In a first, an Indian writer, Geetanjali Shree, has won the coveted International Booker Prize for her novel Tomb of Sand, which has been translated from Hindi to English by Daisy Rockwell.
“Tomb of Sand is the first book originally written in any Indian language to win the International Booker Prize, and the first novel translated from Hindi to be recognised by the award,” read a note on the award’s official website.
The book, which follows the life of an 80-year-old woman, is an “engaging protest against the destructive impact of borders, whether between religions, countries or genders”, the International Booker Prize website said.
Twitter was flooded with congratulatory messages for Shree.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said the prize was a "wonderful recognition".
Wonderful recognition. Congratulations to @GeetanjaliShree ! https://t.co/HcGNUOarxz
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 27, 2022
“A moment of pride," said Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Kandu. "Congratulations to the author of Geetanjali Shree for winning 2022 @TheBookerPrizes."
A moment of pride!
Congratulations to the author of Geetanjali Shree for winning 2022 @TheBookerPrizes for her Hindi translated novel 'Tomb of Sand'.
Originally published in Hindi as 'Ret Samadhi', it is the first book in any Indian language to win the prestigious award. pic.twitter.com/N485hxkS76
— Pema Khandu (@PemaKhanduBJP) May 27, 2022
"And history is made!" the book's publisher Penguin India tweeted.
And history is made!We are elated to announce that the brilliant #GeetanjaliShree’s novel #TombOfSand, translated by @shreedaisy, has become the first Hindi-language novel to be awarded the International Booker Prize. @TheBookerPrizes#2022InternationalBookerPrizepic.twitter.com/sqVyBT3RNM
— Penguin India (@PenguinIndia) May 26, 2022
Writer Kulpreet Yadav said: "Such a proud moment for all of us!"
Geetanjali Shree’s novel #TombOfSand, translated by Daisy Rockwell, has become the first Hindi-language novel to be awarded the International Booker Prize. Such a proud moment for all of us! @PenguinIndia#InternationalBookerPrize#hindilanguage#publishingpic.twitter.com/zj8weAu9Ax
— Kulpreet Yadav (@Kulpreetyadav) May 27, 2022
"What a heart warming news! More power to her," Indian Administrative Services officer Sanjay Kumar tweeted.
BJP spokesperson Kunal Sarangi said: "There can’t be a better thing to read early morning. Congratulations Geetanjali Shree Ji as your work 'Tomb of Sand' in Hindi has become the first book in any Indian language to win the prestigious International Booker Prize."
There Can’t be a better thing to read early morning.
Congratulations Geetanjali Shree Ji as your work 'Tomb of Sand' in HINDI has become the first book in any Indian language to win the prestigious International #BookerPrize #BOOKERS #TombOfSand pic.twitter.com/rl7IUJ11To
— KunalSarangi O+ve (@KunalSarangi) May 27, 2022
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