Prasanthi Ram, a 32-year-old Indian-origin lecturer at Nanyang Technological University, has won the prestigious Singapore Literature Prize for English Fiction. Her award-winning short story collection, titled ‘Nine Yard Sarees’, was published at the end of 2023. This was her debut work, making the recognition even more special.
Topic of ‘Nine Yard Sarees’
The short story cycle, ‘Nine Yard Sarees’, revolves around the lives of generations of a Tamil Brahmin family spread across different parts of the world, including Singapore, Sydney, New York, and Connecticut. The story captures their experiences, struggles, and relationships in a way that deeply resonates with readers.
Prasanthi Ram’s Reaction for winning Singapore Literature Prize
Prasanthi expressed her surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award. She remarked that she was “completely in shock” and felt humbled by the judges’ recognition of her work. She shared that she wrote the manuscript while caring for her late father, making the award even more meaningful for her.
Why Her Writing Stood Out
A panel of three judges described her writing as “skilful, assured, comedic at times, and profoundly moving.” They praised Prasanthi as a “clear-sighted and ruthlessly principled observer,” highlighting how her work revealed the emotional dynamics within families. The collection shows how women impact one another, as well as the men in their lives, with great precision.
About the Singapore Literature Prize
The Singapore Literature Prize is a biennial award that recognizes outstanding published works by Singaporean authors in the country’s four official languages: Chinese, English, Malay, and Tamil. It is organized by the Singapore Book Council (SBC) with the support of the National Arts Council. This award plays a key role in promoting literature and talent within Singapore.
Tamil Section Awardees
Several other awardees were recognized at the same event from the Tamil section:
- 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
Global Impact and Motivation
Prasanthi Ram’s win is not only a proud moment for the Singaporean literary community but also highlights the global reach of Indian-origin authors. Her work sheds light on cultural heritage and the experiences of diaspora communities. This achievement encourages more writers from diverse backgrounds to contribute to world literature.
Prasanthi Ram’s Singapore Literature Prize -Key Points
- Prasanthi Ram won the Singapore Literature Prize for English Fiction for her debut work, ‘Nine Yard Sarees’.
- The short story revolves around a Tamil Brahmin family spread across various countries.
- Her writing was praised for its skill, humor, and emotional depth.
- The Singapore Literature Prize is a major award recognizing excellence in literature in Singapore’s four official languages.
- Other awardees were recognized in the Tamil section for poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and debut works.
Read About- National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024- Get Details Here
It is a biennial award recognizing outstanding works by Singaporean authors in Chinese, English, Malay, and Tamil.
It is a short story cycle about a Tamil Brahmin family spread across Singapore, Sydney, New York, and Connecticut.
Her writing is praised for being skillful, comedic, and emotionally moving, while highlighting complex family dynamics.
The prize is organized by the Singapore Book Council (SBC) with support from the National Arts Council.
Several Tamil authors received awards for poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and best debut works.
