New Delhi, July 2025 – In a landmark move that promises to redefine the literary landscape of regional publishing in India, Penguin Random House India has announced the launch of a brand-new imprint—Penguin Eight—dedicated exclusively to publishing stories rooted in the rich cultural, historical, and literary heritage of Northeast India.
This bold initiative is a testament to Penguin’s enduring commitment to showcasing diverse, authentic, and underrepresented voices from across the subcontinent. By focusing on the eight states of the Northeast—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—the imprint seeks to create a literary bridge between the region and the rest of the world, allowing readers everywhere to engage more meaningfully with its unique narratives.
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The literary output from Northeast India, despite its richness, complexity, and beauty, has long been sidelined in the mainstream Indian publishing industry. Penguin Eight marks a clear and deliberate step toward correcting that imbalance.
“With Penguin Eight, we’re taking a deliberate step toward editorial inclusivity—ensuring that literature about the Northeast has a visible, committed platform within mainstream publishing,” said Deepthi Talwar, Executive Editor at Penguin Random House India. Talwar, who also serves as the Programming Director of Penguin Presents The White Owl Literary Festival in Dimapur, has been instrumental in building dialogue with readers, authors, and thinkers from the region.
“This imprint is an outcome of those conversations, and of our belief that thoughtful commissioning and long-term engagement can play a transformational role in publishing,” she added. “Our submissions are open, and we’re looking to build a list that is both accessible and enduring.”
A Name That Speaks to the Region
The name Penguin Eight is both literal and symbolic—drawing directly from the eight northeastern states and reflecting the imprint’s dedication to amplifying their voices. But it goes beyond just geography. It’s a signal of respect and acknowledgment of the diverse cultures, languages, and lived experiences that make up the Northeast.
Whether fiction, non-fiction, memoir, poetry, history, politics, folklore, or essays, the imprint will aim to curate a vibrant and layered catalogue that reflects the breadth of intellectual and artistic expression from or about the region.
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As part of the launch, Penguin Random House India also unveiled a striking new logo for Penguin Eight, designed in-house by Aakriti Khurana. The logo features two stylised fiddlehead fern fronds, an organic motif deeply associated with the Northeast’s lush natural landscape.
The fiddlehead fern, known for its tightly curled young leaves, is not only visually resonant but also carries deep symbolism—representing growth, rootedness, and new beginnings. It’s a perfect metaphor for a publishing initiative designed to nurture and elevate regional storytelling.
A Thoughtful Publishing Roadmap
To begin with, Penguin Eight plans to release close to half a dozen titles annually. These books will come from both emerging and established writers—regardless of where they are from—as long as their narratives deeply engage with the realities of the Northeast.
This inclusive approach will help highlight stories that are both local in setting and universal in theme, making them accessible and relevant to readers across India and around the globe.
“Penguin Eight marks a significant and focused step in Indian publishing,” said Milee Ashwarya, Publisher & SVP – Adult Publishing Division, Penguin Random House India. “At Penguin, we believe in inclusive and representative publishing, and this imprint reflects that ethos in action.”
Ashwarya also noted that the launch of Penguin Eight is part of a long-term strategy. “Over the years, we’ve steadily built a relationship with readers and writers from the Northeast—starting with key titles, then launching a dedicated literature festival, and now creating a lasting publishing home. Penguin Eight is a long-term commitment to regional storytelling, one that will make these voices more celebrated, and accessible to our readers.”
A Literary Milestone
The launch of Penguin Eight is more than just a publishing initiative—it is a cultural statement. It says that the stories from India’s Northeast are not just regional tales to be archived, but powerful narratives that deserve to stand on the national and international literary stage.
It is an acknowledgment that representation matters—not just in politics or entertainment, but also in literature, where ideas and identities are shaped. Through Penguin Eight, Penguin Random House India is giving the Northeast a publishing home that is visible, valued, and vibrant.
As submissions open and the first titles prepare for release, Indian publishing watchers and readers alike will be keeping a close eye on Penguin Eight—not just for the books it publishes, but for the conversations and connections it sparks.
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