Usha Kiran Khan, a woman from Patna, is on cloud nine after the Centre decided to confer the Padma award on her.

Usha, a Patna College alumnus, is a well-known litterateur in Hindi and Maithili and an eminent historian.

She was selected for the award in recognition of her contribution to the field of literature. 'The news came as a surprise to me and is a great moment of my life. I feel my contribution to the field of literature has been recognised by the Government of India,' the 69-year-old lady said.

She expressed gratitude towards her mentor. She said: 'The role model for my inclination towards Maithili language is writer and poet, the late Nagarjun. He was like a father figure to me I have always been influenced by his style of writing. He has penned many novels, stories and poems in the Maithili language and been a guru from whom I have learnt the beauty of this language.'

Usha has herself produced novels, drama and short stories in Maithili. She has also penned five novels, eight collection of stories, two collection of dramas and a biography in Hindi.

In 2011, she won a Sahitya Akademi Award for her Maithili novel Bhamati: Ek Avismaraniya Premkatha.

In 2012, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations awarded her the Kusumanjali Sahitya Samman for her novel Sirjanhaar.

Usha discovered her forte when her first short story was published in Kahani, a magazine that publishes work by young authors. Two of her literary works, Pani par lakeer and Trijya, deal with womanhood. Her writings always touched on the suffering and pain women undergo in society. 'I always tried to provoke women for their rights through my work and it is an honour for me that my works have got recognition,' she said.

On Tuesday, Patna College principal N.K. Choudhary felicitated Usha.

He said: 'We are proud that an alumna of our college has been selected for this prestigious award.'