Indian Origin lecturer win the prize for literature in Singapore

Prasanthi Ram (32), who was an Indian origin lecturer from the University of Nanyang technological University won the Singapore literature prize for English fiction for her short story -’Nine Yard Sarees’ and it was her debut work which was published at the end of year 2023.

Topic of the story

The short story cycle is about generations of a Tamil Brahmin family dispersed across Singapore, Sydney, New York and Connecticut.

Her remarks

Prasanthi said of her book, lauded by The Straits Times as “one of the best debuts of Singapore fiction”: “I am completely in shock. I’m so humbled that the judges saw merit in Nine Yard Sarees, especially since I wrote this manuscript while I was a caregiver to my late father. 

Why was her writing excellent?

A three-member panel said her writing was “skilful, assured, comedic at times, and profoundly moving”. It also described Prasanthi as “a clear-sighted and ruthlessly principled observer”, her collection showing “with remorseless precision the damage women inflict on each other and on the men in their families”.

About Singapore Literature Prize

The Singapore Literature Prize is a biennial award in Singapore recognise outstanding published works by Singaporean authors in any of the four official languages: Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil. The competition is organized by the Singapore Book Council (SBC) with the support of the National Art Council. 

Also there are some awardee from the Tamil sections in event,

Poetry: Yaamakkodangi (2023) by Mathikumar Thayumanavan

Fiction: Cheenalakshumi (2022) by Kanagalatha K

Creative Nonfiction: Appan (2023) by Azhagunila

Best Debut: Kaatralalyll (2023) by Tamilselvi Rajarajan