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Penguin Random House India partners with The Ashoka Centre of Translation to unveil Chronicles

Penguin Random House, in collaboration with the Ashoka Centre for Translation, proudly announces the launch of Chronicles, a groundbreaking non-fiction translation series aimed at bringing creative-critical textual narratives from various Indian languages into English. Supported by the prestigious Manju Deshbandhu Gupta Fellowship, Chronicles seeks to serve as both an archive and a resource, offering readers a wide array of thoughts, ideas, histories, and life stories from across India. Releasing under Penguin’s Vintage imprint, the first of the books under the series is set to release in December 2024.

Through meticulously curated translations, the series aims to shed light on specific moments and movements from India’s past to the present, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the country’s rich heritage. The inaugural lineup of Chronicles features a diverse selection of works, each offering a unique perspective on Indian society, history, and culture. From memoirs and autobiographies to critical essays and biographies, the series promises to captivate readers with its wide-ranging exploration of the human experience.

Tamil: Ninaivu Alaigal by Dr. T.S.S. Rajan, translated by N. Kalyan Raman, is a sharply observed memoir chronicling a nuanced exploration of socio-political dynamics and personal evolution from the perspective of a progressive, reformist, nationalist, and politician.

Telugu: Yatra Smrithi by Dasarathi Krishnamacharya, translated by T. Vijay Kumar, is an autobiography capturing the poignant narrative of a poet and anti-Nizam rebel, offering a striking story of the making of Telangana’s history.

Kannada: Selected Essays of Kirtinath Kurtakoti, translated by Kamalakar Bhat, is a collection of critical essays providing insightful perspectives on arts, aesthetics, and literary practices in South Asian societies.

Marathi: Raghnak: The Saga of Mahar Landlordism by Shekhar Govindrao Korde, translated by Prashant Ingole, unveils the extraordinary life of Raghunath Mahar, an illiterate member of the ‘untouchable’ caste who rose to prominence as the ‘Kuber of Vidarbha’.

Gujarati: Mari Hakikat by Narmadashankar Dave, translated by Abhijit Kothari, arguably the first autobiography in Gujarati by the prominent writer and social reformer, sheds light on the literary and social changes occurring in Gujarati society during the colonial encounter of the 19th century.

Hindi: Nij Jivan Ki Chhata, the once-banned autobiography of Ram Prasad Bismil, translated by Awadhesh Tripathi, recounts the daring exploits of Bismil and his fellow revolutionaries and offers an affective glimpse into the trials and triumphs of India’s freedom struggle.

Assamese: Anandaram Dhekial Phukan’s Jivan Charitra by Gunabhiram Barua, translated by Banani Chakravarty, provides a biographical window into the process of Assamese modernity during British colonial rule.

Kannada: Bharatayatre by Lakshmisha Tolpadi, translated by Vanamala Viswanatha, winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award 2023 (Essays), is a thought-provoking examination of the Mahabharata in the contemporary context, illuminating moral complexities.

Bengali: Amar Katha by Binodini Dasi, translated by Arunava Sinha, is an original, convention-defying autobiography by the Bengali theatre actress popularly known as Nati Binodini. The book is a combination of two works: My Story and My Life in Acting.

Malayalam: A Women’s History of Malayalam Theatre by Sajitha Madathil, translated by Jayasree Kalathil, traces a transformative narrative placing women firmly in Kerala’s theatre and public sphere, from folk theatre and performance arts to political activism. The book won the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award for best book in 2010.

Commenting on the upcoming books, Professor Arunava Sinha and Professor Rita Kothari, Co-Directors, Ashoka Centre for Translation, remark, ‘This series marks the beginning of a sustained effort to expand the readership for great books of non-fiction from India through translation.’

Adding to this, Manish Sabharwal, Vice-Chairman and Co-Founder, Teamlease, says, ‘The Manju Deshbandhu Gupta Fellowships aim to bring works from Indian languages into English through high-quality translations that unlock India’s treasures for the world.’

Elizabeth Kuruvilla, Associate Publisher, Vintage, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘While books in translation have been receiving enormous attention lately, this has been more prominently in the genre of fiction. It’s exciting to be able to bring to readers in English some of the most stimulating non-fiction writings that have been taking place in different Indian languages. The Ashoka Centre for Translation’s passionate work in the field is to be credited for the series Chronicles taking root, and I cannot thank them enough, and in particular the Manju Deshbandhu Gupta Fellowship, for supporting this invaluable series.’

Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Adult Publishing Group, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Chronicles, a unique collaboration between the Ashoka Centre for Translation and Penguin Random House India, for translation of important non-fiction works will be a landmark series. I am proud of this initiative, and I look forward to publishing the books.’

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 About the Ashoka Centre for Translation

The Ashoka Centre for Translation (ACT) at Ashoka University is established with a view to foster, nurture, and foreground India’s multilingual ethos. It hopes to unlock knowledge and aid its dissemination through translation. Given the urgency to make knowledge available and democratic, the Centre aims to translate material from many Indian languages into many other Indian languages, including English. Thus, the received binaries of (one) source and (one) target do not characterise the aims of the Centre. A range of texts from literary and popular, political and scientific, and oral and written domains—all are important to the Centre’s vision. Centre Co-Directors, Professors Rita Kothari and Arunava Sinha, are also mentoring and training aspiring translators, thereby expanding the community of translators. The Centre’s activities are accompanied by theoretical reflections emerging from the act of translating in a multilingual society.

Penguin unveils a Literary Extravaganza with Booker Prize winning Author Geetanjali Shree

Penguin Random House India is proud to announce the acquisition of two new books, Our City That Year and Once Elephants Lived Here by the International Booker Prize-winning author Geetanjali Shree, translated from Hindi to English by the International Booker Prize-winning translator Daisy Rockwell. Releasing under Penguin’s Hamish Hamilton imprint, the first book will come out later in the year and the second one will release in 2025.

Our City That Year takes readers on a poignant journey with an evocative tale that unfolds against the backdrop of societal shifts, offering a nuanced exploration of love, loss and the indelible marks left by time.

Once Elephants Lived Here is the title story in a collection of short stories which offers a glimpse into the author’s early exploration of themes that later manifested in the acclaimed Tomb of Sand. Shree fearlessly challenges readers to question and transcend their preconceptions of the short story genre, promising a thought-provoking and transformative reading experience.

In addition to these new acquisitions, we are also delighted to announce that Penguin is republishing Geetanjali Shree’s first novel, Mai, translated by Nita Kumar. The English translation of the book was first published in 2000 and then again in 2017. This novel peels back layers of complex relationships and societal dynamics, challenging simplistic notions of freedom. The new version of Mai will be available from June 2024 onwards in online and offline bookstores.

To end this exciting series of updates about Shree’s works, we are pleased to reveal a new paperback cover for the globally acclaimed Booker Prize-winning novel Tomb of Sand, authored by Geetanjali Shree and translated by Daisy Rockwell. This addition will soon be available in the market.

Commenting on the forthcoming books, Geetanjali Shree remarks, ‘It is wonderful to have three of my books coming out anew. Mai, my first novel, is special to me. It is the bedrock on which my writing grew. Our City That Year is a churning and soul-searching novel that speaks to our paranoid divisive times. The stories in Once Elephants Lived Here reflect diverse directions. To get back to these books with a team that has worked so wonderfully before – Penguin, Tilted Axis, HarperVia, and of course, Daisy and me – is so rejuvenating. We are like a well-established musical gharana which is solid in its basics and comes up with renderings of ragas ever richer in their fresh new renditions.’

Adding to this, translator Daisy Rockwell says, ‘Translating Our City that Year has been thrilling, terrifying, and of course, challenging. It was wonderful to discover many of the seeds of Geetanjali’s later experimentation which we later see in full bloom in Tomb of Sand. It’s been wonderful to collaborate with Geetanjali and Penguin India again on this timely and incisive project.’

Manasi Subramaniam, Editor-in-Chief, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘These acquisitions mark a significant step forward in Penguin Press’s ongoing mission to cultivate a diverse landscape for translations. The acclaim garnered by Tomb of Sand underscores the remarkable synergy between Geetanjali Shree and Daisy Rockwell, illuminating their collective brilliance and reinforcing our conviction in this duo. Additionally, reintroducing Mai to the world serves to reaffirm its enduring status as a cornerstone of Indian literature. These three books underscore our steadfast ethos of amplifying women in translation.’

Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Adult Publishing Group, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Penguin Random House India has been home to Geetanjali Shree’s works in English, and I am proud to have published Tomb of Sand winner of the 2022 International Booker Prize by Geetanjali Shree translated by Daisy Rockwell among others. With the acquisition of three new books Our City That Year, Once Elephants Lived Here by Geetanjali Shree and translated by Daisy Rockwell and Mai by Geetanjali Shree and translated by Nita Kumar we hope to deepen our commitment to writing in Indian languages and the need for translation into English for a wider and diverse audience. I am delighted to publish these new works and hope they reach out to many more readers.’

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About the author

Geetanjali Shree is the winner of the 2022 International Booker Prize and of the Warwick Prize for Women in Translation, along with Daisy Rockwell, for her novel, Tomb of Sand (Ret Samadhi in the Hindi original.) The French translation, published as Ret Samadhi: Au-dela de la frontier was shortlisted for the Emile Guimet Prize, 2021.  Geetanjali Shree is the author of four other novels – Mai, Hamara Shahar Us Baras (Our City That Year), Tirohit (The Roof Beneath Their Feet), and Khali Jagah (Empty Space), and five collections of short stories. Her work has been translated into many Indian and foreign languages.

Geetanjali has also worked on theatre scripts in collaboration with a Delhi-based group, Vivadi, of which she is a founding member.

About the translator

Daisy Rockwell is an artist and Hindi-Urdu translator living in the US. She has translated numerous classic literary works from Hindi and Urdu into English, including Bhisham Sahni’s Tamas and Khadija Mastur’s The Women’s Courtyard. Her translation of Geetanjali Shree’s Tomb of Sand was the winner of the 2022 International Booker Prize and the 2022 Warwick Prize for Women in Translation. In 2020, she was the winner of MLA’s Aldo and Jeanne Scaglioni Prize for Translation of a Literary Work for Krishna Sobti’s A Gujarat Here, a Gujarat There. In 2023 she was awarded the Vani Foundation Distinguished Translator Award. She has received several grants for her translations, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). She is currently the Translator in Residence at Princeton University and a Translation Fellow with the National Endowment for the Arts.

Penguin Palooza : India’s first Publisher-led Influencer Event by Penguin

Penguin, India’s leading publishing house, pioneered a trendsetting initiative – Penguin Palooza, an exclusive event that showcased the transformative power of collaboration between creators and literature. Organized in association with The Lalit Mumbai, an enterprise of Bharat Hotels Limited, the spectacle was held on Saturday, 6 April, at their luxury property in the city and attended by close to 100 content creators and many prominent personalities from Mumbai’s cultural milieu.

Penguin Palooza, a first-of-its-kind event and concept in Indian publishing, is appropriately themed as Connect. Create. Collaborate. We designed the event around each element of the theme:

CONNECT: Penguin Palooza fostered a dynamic and inclusive environment that brought together individuals passionate about reading, love for books, and all things literature to engage with key components of the publishing world – the books and the authors. This diverse group of bloggers and creators from across genres had the opportunity to interact with industry insiders, publishers, and authors, enhancing their own brand and expanding their communities. Essentially, Penguin Palooza was instrumental in cultivating a strong and supportive literary community that promotes growth and collaboration.

CREATE: Penguin Palooza established dedicated interactive pods for direct content creation with authors, where innovation met inspiration. These spaces generated hundreds of interesting pieces of content inspired by the authors. High-quality installations and interactive displays kept the audience captivated with every element of books and literature.

COLLABORATE: Penguin Palooza invited a broad spectrum of brands to join the event. The Lalit Mumbai, as the associate partner, opened its doors to host the event, offering guests a delectable F&B spread and world-class hospitality. Anand Prakash, a luxurious artisanal stationery brand, designed exclusive bookmarks and notebooks as special gifts for the invitees. Crossword, India’s largest book retailer, was the retail partner and provided special welcome hampers with bestselling books and merchandise. Bookscape, the top online bookshop and the online book partner for the event presented their range of offerings to literary enthusiasts and introduced their affiliate programme. Lastly, the Himalayan dry gin brand Hapusa, celebrated for its finest premium craft gin, delighted attendees with a tantalizing array of signature cocktails, demonstrating the versatility of gin through classic concoctions and innovative blends, offering a sensory journey that captivated all who attended.

Aastha Verma, General Manager- Digital Marketing, Penguin Random House India commented, “We’re proud to lead the way in bringing creators together, making books and authors the center of inspiration and connection. This initiative sparked amazing bonds, ensuring the right book reaches the right reader.”

With this event, Penguin embarked on a new mission to build a community of content creators inspired by books, authors, and the literary world. It boasted a thrilling program with exclusive first looks and launches. We witnessed the launch of Penguin Select, a brand-new division by Penguin in India that spotlights early learning, classics, global literature, fiction and non-fiction, bestselling books, and works of translations from the world over to readers all across the globe and reveals brand-new books with their attractive covers and accessible content. The Lalit Mumbai also took this opportunity to announce the launch of The Lalit Readers Club. Deeksha Suri – Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group shared her thoughts on the launch saying, ‘We are delighted to partner with Penguin India for the launch of The Lalit Readers Club. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in our journey—a journey fuelled by the love of literature, stories and the power of words. At our Readers Club, we invite you to embark on a literary adventure with us, where every story shared is a bridge between minds and every book cherished opens doors to the endless possibilities of imagination. We are excited to create an all-inclusive safe space where book lovers can have meaningful discussions, exchange book recommendations, and cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for diverse genres and perspectives.’

As part of the program, Penguin invited some of their most popular, bestselling authors who are also influencers in their respective fields for a discussion on ‘Books Reimagined for Tomorrow’s Content’. This session was sponsored by The Lalit Readers Club and had an eclectic panel consisting of Ankur Warikoo, a bestselling self-help author who recently released ‘Make Epic Money; Durjoy Datta the OG author-influencer with over 20 books under his name and lakhs of fans of his writing; Dr Cuterus a.k.a. Dr Tanaya Narendra, a pathbreaking myth-busting influencer of sexual wellness. The panel was moderated by the up-and-coming bookstagrammer and author Nona Uppal. The riveting chat between them covered many relevant points, one of the key ones being the importance of being true to oneself and always keeping at it. The panelists agreed that there is enough room and sufficient demand for good content and that the number of followers and views should not be the only qualifiers for good content. The discussion was full of anecdotes, authors sharing their experiences as and with content creators which were amusing and had the audience in splits.

The attendees also had the chance to witness the first look of Naga Warriors the latest masterpiece by bestselling author Akshat Gupta. Adding to the star power, award-winning actor turned author and beloved social media personality Neena Gupta was in a candid conversation with RJ Stutee Ghosh and shared many endearing Sach Kahun Toh moments with the audience.

Pallavi Narayan, General Manager- Corporate Communications, Penguin Random House India says, “The fantastic response to Penguin Palooza shows how much our brand is loved. What started as an experiment in collaborative content creation has become a key focus for us, sparking a ripple effect that makes literary content more accessible. Our mission is simple: to demonstrate how content inspires more content.”

Penguin to revive Indian Historical Discourse with upcoming books

Penguin Random House India is proud to announce the continuation of the esteemed series in Modern Indian History, edited by late Professor Bipan Chandra, and Professors Mridula Mukherjee and Aditya Mukherjee. Now under the banner of The Penguin History of Modern India, this transition marks an important milestone ensuring the revival of backlist volumes that continue to be in demand among readers. In addition, Penguin is delighted to unveil the forthcoming release of a revised and updated edition of RSS, School Texts and the Murder of Mahatma Gandhi: The Hindu Communal Project. Publishing under Penguin’s Vintage imprint, this is scheduled to release in 2024, and the series in 2025.

Provisionally titled, The Penguin History of Modern India, this is a groundbreaking sixteen-volume series that is poised to offer an unparalleled and definitive exploration of India’s rich historical narrative. It delves into the intricacies of India’s national liberation struggle and other pivotal movements while meticulously examining the profound transformations in economy, society, and culture within both colonial and independent India. Edited by the late Professor Bipan Chandra, and Professors Mridula Mukherjee and Aditya Mukherjee, this series has long been revered for its distinguished historical contributions.

In addition to this, RSS, School Texts and the Murder of Mahatma Gandhi: The Hindu Communal Project is a compelling work that undertakes a unique perspective by juxtaposing three disparate yet interconnected issues: the nature of RSS school textbooks, the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, and the ideological underpinnings of figures such as Savarkar and Golwalkar. By delving deep into each aspect, the book underscores the profound interlinkages between them, shedding light on the pervasive threat that communalism poses to our society.

Commenting on the re-publishing of their titles, Professors Aditya and Mridula remark, ‘We are delighted that the Sage Series in Modern Indian History which was edited by late Professor Bipan Chandra, and us has now been taken over by Penguin. The series, which tried to strike out a distinct historiographical path, shall now continue as The Penguin History of Modern India Series. Most of the back volumes which had gone out of print and continue to be in demand will be brought out again. Very importantly, the volumes will now be available in paperback, considerably increasing their accessibility. The series shall continue with new titles under our general editorship. Penguin is also bringing out a much revised and considerably updated and enlarged version of our book RSS, School Texts and the Murder of Mahatma Gandhi: The Hindu Communal Project. We are proud to expand our decades-long association with Penguin in the area of non-fiction.’

Premanka Goswami, Associate Publisher and Head of Backlist, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Professors Mridula and Aditya Mukherjee are two of the most eminent historians of our times.  Their understanding, interpretation and writings on India’s freedom struggle, people’s movements, class struggle and economy, among others, left a deep impact on our perception of India. The Penguin History of Modern India series and RSS, School Texts and the Murder of Mahatma Gandhi will add immense value to Penguin’s prestigious non-fiction list. I’m excited about the publication of these titles in the near future.’

Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Adult Publishing Group, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘I am delighted at the acquisition of the The Penguin History of Modern India Series edited by eminent scholars and historians Mridula Mukherjee and Aditya Mukherjee as well as RSS, School Texts and the Murder of Mahatma Gandhi: The Hindu Communal Project which will be available in revised and updated editions. An invaluable and in-depth collection of books, these will add significantly to the history and politics lists at Penguin Random House India.’

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About the authors

Aditya Mukherjee was Professor of Contemporary Indian History at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi where he taught for more than forty years. He was Dean, the School of Social Sciences, JNU, Director of The Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Advanced Study, JNU, the President, Indian History Congress, (Modern India), 2007 and the General President of the Indian History Congress 2023-2024. He has been Visiting Professor/fellow at Duke University, U.S.A., La Sapienza, University of Rome, Italy, Institutes of Advanced Study at University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, University of Tokyo, Japan, Institute of Advanced Study at Nantes, France and Institutes of Advanced Study at Lancaster, UK. He has authored Political Economy of Colonial and Post-Colonial India, Imperialism, Nationalism and the Making of the Indian Capitalist Class. He has co-authored three best-selling books India’s Struggle for Independence, and India Since Independence, as well as RSS, School Texts and The Murder of Mahatma Gandhi: The Hindu Communal Project. These books have been translated into several languages and some of them have sold more than half a million copies. He has edited, A Centenary History of the Indian National Congress, 1964-1984, Vol. V and Congress and the Making of the Indian Nation, 2 Volumes, Academic Publishers, 2011. He has published more than fifty articles in reputed journals and edited volumes and has delivered about 75 lectures and seminars all over the world outside India.

 

Mridula Mukherjee has taught History at the Centre for Historical Studies, JNU, for over four decades.  She was Director, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, from 2006 to 2011, and Dean, School of Social Sciences, JNU from 2012 to 2014. She has been a Visiting Professor / Fellow at La Sapienza, University of Rome; Institutes of Advanced Study at Nantes, France, at University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Lancaster, UK: the University of Tokyo, Japan, and Duke University, USA. She was member of the External Advisory Board, Long Room Hub, Research Institute for Arts and Humanities, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. She co-authored India’s Struggle for Independence and India Since Independence, both best sellers published by Penguin with multiple reprints and translations and over half a million copies sold. She also authored Peasants in India’s Non-violent Revolution, and Colonialising Agriculture: The Myth of Punjab Exceptionalism, and RSS, School Textbooks and the Murder of Mahatma Gandhi: The Hindu Communal Project.

Unlocking Murugan’s Magic: Penguin unveils 5 New English Translations of Tamil Maestro’s Best

Penguin Random House India proudly unveils the acquisition of five masterful works by the celebrated and recent JCB Prize for Literature awardee, Perumal Murugan. Renowned for his literary prowess and insightful storytelling, these narratives have already garnered acclaim in Tamil literature and are now set to captivate the English-speaking audience as Penguin undertakes their translations for the first time. These works will be published separately over the next six years, marking a significant milestone in making Murugan’s literary legacy accessible to a global readership.

Each of these books offers a culturally rich story to a wider audience, showcasing the depth and breadth of Murugan’s storytelling skills.

A Long Time, translated by Meena Kandasamy: Murugan weaves a tale of love, detachment, and familial complexities in this novel, showcasing his ability to delve into the human psyche.

The Bed, translated by Kavitha Muralidharan: A short-story collection is a testament to his unique blend of humour and depth, exploring the evolving dynamics of Indian families with a focus on human-pet relationships.

Students Etched in Memory, translated by V. Ishwarya: The ability to offer poignant glimpses into the formative years of his characters, exploring the impact of education and societal challenges, is showcased in this collection of forty essays.

There is Nothing that Wouldn’t Change: Interview with Bezwada Wilson, translated by Kavitha Muralidharan: An insightful interview with award-winning Indian activist Bezwada Wilson demonstrates Murugan’s commitment to shedding light on critical social issues, particularly his engagement with the fight against manual scavenging in India.

The Land and the Shadows, translated by Gita Subramanian: Murugan skilfully reflects on the transformative decades of Tamil society, providing a unique perspective on the influence of cinema on his life and the changing cultural landscape.

Talking about a 5-book deal with Penguin, author, Perumal Murugan, says, ‘I deem it important to formalize a contract with Penguin for the simultaneous translation of my books into English. These comprise a novel titled Nedu Neram, a collection of short stories centered around pet animals, two books on films (which will be consolidated into a single volume in English), a book focusing on students who hold a special place in my heart, and an interview conducted with Bezwada Wilson. Personally, I am delighted that Penguin, a publisher with a history of releasing many of my novels, is now venturing to publish this unique set of books. This marks an unprecedented milestone for a Tamil writer, a classical language in India with a literary legacy spanning over two thousand years. I express my gratitude to the English-language readers who have made this endeavour possible and to Penguin for bringing these translations to the audience.’

He also adds, ‘Witnessing several books being translated simultaneously fills me, as a Tamil writer, with immense pride. Credit for these achievements goes to Kalachuvadu Kannan, my friend and publisher of my Tamil works. Over the years, he has consistently strived to introduce modern Tamil literature to English readers and has achieved a commendable level of success. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to him for his unwavering efforts.’

Manasi Subramaniam, Editor-in-Chief, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Murugan’s literary prowess is eclipsed only by his humility. This landmark five-book deal will not only bring his masterpieces to a wider readership in English but also contribute significantly to cultural exchange between Tamil and English literature worldwide. So close on the heels of his extraordinary win at the JCB Prize for Literature, I am delighted to be working with him once again.’

Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Adult Publishing Group, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Penguin Random House India has been home to Perumal Murugan and his works for several years. I am delighted to be publishing five new works by him which will give us an opportunity to showcase the range and depth of his writing.’

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About the author

Perumal Murugan is the star of contemporary Tamil literature. An award-winning writer, poet and scholar, he has garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success for his vast array of work. His novels have been translated into English to immense acclaim, including Current Show, Pyre, Seasons of the Palm, which was shortlisted for the Kiriyama Prize in 2005-, and One-Part Woman, his best-known work, which was shortlisted for the Crossword Award, longlisted for the inaugural National Book Award for Translation and won the prestigious ILF Samanvay Bhasha Samman. A Lonely Harvest and Trial by Silence – his two ingenious parallel sequels to One Part Woman – were shortlisted for the JCB Prize for Fiction 2019. A Lonely Harvest was also longlisted for the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2019. Songs of a Coward is a collection of his poetry written in exile. His debut novel was published in English as Rising Heat in 2020, nearly three decades after it was first published in Tamil.

Bharat Ratna Awardee Karpoori Thakur’s Legacy Explored in Penguin’s Upcoming Book

Penguin Random House India is proud to announce the acquisition and upcoming publication of a definitive biography titled The Jannayak Karpoori Thakur: Voice of the Voiceless by authors Santosh Singh and Aditya Anmol, commemorating the centenary of the birth of the revered former Chief Minister of Bihar who is being posthumously honoured with India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to society. The book, set to release in May 2024 from Penguin’s Vintage imprint, delves into the life, legacy, and enduring relevance of Karpoori Thakur, popularly known as Jannayak, a political luminary who left an indelible mark on the landscape of Bihar and India as a whole. 

Focusing on his visionary politics that introduced groundbreaking concepts such as quota within quota or equity within equity, this book highlights his pivotal role in bifurcating reservation among OBC, EBC, EWS and women in 1978—a model that significantly influenced the recommendations of the Mandal Commission. It has defined the present system of reservation in India. The book also delves into Thakur’s pragmatic approach towards achieving an equitable society, including his historic announcement of reservation allotment to various societal segments during his tenure as Bihar’s chief minister. 

The book features insights from political scions such as Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar, providing a nuanced perspective on Thakur’s socialist ideology. With a reflection on Thakur’s principles at the crossroads of socialist politics, the book engages in a timely debate on the concept of democratic socialism, amalgamating the best ideas of political stalwarts such as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr Lohia JP and Dr BR Ambedkar. 

The Jannayak Karpoori Thakur promises to be a beacon for readers seeking to understand the complex landscape of Indian politics and society. It also serves as a navigation guide to surmount the obstacles of poverty and overcome the challenges presented by a rigid social structure that hinders any progress in the predefined socioeconomic hierarchy. 

Commenting on the publication of the book, author Santosh Singh, says, ‘I am greatly elated and excited about Penguin bringing out our book on socialist legend and former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur. And my happiness has just doubled with the announcement of Thakur getting the Bharat Ratna. Thakur’s lasting legacy is not just pioneering the OBC quota but his inclusive and cohesive politics.’ 

Aditya Anmol, co-author, adds, ‘I am thrilled about our upcoming book on former Bihar Chief Minister Jannayak Karpoori Thakur. Jannayak’s life unfolds as a gripping tale of the struggle to deepen democracy through inclusive politics and empowering the underprivileged. The recent Bharat Ratna announcement for Jannayak fills me with immense joy, validating the enduring relevance of his inclusive and equitable policies in today’s world.’ 

Premanka Goswami, associate publisher, Vintage and head, Backlist, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Karpoori Thakur, through his life, philosophy and work left a deep impression in India’s polity and society.  He played a pivotal role in establishing an egalitarian society in Bihar and India. This book, The Jannayak, is poised to bring to light the life and times of Karpoori Thakur. We sincerely hope that the book will interest a wide spectrum of readers.’ 

Milee Ashwarya, publisher, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘The Jannayak Karpoori Thakur is a timely and important book on Karpoori Thakur that will throw light on his political journey, contribution, and lifelong struggle for the equality and upliftment of the marginalised. I congratulate the authors Santosh Singh and Aditya Anmol on their efforts and welcome them to Penguin Random House India.’  

About the authors:  

Santosh Singh is a Patna-based senior assistant editor with The Indian Express since June 2008, covering the entire state of Bihar with a focus on politics, society, governance and investigative and explanatory stories. Overall, he has twenty-five years of experience in print journalism in Bihar, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. His past works include Ruled Or Misruled: The Story and Destiny of Bihar (Bloomsbury, 2015), JP TO BJP (Vitasta Sage Select, 2021) Kitna Raaj Kitna Kaaj (Vani Prakashan, 2023).  

Aditya Anmol studied at the University of Chicago. He completed his Master’s in Public Policy with Honors in June 2023, with specializations in Finance and Policy. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Quantitative Economics with Honors from New York University. 

The White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair: A Literary Extravaganza in the Heart of Nagaland

 

The White Owl proudly presents The White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair, a two-day celebration of literature, culture, and community set to take place on February 9–10, 2024, at the Zone Niathu by The Park in Chümoukedima, Nagaland. This landmark literature festival is a collaboration between The White Owl Book Lounge, Penguin Random House India, and Cambridge University Press. Bringing together a unique blend of local and global literary influences, the festival promises to be a pioneering event in a region known for its avid readership, steeped in rich historical and cultural heritage.

Viketuno Rio, Festival Director and proprietor of The White Owl, comments, ‘The White Owl Literature Festival is my most ambitious venture. A vision that started with the book lounge now sees fruition in the form of a grand literary event. Nagaland, along with the other northeastern states of India, is a vibrant tapestry of storytelling. Literature, oral and now written, has kept us grounded in our roots and given us the ability to collaborate with other strengths. Penguin and Cambridge University Press, as partners, will enable this one-of-a-kind event in the region to reach out to a wider audience and invite new and fresh interest in the Northeast.’

The two-day festival has been designed around the theme ‘Echoes of Narratives’ which celebrates the Northeast’s history, culture and geography. It boasts an engaging, educational, and entertaining programme which will cover myriad topics, ranging from the legacy of Northeast India to the world of graphic novels, commercial fiction, and discussions on the economy, environment and wellness. The festival offers something for every literary taste. For the first time, Nagaland will be inundated with bestselling and illustrious authors and prominent personalities such as Vivek Shanbagh, Taslima Nasrin, Sarnath Banerjee, Durjoy Dutta, Viju B., Vasudha Rai, Nikhil Gulati, and Lavanya Karthik, to name a few. Representing the local voice at the festival are eminent authors such as Mmhonlumo Kikon, Avinuo Kire, Shelmi Sankhil, and many more.

Gaurav Shrinagesh, CEO, India, SEA, and MENA, Penguin Random House, says, ‘This is the first time that Penguin is organizing a literature festival in the Northeast. Our publishing house has been

actively curating a powerful portfolio of writing from the region and We take immense pride in our list of books and voices that we publish. This festival is a perfect way to pay homage to one of the richest literary hubs in our country. With The White Owl as our local partner, we are confident that this festival will attract an array of readers to provide them an opportunity to engage with authors.’

Arun Rajamani, Managing Director, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, South Asia, expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming festival in Nagaland, ‘We are excited to partner with The White Owl Literature Festival in Nagaland, which we see as an important initiative not only for the state of Nagaland but also for the entire northeast region- To encourage more literary work, foster academic research, and empower more thought leaders from this region to address global problems such as climate change. Partnering with The White Owl Literature Festival further amplifies our mission of unlocking the potential and growth of over 10 million learners in South Asia, in alignment with the global vision of impacting lives, creating a better society and a planet for tomorrow.’

Adding a special charm to the event, The White Owl Literature Festival also hosts Nagaland’s first book fair. It is the perfect showcase for publishers and distributors from across the country to present and sell their diverse collection of books covering a variety of genres to readers of all ages. For our younger audience, the festival will host workshops and dedicated play areas, creating an interactive and educational space for children. The festival aims to foster a love for literature and learning from an early age.

In addition to literary delights, attendees can immerse themselves in cultural performances and indulge in an eclectic food service, adding a sensory dimension to the overall festival experience. For the affordable entry fee of INR 50, attendees gain access to a world of literary wonders, cultural performances, and gastronomic delights. Join us at The White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair for a literary journey that transcends boundaries and celebrates the richness of storytelling. To ensure a seamless experience, visitors are encouraged to register on the festival’s website. Details of the event are listed below.

Event Details:

Date: February 9-10, 2024

Venue: Zone Niathu by The Park in Chumukedima,

Ticketing Information: Entry Fee INR 50. Free entry for school and college students with official student identification. Website: https://thewhiteowl.in/

X: @TWO_Nagaland | Instagram: thewhiteowl_nagaland

Penguin Takes the Centre Field With the Launch of a Dedicated Imprint for Sports Books: Penguin Play

The leading publisher in India, Penguin Random House India, is excited to announce the launch of Penguin Play, a new and dedicated imprint that aims to bring together some of the finest books from the dynamic and captivating world of sports.

Penguin has long been home to an eclectic and diverse range of books and has one of the strongest portfolios of books in the sports genre, including several remarkable titles from the field of sports, such as The Dhoni Touch: Unravelling the Enigma That Is Mahendra Singh Dhoni by Bharat Sundaresan, Made in India: A Memoir by Milind Soman with Roopa Pai and Playing To Win by Saina Nehwal among others. The introduction of Penguin Play marks a significant step towards consolidating these works under one distinguished imprint and becoming the preferred home to both athletes and sports writers.

The imprint boasts a sizeable backlist, featuring compelling narratives, insightful biographies, and authoritative analyses that capture the essence of the sporting world. One of the key highlights of Penguin Play is going to be the commitment to deliver fresh and exciting content and intends to release an average of three new books every year, ensuring a steady stream of thought-provoking literature for sports enthusiasts and readers alike.

Readers can expect authors like Aditya Iyer, Paddy Upton, and Mithali Raj to get published by Penguin Play, and new acquisitions like R Ashwin’s autobiography and Bharat Sundaresan’s next book will keep the readers engaged.

Speaking about being published by Penguin Play, Paddy Upton says, ‘Penguin is one of the top publishing houses, both in India and globally, which makes me proud to be associated with them. I look forward to working with them in bringing hopefully tens of thousands of people joy, ease, and flow as they lean even further into the wonderful life they were born to live.’

Award-winning and world-renowned author, Bharat Sundaresan, says, ‘At Penguin, they don’t just publish books; we tell stories and chronicle memories. We create narratives and shape histories. It’s been an honour to play my part in that journey.’

Speaking about the launch of Penguin Play, Radhika Marwah, Executive Editor, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘In a nation of over a billion people where sport unites and inspires, we aim to captivate and uplift readers by presenting phenomenal sporting stories. Penguin Play will showcase the finest in sports literature, including biographies and autobiographies of greats, narratives of memorable sporting epics, and sports writing meant to entertain, inform, and celebrate.’

Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Few things in life bring forth passion, pain, and pleasure in equal measure, and sports is one of them. With a view to offering our readers the best and the most diverse list of books on sports, we are delighted to launch Penguin Play, a new imprint that will focus on publishing about three books each year in the genre. I am excited to begin this new journey with my team and wish them my very best.’

Fire Bird by Perumal Murugan Wins the JCB Prize for Literature Prize 2023

In a momentous triumph, the celebrated author Perumal Murugan’s critically acclaimed novel Fire Bird, translated from Tamil by Janani Kannan, has secured this year’s JCB Prize for Literature. The announcement unfolded last night during an exclusive ceremony held at the capital. Notably, this marks the first occasion that a book published by Penguin has clinched this distinguished award. Over the years, Murugan’s works have been shortlisted twice before, and Penguin-published books have featured on the shortlist five times. Fire Bird made its debut under the Hamish Hamilton imprint from Penguin Random House India in July 2023.

Regarded as one of Perumal Murugan’s masterpieces, Fire Bird intricately weaves the tale of one man’s pursuit of the elusive concept of permanence. Garnering widespread critical acclaim, it has been hailed as “a delight to read” and described as “a cathartic experience” in deciphering the nuanced shades of human existence. The novel stands as a transcendent exploration, drawing inspiration from Murugan’s own life experiences of displacement and movement. It delves into the fragility of humanity’s innate attraction to permanence and the ultimately futile endeavours to attain it.

Translated from the nearly untranslatable Aalandapatchi, a term alluding to a mystical bird in Tamil, the titular Fire Bird perfectly encapsulates the illusory and migratory nature of this relentless pursuit. The novel emerges as a thought-provoking and beautifully written odyssey, offering a profound exploration of the human desire for stability in an ever-changing world.

Perumal Murugan accepted the award in a video recording, saying, ‘To move away from one place is suffering. It is also suffering to migrate to some other place and live there. Compulsions of life lead to such suffering. Aalandapatchi was about the forced migration of an agrarian family that happened six decades ago. I have read many migration stories of my ancestors. In my youth, I experienced firsthand the migration of our family away from the land where we had lived for generations. I have also been aware of many stories of migration of the families of my relatives. I believe the novel will emotionally connect with every person displaced, small or big. I feel

happy that everybody is associating themselves with this novel. That the novel has won the prestigious JCB Prize is an important recognition.’

Janani Kannan, the translator of the novel, said in a video message, ‘This is quite surreal for me to be recording this video. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be sharing this stage with such literary talents, let alone in this award. This would not have been possible without the group of people I have backing me.’

Manasi Subramaniam, Editor-in-Chief, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘This win not only celebrates Murugan’s literary brilliance but also underscores the significance of narratives that delve into the complexities of displacement. Hamish Hamilton continues to be a catalyst for fostering thought-provoking literature, and this historic win emphasizes our commitment to amplifying voices that illuminate the nuances of the human experience. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Perumal Murugan and translator Janani Kannan for this exceptional accomplishment.’

Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Adult Publishing Division, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Perumal Murugan is a master storyteller. In Firebird, he has explored the themes of stability and permanence with his unique voice, distinctive characters, and sensitive portrayal. I am delighted and proud that this powerful novel written by him and translated by Janani Kannan has won the prestigious JCB Prize for 2023. My heartiest congratulations to both.’

Sustainability at the Forefront: Penguin is Transitioning to 100% Recycled Paper in Book Production

Penguin Random House India (PRHI) announces a forward-looking initiative in the Indian publishing industry’s approach to environmental responsibility. Penguin has committed to transitioning its book production to use 100% recycled paper. The shift will take place in a phased manner and has already begun with the printing of text content in books on this eco-friendly paper.

This decision is a testament to Penguin’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint. Commenting on the development, Sanjiv Gupta, COO, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘We recognise the urgent need to address the environmental challenges associated with using paper in publishing. We have been testing 100% recycled content paper for some time now, and we are not only assured of its organic source and ecological production process but also ensured that it doesn’t diminish the reading experience. This development aligns with the energy and environmentally efficient practices we have been adapting over time.’

Penguin is sourcing this 100% recycled paper from an Indian paper mill, and it was developed with careful observations that meet Penguin’s paper and production quality. This paper is made from raw material that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests. Recycled paper comes with many positive attributes, including:

· It is made from 100% paper waste, thereby diverting waste from landfills.

· It is not bleached with chlorine or compounds of chlorine. This significantly reduces the amount of harmful waste produced in the process.

· Its production emits approx. 30% less CO2 as compared to virgin paper production and uses less energy and water compared to paper made from wood pulp.

Ajay Joshi, Vice President, Supply Chain and Production, Penguin Random House India, is leading this transition for the company. He says, ‘We are adopting a measured approach with this initiative to ensure a smooth and responsible adjustment while maintaining our standard of production. This is a pivotal step towards reducing our environmental footprint.’

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