Kannada author Jayant Kaikini's translated work wins DSC Prize
Kolkata, Jan 25: Kannada author Jayant Kaikini was Friday named the winner of the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2018 for his translated work "No Presents Please".
This is the first time that a translated work has won the USD 25,000 prize.
The announcement was made at the Tata Steel Kolkata Literary Meet at the iconic Victoria Memorial Hall here. The award was given to Kaikini and translator Tejaswini Niranjana, along with a trophy by eminent writer Ruskin Bond.
According to the presenters, "No Presents Please" is vivid yet full of contradictions, spirited yet lonely, embattled yet big-hearted the city of Mumbai.
Empathy and survival are the constant, co-dependent themes that unify every strand of this extraordinary book, creating a shimmering mosaic of a conflicted city that is as kind as it is, at times, cruel, the DSC Group said.
According to the prize process, the award money would be equally shared between the author and the translator.
"No Presents Please" is published by HarperCollins India.
The other shortlisted authors were Kamila Shamsie ("Home Fire"), Manu Joseph ("Miss Laila Armed And Dangerous"), Mohsin Hamid ("Exit West"), Neel Mukherjee ("A State Of Freedom") and Sujit Saraf ("Harilal & Sons").
Jury Chair Rudrangshu Mukherjee said the panel was deeply impressed by the quiet voice of Kaikini through which he presented vignettes of life in Mumbai and made the city the protagonist of a coherent narrative.
"The Mumbai that came across through the pen of Kaikini was the city of ordinary people who inhabit the bustling metropolis. It is a view from the margins and all the more poignant because of it.
"This is the first time that this award is being given to a translated work and the jury would like to recognise the outstanding contribution of Tejaswini Niranjana, the translator," he said.
The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature, which was instituted in 2010, awards the best work in South Asian fiction writing each year.
The past winners have been from various countries and their work has reflected the importance of South Asian culture and literature.
Surina Narula, co-founder of the DSC Prize said, "The challenges faced by the authors to weave their protests against the wave of anti-globalisation into their writings of seemingly harmless pieces of literature could be seen through their work, migration being a major theme this year."
Besides Mukherjee, the jury comprised Nandana Sen, Claire Armitstead, Tissa Jayatilaka, and Firdous Azim.
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Karnataka ex-MLA, a doctor, saves life of American co-passenger mid air
Bengaluru (PTI): A Karnataka ex-MLA, Anjali Nimbalkar, a doctor by profession, has saved the life of an American woman passenger, who suffered a medical emergency mid-air during a Goa–New Delhi flight, official sources said on Sunday.
The incident happened when Nimbalkar, AICC secretary co-incharge of Goa, Daman & Diu, Dadra Nagar Haveli, was travelling to Delhi to attend the "Vote Chori" rally organised by Congress at Ramleela Maidan on Sunday, they added.
Nimbalkar performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and revived the co-passenger, who complained of uneasiness and shivering, fainted and lost her pulse, they said.
Nimbalkar reportedly remained by the patient’s side for the entire duration of the flight, constantly paying attention to her medical needs and comforting her.
Soon after landing at Delhi, the unwell foreign passenger was shifted to a hospital by an ambulance, sources said, adding that Nimbalkar's timely action received praise from passengers and crew members.
Lauding Nimbalkar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in a post on 'X' said, "Deeply moved and incredibly proud to hear about the remarkable presence of mind and compassion shown by former Khanapur MLA Dr Anjali Nimbalkar during a Goa–New Delhi flight. When an American woman suffered a medical emergency mid-air, Dr Anjali instantly rose to the occasion and administered timely CPR, saving a precious life."
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What makes this even more inspiring is that, despite having stepped away from her medical profession and being actively engaged in politics, the doctor within her responded without a second thought, he said, adding that "this selfless act reflects not just professional expertise, but a profound sense of humanity, service, and responsibility toward fellow beings."
"Whether in power or not, leaders like Dr Anjali Nimbalkar stand as shining examples of true public service—always ready to help, without expecting anything in return. Such individuals set a powerful standard for society and remind us of the true meaning of leadership," he further added.
Thanking the CM, Nimbalkar said, she has done her duty as a Doctor.
"It (is) also my job and duty as a doctor to serve in this capacity whenever required. Means a lot coming from you, who himself is an example of social commitment," she said in a post on 'X', replying to the CM.
