The Women AutHer Award, a joint effort by JK Paper and The Times of India, shines a spotlight on exceptional Indian women writers and their contributions to literature. By specifically highlighting the achievements of debut authors, it recognises exceptional talent and encourages the emergence of new voices in the literary landscape. In essence, reading any of these winning works allows you to be part of this celebration while also diving deeper into the rich pool of contemporary Indian writing.
Marginlands: Indian Landscapes on the Brink by Arati Kumar-Rao
Marginlands: Indian Landscapes on the Brink is a journey into India’s most fragile ecosystems. Author Arati Kumar-Rao explores how the Thar Desert, Ganges River, Sundarbans mangroves, and Kerala’s coast face devastation due to human actions and climate change. Rao weaves together the stories of affected communities with a call to listen to the land’s warnings. This book is vital as it highlights the environmental crisis in India, urging us to learn from past mistakes and find solutions before it’s too late.
How Prime Ministers Decide by Neerja Chowdhury
How Prime Ministers Decide explores the decision-making process of India’s prime ministers through six historical events. By analysing these pivotal moments, Chowdhury sheds light on the complex considerations that shape a prime minister’s choices, making the book relevant to anyone interested in understanding the inner workings of power and leadership.
The Day I Became a Runner by Sohini Chattopadhyay
The Day I Became a Runner transcends a personal story. It explores the act of running as a form of empowerment for women in India, challenging social norms and claiming public spaces. Through the journeys of eight female athletes across different eras, the book offers a unique perspective on Indian history and the ongoing fight for gender equality. Its relevance lies in highlighting the power of individual acts of defiance and the importance of reclaiming personal agency, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in social change and women’s empowerment.
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
The Bandit Queens is a darkly comedic novel by Parini Shroff. Geeta, a clever woman presumed to have “lost” her husband, finds herself sought after by other village women seeking the same fate for their own abusive spouses. This humorous yet thought-provoking story explores themes of female agency, societal injustice, and finding unconventional paths to empowerment, sparking discussions about patriarchy, social inequalities, and the complexities of seeking justice.
Fire on the Ganges: Life Among the Dead in Banaras by Radhika Iyenger
“Fire on the Ganges” delves into the lives of the Doms, an Indian community entrusted with cremating the dead in Varanasi. Despite holding a crucial role in Hindu tradition, they face social exclusion due to the caste system. The book, based on years of research, explores the Doms’ struggles, aspirations, and complex relationship with death in a city where life and death are intricately intertwined.
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