Dipika Mukherjee, a globally recognized writer and sociolinguist, holds a deep-seated enthusiasm for Southeast Asian literature. Drawing on more than two decades of expertise, she has been a guiding force for emerging writers in the region. In 2015, Mukherjee established the esteemed D.K. Dutt Award for Literary Excellence in Malaysia, underscoring her commitment to fostering literary brilliance and contributing to the cultural landscape.