Four Urdu Novels Nominated For 'Bank of Baroda Rashtrabhasha Samman' Awards Long List
Bank of Baroda, one of India's prominent public sector banks, has announced the list of 12 nominations for the inaugural "Bank of Baroda Rashtrabhasha Samman" Awards 2023 on May 24, 2023. Among these nominations, four Urdu novels have made it to the long list, showcasing the diversity of languages included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This unique award aims to recognize and promote literary works in various Indian languages, making them accessible to Hindi readers through translations. The award will be presented to both the original author and the translator of the book into Hindi, with a cash prize of Rs. 21.00 lakh and Rs. 15.00 lakh, respectively, for the winners. Additionally, the authors and translators of the next five shortlisted books will receive Rs. 3.00 lakh and Rs. 2.00 lakh each, respectively.
|
Original Novel Name |
Original Language |
Original Author Name
|
Translated Novel Name |
Translator name |
|
Allah Miyan ka Karkhna |
Urdu |
Mohsin Khan |
Allah Miyan Ka Karkhna |
Saeed Ahmad |
|
Cheeni Kothi |
Urdu |
Siddique Alam |
Cheeni Kothi |
Arjumand Ara |
|
Ek Khanjar Paani Men |
Urdu |
Khalid Jawed |
Ek Khanjar Paani Men |
Rizvanul Haque |
|
Nemat Khana |
Urdu |
Khalid Jawed |
Nemat Khana |
Zaman Tariq |
During an event organized in Delhi, Mr. Lalit Tyagi, Executive Director of the Bank of Baroda, expressed his views on the literary heritage and cultural diversity of India. He announced the establishment of the "Bank of Baroda Rashtrabhasha Samman," a prestigious award that aims to recognize and encourage languages included in the 8th schedule of the Indian constitution. Mr. Tyagi emphasized that the national language encompasses all major languages spoken in the country, reflecting India's multilingualism. He believed that this honor would serve as a significant milestone in the literary field, providing encouragement and recognition to talented writers.
The event featured a panel discussion with the original authors, Mr. Mohsin Khan, Mr. Siddique Alam, and Mr. Khalid Jawed, as well as the translators, Mr. Arjumand Ara, Mr. Rizvanul Haque, and Mr. Zaman Tariq. The authors engaged in conversations about the Indian literary landscape and the importance of the Rashtrabhasha Samman Award for the literary fraternity across India.
Mohsin Khan's novel, "Allah Miyan Ka Kaarkhana," narrates a poignant tale in a lucid and captivating manner. The novel has been translated into Hindi, Marathi, Sindhi, Kashmiri, and Persian languages, broadening its reach and accessibility. Siddique Alam's work, "Cheeni Kothi," explores the existential struggles and desires of individuals, as they confront their inner chaos, doubts, and the complexities of social life and nature.
Among the nominated books, two novels by Khalid Jawed, "Ek Khanjar Paani Mein" and "Nemat Khana," stood out. "Ek Khanjar Paani Mein" addresses the critical issue of water scarcity and its implications in various cities and towns. "Nematkhana," written in the form of a memoir by the protagonist Zaheeruddin Babar, provides a glimpse into the lives of individuals living in a joint family system in a small town in northern India. The novel has gained international recognition and is even being taught at the Urdu department in INALCO, Paris, under the English translation title, "The Paradise of Food."
The Bank of Baroda invited nominations for the award between March and April 2023 and received numerous entries in different Indian languages. A jury meticulously reviewed these entries and curated a list of 12 books. The winner of the 'Bank of Baroda Rashtrabhasha Samman' Award will be announced in mid-June 2023 in Delhi, further adding to the prestige and anticipation surrounding this significant literary accolade.
