Tamil writer Sivasankari presented with Saraswati Samman 2022

Introduction

Tamil writer Sivasankari was honored with the prestigious ‘Saraswati Samman’ in 2022 for her memoirs, “Surya Vamsam.” The award, presented by the K.K. Birla Foundation, was given to her by former Union Minister M. Veerappa Moily, along with a citation, a plaque, and a prize of ₹15 lakh. The book was selected by a Chayan Parishad (Selection Committee), led by former Supreme Court judge Arjan Kumar Sikri. The committee’s discerning judgment highlighted the exceptional literary value of Surya Vamsam.

Surya Vamsam: A Literary Achievement:

Surya Vamsam, a two-volume work, offers a profound glimpse into the life of an innocent child who evolved into an acclaimed author. Additionally, the book beautifully reflects the societal transformations that have occurred over the past seven decades.

A Distinguished Literary Career:

Ms. Sivasankari, born in 1942, boasts an illustrious literary career spanning over five decades. Her vast repertoire includes 36 novels, 48 novelettes, 150 short stories, five travelogues, seven collections of essays, and three biographies. She has also curated two anthologies of Tamil short stories.

• Ms. Sivasankari’s literary brilliance knows no bounds. Many of her works have been translated into various Indian languages, as well as English, Japanese, and Ukrainian. Her ability to connect with a global audience underscores her literary versatility.
• One of Ms. Sivasankari’s most significant contributions to Indian literature is her four-volume work, Knit India Through Literature. This compendium serves as a comprehensive anthology of Indian literature, enriching the literary landscape of the country.

About the Saraswati Samman:

The Saraswati Samman is one of India’s most prestigious literary awards, recognizing outstanding literary works by Indian citizens. The recognized works must have been published in any of the languages included in Schedule VIII of the Indian Constitution within the last 10 years. To date, 32 Saraswati Samman awards have been presented to deserving authors, with Sivasankari’s memoir, Surya Vamsam, adding to the illustrious list.