Geetanjali Shree Wins PEN Translates Award for ‘Once Elephants Lived Here’

Renowned Hindi author Geetanjali Shree, celebrated for her International Booker Prize-winning novel Tomb of Sand, has once again captured global literary attention. Her latest work, Once Elephants Lived Here, translated into English by Daisy Rockwell, has been awarded the PEN Translates Award 2025 by English PEN, a UK-based human rights and literary organization. This achievement is not only a personal milestone for the author but also a proud moment for Indian literature, especially for works in regional languages.

Background

The PEN Translates Award, instituted by English PEN, aims to support the translation of outstanding works of literature into English, making global voices more accessible. The award promotes diversity by supporting translations from a wide range of languages and regions. For the 2025 edition, 14 books in 13 languages from 11 regions were selected.

Geetanjali Shree’s Once Elephants Lived Here was chosen for its profound narrative and cultural relevance, while Daisy Rockwell’s translation was praised for maintaining the originality and depth of the Hindi text.

Significance of the Award

• Promotion of Hindi literature: This recognition boosts the global visibility of Hindi literary works.
• Strengthening India’s soft power: Literary awards on international platforms reflect positively on India’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
• Recognition of translators: The award highlights the vital role of translators like Daisy Rockwell in bridging linguistic gaps.
• Encouragement for regional writers: It motivates writers in regional languages to reach out to global audiences.

About Geetanjali Shree

Geetanjali Shree is a well-respected Hindi novelist and short story writer. She gained global fame with her novel Tomb of Sand (Ret Samadhi), which won the International Booker Prize in 2022. Known for her innovative narrative style and deep cultural reflections, she brings Indian themes to a global audience. Her collaboration with Daisy Rockwell has proven instrumental in this international success.

About the Book: Once Elephants Lived Here

While the book is yet to be released widely in English, early commentary suggests that it reflects themes of memory, extinction, and the human-nature relationship, presented in Shree’s characteristic lyrical prose. The title evokes a poignant reflection on lost worlds—both ecological and cultural.