The Author Awards – a joint venture between JK Paper and The Times of India – is a celebration of women writers who have added value and creativity to the literary field. The jury considered women’s books published in India between December 2020 and November 2021.
The books with the long list are (in random order):
The chairs of the Author Awards jury included poet, writer and lyricist Prasoon Joshi (fiction), writer, columnist and former Indian diplomat Rajiv Dogra (non-fiction), translator Arunav Sinha (debut), and writer and poet Jerry Pinto. (children’s books).
Talking about his experience as Jury Chair (Non-fiction), Rajeev Dogra said, “Reading about two dozen books was an experience in itself. While it was a huge task and responsibility, it was interesting to see what diversity women writers are creating in the non-fiction field today.
“There were books about the history of women doctors in India, asylum in India, and their pitiful conditions in the past, as well as by other young authors who were candid, open, and – in some cases – very specific in their views. By reading such books Loved it. I think India can look forward to many more exciting books.”
Meanwhile, Jury Chair (Debut) Arunav Sinha said, “It is a very important award and it is great that The Times of India has chosen to institute this award for women writers. It was an honor to be a part of the jury. Reading all the books and working with fellow jury members in identifying the long list was an exciting experience.”
Other jury members include best-selling author Ravi Subramaniam (fiction), screenwriter and columnist Advaita Kala (fiction), professor and historian Christine Cornett (fiction), writer and historian Swapna Liddle (non-fiction), writer Ravinder Singh (debut). Huh. Poet, writer and translator Saba Bashir (for the first time), television anchor, actress and model Amrita Raichand (for children), and teacher Sujata Noronha (for children).
Talking about his experience as the Author Awards and Jury Chair (Children’s Books), Jerry Pinto said, “It is a cliché to say that it is difficult to judge an award because every book that comes to us has Something happens.
“India has seen a recent boom in children’s publishing. But it often seems that we are stuck in the old way of viewing children as a storehouse of knowledge, as little people who are drawn to the finer points of politics and society. But instruction needs to be given. I think it’s a mistake, especially at a time when kids are reluctant to read. All we have to do is bring them in and let them find their way into the joy of reading. Today, we are dealing with children who have many ways to entertain. We need to entice them with entertaining and amusing stories. At the jury we hope that all the writers for children do not forget the joy that they have enjoyed in reading. And the joy that they want to pass on to the kids. It would be great if we just make the kids happy, and that was the guiding principle of our selection process,” he said.
The books in question had to go through several layers of screening before reaching the final jury.
Vinita Dawra Nangia, Literary Director of the Awards, said, “The third edition of the Author Awards has brought in literature that was created during one of the most difficult times in recent history. As it relates to the subject or not – the result is a candid commentary on humanity’s indomitable spirit in adverse times. It has been a time that has inspired people to read and write in an effort to understand events and experiences beyond our known experience. We are happy to report that more books by women authors were sent to us for consideration this year than in our previous two editions of the Women Writers Awards. The Author Awards look forward to encouraging more women to express themselves through writing and to bring about a positive change in the somewhat heterogeneous gender equations in the publishing industry. ,
The Author Awards shortlist will be announced on March 22.
The winners of the Author Awards will be announced at a grand ceremony in New Delhi. Cash prizes will be given to the top winners of all the four categories and a Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to a woman writer for her enduring contribution in the field of literature.
For a longer list, please log on to:
https://autherawards.in/