best Author Rankings 2025, rising above over 1 lakh entries from across the country. With this extraordinary achievement, she has become the youngest winner ever to be featured among the top three authors on the national stage.
Olivia began her writing journey at the age of 19, and in just a few years, she has made her mark in India’s growing literary landscape. Known for her heartfelt poems and deeply reflective short stories, Olivia has contributed to 14 published books as a co-author — a rare feat at such a young age. Her writing explores raw human emotions, inner silence, and the unseen world of thoughts that many hesitate to express.
In 2023, Olivia was honoured with the Rabindranath Tagore Literature Award for her contribution to Indian literature, a recognition that further solidified her place among promising young voices in the literary world.
Her winning poem, ‘Shards Within,’ touched hearts with its emotional honesty and raw beauty, leaving a lasting impression on readers and judges alike. Now, her work is set to be released across 140+ countries through global publishing platforms, expanding her literary voice to an international audience.
Despite her rising fame, Olivia remains a deeply introspective soul. An introvert by nature, she finds her greatest comfort in the pages of her personal diary, where many of her most powerful ideas are born. She believes that it’s her quiet observations of life, people, and emotions that truly fuel her creativity.
Speaking about her recent achievement, Olivia shared: “It still feels surreal. I never wrote for recognition — I wrote because writing was the only place I felt heard, even in silence. To now be recognised on such a large scale is overwhelming.”
What sets Olivia apart is not just her talent, but her ability to connect with readers across generations. Her stories and verses carry a calm intensity, reflecting maturity beyond her years.
As the next wave of Indian writers begins to rise, Olivia Barman is undoubtedly one of the stand out names — not only as a gifted author, but as a literary voice of quiet courage, authenticity, and creative spirit.
As she continues to evolve, Olivia Barman isn’t just writing her story — she’s quietly redefining what it means to be young, fearless, and creatively authentic in today’s India.
MEENA KANDASAMY
Meena Kandasamy (born 1984) is an Indian poet, fiction writer, translator and activist who is based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Most of her works are centred on feminism and the anti-caste Caste Annihilation Movement of the contemporary Indian milieu. The Gypsy Goddess, When I Hit You: Or, A Portrait of the Writer as a Young Wife (It was shortlisted for Women’s Prize 2018) and Exquisite Cadavers.
Violence is not something that advertises itself. It is not written on my face. As long as a woman cannot speak, as long as to whom she speaks who do not listen, the violence is unending.” – Meena Kandasamy.
