Priya A S, a talented writer, has been honored with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023 in the Malayalam language for her novel “Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal” (The Children Who Never Withered). This recognition adds to her previous achievement of winning the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Children’s Literature in 2020 for the same novel.
With the Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023, Priya A S’s talent and creativity in children’s literature have been acknowledged once again. Her writings resonate with readers, captivating their imaginations and leaving a lasting impact. As she continues her literary journey, Priya’s works are anticipated to inspire and engage young minds, fostering a love for reading and storytelling among children.
Priya A S’s novel “Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal,” published in 2018, has garnered significant acclaim. The book marked the beginning of the children’s literature section in the Malayalam news portal, IE Malayalam, a division of The Indian Express. It was featured as part of the Sammanapothi series by Poorna Books, introducing young readers to captivating narratives.
Priya drew inspiration for “Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal” from the devastating Kerala floods that occurred in 2018. Working at the relief camps set up by the instrumentation department of Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) in Kochi, Priya witnessed the resilience and unity displayed by children from diverse backgrounds in the face of the calamity. These experiences formed the backdrop of her novel, providing a unique perspective on the events.
The Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar, awarded by the Sahitya Akademi, carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and an engraved copper plaque. The winners in each language are selected by panels of three members. Dr. Paul Manalil, B S Rajeev, and Mundoor Sethumadhavan served as the jury members for Malayalam. Priya’s novel emerged as the winner among the ten recommended books considered for the award.
Priya A S’s literary prowess has earned her previous accolades as well. In 2014, she was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize for her Malayalam translation of Arundhati Roy’s Booker Prize-winning novel, “The God of Small Things.” This recognition further highlighted her talent and contribution to the literary world.
Born in 1967 in Eramalloor, Cherthala, in Kerala’s Alappuzha district, Priya A S pursued her education in English literature at Maharajas’s College in Kochi. She later obtained a master’s degree through a private course. Recently retired as a section officer from Cusat, she currently resides in her ancestral house in Eramalloor with her parents and her son Tanmoy. Writing has been a passionate pursuit for Priya, and her dedication to storytelling has brought her well-deserved recognition.
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