GEORGIA — Author, scholar, and educator Dr. Tulasi Acharya has officially been named the winner of the 2026 Georgia Independent Authors Award in the Memoir category for his deeply moving book, Like Water on Leaves of Taro. Adding to the celebration, the book has also been nominated for the prestigious 2026 Georgia Author of the Year award.

Published by Colorful Crow Publishing, Like Water on Leaves of Taro is an invitation to witness mourning as both a personal and communal journey. Grounded in ancient tradition yet profoundly relevant in today’s fractured world, the memoir explores themes of cultural connection, loss, and resilience.

A Journey of Storytelling and Academic Excellence

Dr. Acharya’s literary victory marks another major milestone in a distinguished career dedicated to the written word. Beginning his American journey in 2008, Dr. Acharya has established himself as a prominent voice in both creative and academic spaces. He holds a PhD in Public Administration alongside Master’s degrees in English, Professional Writing, Women’s Studies, and Creative Writing.

Currently serving as an Associate Professor of English at South Georgia State College, Dr. Acharya has published over a dozen books across multiple genres. His academic scholarship has been featured by premier global publishers, including Routledge and Bloomsbury Academic.

“His writing is driven by an unwavering passion for storytelling, cultural connection, and the power of the narrative voice.”

Global Recognition and Cultural Impact

Dr. Acharya’s creative work has consistently earned high praise. His short stories have secured honors such as the Certificate of Excellence from the University of New Hampshire and have appeared in prominent literary journals and international newspapers, including The Kathmandu Post, The Himalayan Times, The Rising Nepal, the MSU Roadrunner Review, Life and Legends, and Vine Leaves Press.

In recognition of his immense literary contributions to the global Nepali diaspora, he was previously honored with the prestigious INLS (International Nepali Literary Society) Homanath Subedi Diaspora Best Literary Award.

With his latest win from the Georgia Independent Authors’ Association, Dr. Acharya continues to bridge cultures and inspire readers worldwide, proving that our deepest stories are the ones that ultimately connect us all.

The award-winning memoir is available now through Colorful Crow Publishing and major book retailers.