Perumal Murugan Wins Prestigious JCB Award for 2023
Tamil writer Perumal Murugan has been honored with the highly acclaimed JCB award for the year 2023. His novel ‘Alanda Patchi’ (‘Fire Bird’), which was translated into English by Janani Kannan and published by Penguin Random House India, was selected for recognition. The book delves into the themes of human desire for stability and migration, offering a thought-provoking exploration of these topics.
Established by JCB India in 2018, the JCB Literature Foundation presents this esteemed award to promote Indian literature. It is considered the most prestigious literary award in India and is open to works in various Indian languages that have been translated into English.
Perumal Murugan: A Luminary in Tamil Literature
Born in 1966 in the small village of Tiruchengode in Tamil Nadu, Perumal Murugan has made significant contributions to literature with a wide array of works, including novels, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction. His literary prowess is deeply informed by his experiences growing up amidst poverty and hardship, as well as his extensive academic background, holding a PhD in Tamil literature.
Known for his poignant exploration of themes such as caste, gender, love, and social norms, Murugan’s works are deeply rooted in the rural landscape of Tamil Nadu. His first novel, ‘Eruveil’, published in 1991, catapulted him to prominence in Tamil literature with its powerful narrative and evocative descriptions.
Despite facing controversy and pressure in response to his novel ‘Mathorubahagan’, Murugan persevered and continued to fearlessly address sensitive subjects within traditional society. His commitment to tackling social issues through his writing was further recognized when the English translation of his novel ‘One Part Woman’ received the Sahitya Akademi Translation Award in 2017.
More recently, Murugan’s novel ‘Pookuzhi’, translated into English as ‘Pair’, has been shortlisted for the Booker International Prize 2023, reaffirming his profound impact on Tamil literature and his ability to spark important conversations about social issues.
Perumal Murugan is not only a literary luminary but also a champion for social justice, leveraging his writing to challenge caste discrimination and gender inequality. His unwavering commitment to promoting a more just society exemplifies the transformative power of literature.
Tamil writer Perumal Murugan has won the JCB award for 2023. The English translation of his novel ‘Alanda Patchi’ ‘Fire Bird’ was chosen for recognition. Translated from Tamil to English by Janani Kannan, the book was published by Penguin Random House India. Human desire for stability and migration are key themes explored in the book.
The JCB Award is the most prestigious literary award in India. The award is given by JCB Literature Foundation established by JCB India in 2018 to promote Indian literature. Along with English books, works in other Indian languages which have been translated into English are also given an equal chance.
The winning writer will receive a prize of Rs 25 lakh and a sculpture named Mirror Melting, while the translator will receive a prize of Rs 10 lakh. Each year, the longlist is announced in September, the shortlist in October and the winner in November. Perumal Murugan has been longlisted for the award twice in previous years.
Murugan Peru: A Loner in Tamil Literature
Born in 1966 in a small village called Tiruchengode in Tamil Nadu, Perumal Murugan has written 12 novels, 6 collections of short stories, 6 collections of poetry and several non-fiction books. His childhood experiences of poverty and hardship later shaped his literary sensibilities. Murugan, who has a PhD in Tamil literature, has led a teaching career spanning three decades.
Critically and popularly acclaimed, Murugan’s works are deeply rooted in the rural landscape of Tamil Nadu. Inspired by the struggles of marginalized communities, these compositions explore themes of caste, gender, love, social norms and patriarchy.
One of Murugan’s most notable works is his first novel ‘Eruveil’ published in 1991. With its powerful narrative and vivid descriptions, ‘Eruveil’ made Murugan a prominent writer in Tamil.
Murugan Peru, Photo: Arvind Jain, Manorama
‘Mathorubahagan’, which explored a sensitive subject in the context of a traditional society, had triggered strong protests in Tamil Nadu. Murugan faced intense pressure and even considered giving up writing, but came back stronger, refusing to be silenced by the controversy.
In 2017, the English translation of the novel ‘One Part Woman’ won the Sahitya Akademi Translation Award. This recognition not only reinforces his ability as a writer but also a testament to his courage to tackle sensitive social issues through his work.
Apart from novels, Murugan has also written several collections of short stories including ‘Soolamatari’ and ‘Poonachi’. Stories of love, loss and endurance are full of literary brilliance and cultural significance. These works further demonstrated his ability to capture the essence of human emotions, complexities of relationships and social reality.
‘Pair’, an English translation of Murugan’s novel ‘Pookuzhi’, has been shortlisted for the Booker International Prize 2023. This honor is also a testament to his profound impact on Tamil literature. His books have not only received critical acclaim, but also sparked important conversations about social issues. Murugan’s commitment to the preservation of Tamil literature despite controversies made him a prominent figure in the literary world.
Perumal Murugan is a writer who not only enriched Tamil literature with his powerful storytelling, but also fought for social justice and inspired countless individuals. His unwavering commitment to social justice and fearless exploration of taboo subjects set him apart. Murugan is a man who challenges caste discrimination and gender inequality and raises his voice for the rights of marginalized communities. The aim of this writer is to promote a just society.
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