PrashantNews
The Valley of Words (VoW), a prestigious platform to promote literature and arts, has announced the winners of the annual VoW REC Book Awards 2024.
This year’s winners, chosen from a diverse pool of entries, have been recognized for their exceptional ability to weave narratives that resonate deeply with readers, addressing themes of identity, resilience, and the human spirit.
Among the celebrated works is Zen by Shabnam Minwalla, a novel for Young Adults that intertwines the lives of two girls named Zainab from different eras, exploring political resistance and personal growth. Says Mandira Shah, the Jury for this category: “Its relevance to contemporary socio-political issues and its empowering message of standing up for one’s beliefs make it a standout choice.”
In the Children’s Literature category, The Chhau Champ by Vibha Batra tells the inspiring story of Shubha, a young girl breaking gender norms to pursue her passion for a traditionally male-dominated dance. As Achintyarup Ray, Jury, says: “This vibrant tale highlights the importance of perseverance and self-belief, making it a delightful read for young audiences.”
Manoj Mitta’s Caste Pride: Battles for Equality in Hindu India is Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed’s choice in the English Non-fiction category for its incisive exploration of structural social dynamics in India: “The book’s thorough research and compelling narrative provide a critical examination of social justice, making it an essential read for understanding contemporary India’.”
Smriti Ravindra’s debut novel The Woman Who Climbed Trees, a poignant intergenerational exploration of a woman’s journey in the background of two countries’ fraught histories, has been chosen for the English Fiction category by Surekha Dangwal: “Its lyrical prose and the vivid portrayal of its characters offer a rich tapestry of personal and cultural histories.”
In the English Translation category, Truth/Untruth translated from Mahashweta Devi’s Bangla original by Anjum Katyal, brings a powerful narrative of class and urban exploitation to a wider audience. “The translation preserves the essence of the original, exploring themes of truth, morality, and societal hypocrisy.” says Lalit Kumar, Jury.
Amrita Bera’s choice as Jury for the Hindi Translation category is Ambar Pariya, translated by Subhash Nirav from Baljinder Nasrali’s original work in Punjabi: a book which captures the essence of a love story amidst social and familial tensions. The translation ensures that the story’s emotional depth and cultural nuances are preserved.
Uday Prakash’s Antim Nimbu has been selected in the Hindi Fiction category by Neelesh Raghuvanshi. This unique narrative delves into themes of scarcity and finality through innovative storytelling. “The stories of Uday Prakash in this book hold up a mirror to Indian society and Indian life as well as universal themes.”
Shabdon ke Sath Sath by Dr Suresh Pant, recognized in the Hindi Non-fiction category, is a comprehensive guide to the Hindi language. Says Laxmi Shankar Bajpai, Jury: “The book’s detailed analysis of linguistic challenges and its celebration of Hindi’s richness make it an invaluable resource for language enthusiasts and scholars.”
In its eighth year, the Valley of Words is proud to present these 8 selections of the finest contemporary literature being published in India today.
VoW and REC have joined hands to celebrate these exceptional works for their ability to inspire, educate, and transform. Festival Director Sanjeev Chopra placed on record sincere thanks to the CMD of REC Vivek Dewangan for his support and encouragement to VoW, as well as his appreciation for the Jury members for their painstaking efforts in reading all the longlisted books towards these final choices.
Present at the occasion were Chairperson Valley of Words, Rashmi Chopra, Founder Dr Sanjeev Chopra, Board of Governors Member: Ms Jyoti Dhawan (Curator of Iti Natya and Children’s Literature), Dr Rajendar Dobhal Curator (Science and Technology Vertical), Dr Sushil Upadhyay, Satish Sharma, Arun Pratap Singh, Nitin Gairola, Karan Dayal and Bikram Singh.
Chief Accountant, Sachin Chauhan (Curator Hindi Vertical), Shalini Butola (EA to Sanjeev Chopra), Simerjit, Anjali Rana, Shivang Yadav (VoW Volunteers) and Dr Tania Saili Bakshi Programme Director of Valley of Words, Literature and Arts.