The Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature launched the first-ever initiatives for setting up of, Departments of Comparative Literature Universities, of SAARC countries.It has been liaising with major Universities and Centres of academic excellence in establishing specialized Centres, Departments or Chairs of SAARC Literary Studies.Representatives of FOSWAL had discussions with eminent writers, literary critics and academicians of various Universities of the region, and convinced them of the need to open Centres/Departments of South Asian literatures, or at least devote a paper or two in their curricula of mainstream literature studies.

Several Universities in the countries of South Asia have positively responded by setting up Departments of Comparative SAARC Literature. Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu was the first to respond.

For the First-ever SAARC LITERARY AWARDS a high-powered Advisory Committee of the most prominent writers of the Region has been constituted. Literary luminaries from all the seven SAARC countries, containing such internationally eminent names like:

INDIA :

Mr. Bhisham Sahni the prominent Hindi fiction writer.

Mr. Ramakanta Rath the Oriya poet, and President of Sahitya Akademi.

Mr Sitakant Mahapatra the poet and Chairman of the National Book Trust of India.

Mr. V.P. Singh, poet and former Prime Minister of India.

Dr. Indira Goswamy, Professor in the Department of Modern Indian Languages and Literary Studies, Delhi University.

PAKISTAN :

Mr. Jamiluddin Aali Sahib, the only living poet in Pakistan who is carrying forward the beautiful secular tradition of Amir Khusro through his famous poetry, particularly ‘dohas’. Has been acclaimed and awarded by various universities and literary organisations all over the world.

Ms. Kishwar Naheed well-known Urdu poet. Widely acclaimed and honoured by national and international awards.

BANGLADESH :
 
Prof. Anisuzzaman, Chairman of Bangla Academy. Besides being one of the most outstanding poets of Bangladesh, he is an acclaimed scholar too. Has been teaching literature in Chicago, London, Bangladesh. Has authored many books and has received many national and international awards.

Ms. Selina Hussain the well-known fiction writer.

SRI LANKA : 

Mr. Simon Nawagaththegama, one of the most prominent novelists of Sri Lanka. Writes plays, short stories and poetry too. Has been acting in theatre and cinema also.


NEPAL :
 
Mr. Tulsi Diwasa, the poet and scholar. Has also been teaching literature in various universities across the world.

Dr Tulsi Prasad Bhattarai, Secretary General of Royal Nepal Academy, Kathmandu.