lucknow modern dastango himanshu bajpai is a name synonymous with the city of nawabs bringing laurels to the city is nothing new for the 34yearold storyteller but his yet another achievement the sahitya akademi yuva puraskar2021 has again made lucknow proud the award is being given to bajpai for his book of short stories kissa kissa lucknowalucknow ke awami kisse in hindi category the sahitya akademi on thursday announced the list of 22 winners with the sahitya akademi yuva puraskar being given for nine books of poetry five novels six short stories and one each of essays and plays bajpai an author and expert in awadhi culture said it was a matter of pride for him to be selected for the award through my words my art i have tried to highlight the culture of lucknow as my interest lies to the city i belong to i feel honoured that sahitya akademi selected me this would only make my work more mainstream he said born in the raja bazaar area of old city bajpai first published the book in 2019 a compilation of famous anecodotes and stories he grew up hearing the book comprises chhote chhote kisse awaam ke through these short stories narrated by the people of lucknow itself and on its people the book portrays a much larger picture of the city its culture and tradition he addedinspired by the work and writing of late historian yogesh praveen bajpai said that he dedicates this award to him and dastango and friend late ankit chaddha as soon as the news of the award broke bajpai began trending on different social media handles as well stalwarts from lucknow and across the country poured in their congratulatory messages pragya sharma the female dastango of the city said this one is huge it is just the beginning indian lyricists swanand kirkire wrote hes not only entitled for this award but many more because he loves his work and regards it as his passion actor danish hussain gajraj rao among many others applauded the author and congratulated him for the award