A recent update in the literary community places author Amitabha Bagchi in the spotlight as he bags the esteemed DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2019 with his fiction novel “Half The Night Is Gone”. This appreciation is an integral part of the South Asian literature scene, and invites talent from various nationalities and ethnic backgrounds to contribute text that resonates with the South Asian region. The boundaries of the South Asian region span across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
About DSC Prize for South Asian Literature
The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature was initiated in 2010 by Surina Narula and Manhad Narula. Over a decade, the prize institute has become a highly looked forward to event in the international literary world. The founders’ vision was to celebrate the rich and diverse literary heritage of the South Asian region and provide a platform where authors could present their work tied to South Asian themes and content, irrespective of their nationality or ethnicity.
Administration and Objectives of the DSC Prize
The administrative tasks related to the prize are undertaken by the South Asian Literature Prize & Events Trust. The trust’s main objective is to enhance the quality of life in South Asian society. They aim to achieve this by encouraging and appreciating literature that addresses the social, cultural, economic, and political aspects of the region.
The Impact of the DSC Prize
The DSC Prize carries an award amount of US $25,000. The recognition is not limited to the financial aspects alone. Its impact goes beyond rewards; it also incites a positive response from international literary forums and encourages more writers to write about the South Asian region. Over the years, the prize has played a significant role in bringing South Asian writing to a global audience.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2010 | H.M. Naqvi |
| 2011 | Shehan Karunatilaka |
| 2012 | Jeet Thayil |
| 2013 | Cyrus Mistry |
| 2014 | Jhumpa Lahiri |
| 2015 | Anuradha Roy |
| 2016 | Anuk Arudpragasam |
| 2017 | Jayant Kaikini |
| 2018 | Kamila Shamsie |
| 2019 | Amitabha Bagchi |
The DSC Prize Secretariat
The DSC Prize Secretariat can be found in New Delhi, where the operations associated with the prize are performed. While the geographical sphere of the competition’s reach is large, covering a plethora of South Asian regions, the management of its operations happens from this headquarters. The secretariat is responsible for carrying out the administrative tasks, from the start of the literary competition to the final decision-making process.
