Crossword Bookstores Unveils the 2024 Long List for the Prestigious Crossword Book Awards

 

Mumbai, India — 8th October 2024 — The Crossword Book Award, one of the most prestigious literary awards in the country is back after a hiatus of five years. Launched in 1998, it is one of the longest running awards in India, and aims to recognise and celebrate Indian writing in English across several categories and segments.

This year, the entries for the five categories—Fiction, Non-fiction, Children’s, Translations, and Business and Management—opened on 18th March and saw hundreds of submissions from publishers around the country for books published in the English language in India from 1st March 2023 to 1st March 2024.

The winners of the Jury Awards and the Popular Choice Awards in each category will receive a cash prize of Rs 50,000. The translators (in the Translations category) and illustrators (in the Children’s category) will be awarded Rs 25,000 wherever applicable.

After reading and deliberating on all the eligible books, the three-member Jury in each category, comprising some of the most distinguished and acclaimed names from the literary world, submitted the longlists of ten books for the 2024 edition of the Awards.

Fiction (Longlist)

History’s Angel, by Anjum Hasan

Never, Never Land, by Namita Gokhale

The Memoirs of Valmiki Rao, by Lindsay Pereira

The East Indian, by Brinda Charry

The Gallery, by Manju Kapur

Quarterlife, by Devika Rege

Can’t, by Shinie Antony

Chronicle of an Hour and a Half, by Saharu Nusaiba Kannanari

Tall Tales By a Small Dog, by Omair Ahmad

Shakchunni, by Arnab Ray

Non-fiction (Longlist)

From Phansi Yard, by Sudha Bhardwaj

The Day I Became a Runner, by Sohini Chattopadhyay

City on Fire, by Zeyad Masroor Khan

Swadeshi Steam, by  A. R. Venkatachalapathy

A Part Apart, by Ashok Gopal

Mother Cow Mother India, by  Yamini Narayanan

Anger Management, by Ajay Bisaria

Being Hindu Being Indian, by Vanya Vaidehi Bhargav

Marginlands, by Arati Kumar-Rao

Fire on the Ganges, by Radhika Iyengar

Translations (Longlist)

Beneath the Simolu Tree, by Sarmishtha Pritam, tr from Assamese by Ranjita Biswas 

Boy, Unloved, by Damodar Mauzo, tr from Konkani by Jerry Pinto 

I Named My Sister Silence, by Manoj Rupda, tr from Hindi by Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar 

Dudiya - In Your Burning Land, by Vishwas Patil, tr from Marathi by Nadeem Khan

Mithun Number Two, by Jayant Kaikini, tr from Kannada by Tejaswini Niranjana 

Fire Bird, by Perumal Murugan, tr from Tamil by Janani Kannan

Sakina's Kiss, by Vivek Shanbhag, tr from Kannada by Srinath Perur 

A Woman Burnt, by Imayam, tr from Tamil by GJV Prasad 

Maria Just Maria, by Sandhya Mary, tr from Malayalam by Jayasree Kalathil 

Fruits of the Barren Tree, by Lekhnath Chhetri, tr from Nepali by Anurag Basnet

Children’s (Longlist) 

Zen, by Shabnam Minwalla

The Henna Start-Up, by Andaleeb Wajid 

Bipathu and a Very Big Dream, by Anita Nair 

The Case of the Vanishing Gods, by Mallika Ravikumar

A Children’s History of India in 100 Objects, by Devika Cariapa

Mommies, by Richa Jha and Priya Sebastian

From Makaras to Manticores, by C. G. Salamander and Sheena Deviah 

Are There Bun Shops in the Jungles of India? and Other Secret Stories from History, by Nandini Nayar

The Dog with Two Names: Stories that Celebrate Diversity, by Nandita Da Cunha

The Misadventures of a Diamond Thief, by Lubaina Bandukwala 

Business and Management (Longlist)

Accelerating India's Development: A State-led Roadmap For Effective Governance, by Karthik Muralidharan

Al Rising: India's Artificial Intelligence Growth Story, by Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N. Kolla

Exprovement: Exponential Improvements Through Converging Parallels, by Hersh Haladker and Raghunath Anant Mashelkar

Farmer Sutra, by Kalpana Manivannan

Inside the Boardroom: How Behaviour Trumps Rationality, by R. Gopalakrishnan and Tulsi Jayakumar

Lilliput Land: How Small Is Driving India’s Mega Consumption Story, by Rama Bijapurkar

Mastering the Data Paradox, by Nitin Seth

The Eight Per Cent Solution: A Strategy for India’s Growth, by Nikhil Gupta

Unfiltered: The CEO and the Coach, by  Ana Lueneburger and Saurabh Mukherjea

When the Chips Are Down, by Pranay Kotasthane and Abhiram Manchi

Instituted in 1998, the Crossword Book Award brings together the entire literary community—readers, authors, booksellers and publishers—like none other. It is the only Indian award that recognizes and rewards the finest of Indian writing in English, as selected by the Jury, and actively promotes Indian authors and their books. In addition to the Jury Awards, the eligible books are also open to be voted on by readers, the results of which will constitute the Popular Choice Awards. 

The Jury for this year’s Award constitutes respected literary figures from a range of experiences and expertise. In the Fiction category, the three-member panel is composed of Prayaag Akbar, award-winning author, journalist and mentor, Manjula Narayan, Books Editor and Podcast host at Hindustan Times, and Somak Ghoshal, writer and critic. In the Non-fiction category, the Jury consists of TCA Raghavan, former diplomat and author, Kaveree Bamzai, senior journalist, writer and editor, and Anuradha Sengupta, journalist and editor. The panel for the Children’s category comprises Paro Anand, Sahitya Akademi awardee, writer and children’s literature activist, Bulbul Sharma, the acclaimed painter and writer, and Parvati Sharma, the renowned writer and author of children’s books. In the Translations category the judges include Arshia Sattar, award-winning translator and writer, Nandini Nair, Arts and Literary journalist and editor, and Malashri Lal, academic and writer. The Business and Management category has a judging panel composed of Khozem Merchant, former journalist and head of Brunswick India, R. Sriram, the noted entrepreneur and business advisor, and Shaili Chopra, author and founder of SheThePeople and Gytree.

Speaking about the Crossword Book Award and its return, Aakash Gupta, CEO of Crossword Bookstores, said, “As we bring back the Crossword Book Awards, we aim to celebrate the rich tapestry of Indian literature and honor the voices that shape our literary landscape. This event is not just about recognizing excellence; it’s also about inspiring future generations to explore the power of storytelling and the joy of reading.”

The shortlist for the Crossword Book Award 2024 will be announced on 11th November. The voting lines for the Popular Choice Awards will be opening soon. The final Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on 12th December with some of the most acclaimed writers, artistes and industry leaders in attendance.

About: 

Crossword Bookstores, founded in 1992 with a simple yet passionate mission – to positively impact the world through the power of reading and learning. With a legacy spanning 32 years, with 115 stores across 39 cities today, Crossword has made a place for itself in the heart of the literary community.

Learn while you play with Culinaryschools.org

You often don't get to learn when you are playing a game. Most of the time, games are devised to give you a challenge and by making it interesting and engaging, these games will eat up junk of your precious time without having to make you learn anything. We also do not mind since games are seen as entertainment mostly and not otherwise.

This is where Culinaryschools.org comes into the picture. I am a food aficionado and used to search food-related content online. This is when I stumbled upon this site. Initially, I was going through the food-related content and saw something even more interesting. 

I was fascinated to see various types of games. These are not only interesting but also drive some learning with each and every game. The first of them is related to Recycling. I opted Twin The Bin game which gives you the option of collecting recyclable and non-recyclable games. In this game, the trash collector will be at the bottom, and from the top, items will be dropping. We need to collect those that are recyclable and avoid those that are not. This is a good learning point for the kids because when they play this game a few times, they know which ones to recycle and which ones to discard. 

If your kids love cartoons, especially Tom and Jerry cartoons, there is an interesting game for them as well. The game is Tom & Jerry Show River Recycle. In this, there will be a lot of litter inside the river. There is a claw on top which needs to be used to pull back the litter. While playing we need to avoid twigs, fish, etc which are native to the river. You also have Electric Car Test Drive, Harbour Operator, etc in this.

We will now quickly see some games related to farming. The one that caught my attention was the New Looney Tunes Veggie Patch. In this game, you have various options to use like watering the plants or applying manure and seeing veggies like Carrots, and Beetroot grow. This will invoke interest in the kids to undertake farming in real life. There is Old Macdonald Farm Adventure, Tractor Mania, Puzzle Farm, and other games in this category.

Grocery Stores is another set of games I liked it a lot. From Cash simulator to Supermarket simulator, this game covers most of the aspects of a supermarket.

Then there are games in these categories too:

1. Drink Serving

2. Pizzeria

3. Cheeseburger

4. Stacking

5. Mexican Food

6. Lunch

7. Restaurant

8. Ice cream

9. Dessert 

10. Business SIM and many more

These are simple games which are informative and can be easily loaded as played since these are designed on HTML and does not require huge RAM to run them. What are you waiting for? Start Playing and Start Learning.

Author Interview - Kumar R Bhushan of Salute The Souls : A story of Communal Harmony & Patriotism

 

1.What motivates you to write?

I am motivated to write because I love exploring complex ideas and emotions through fiction. Writing allows me to engage with topics like unity and patriotism, and share them in an interesting and meaningful way. I am also driven by the hope that my stories can connect with readers, inspire new ideas and inspire positive change.

 

2. How did you feel after publishing your books?

After publishing my books, I experienced a blend of relief, excitement, and nervousness. Bringing a project to completion after considerable effort is profoundly rewarding. However, it can also be somewhat intimidating to release it publicly and receive feedback from readers. Overall, the experience is deeply rewarding, especially when I see how my work connects with others.

 

3. Where do you write from? Do you have a fav spot?

I take an unconventional approach to writing. My book-writing process is deeply intertwined with my work in lyrics and composition. As I develop lyrics, the story's plot often begins to emerge subconsciously. I integrate ideas from different lyrics to construct chapters, which then combine to form the overall narrative of the book. I write from various locations based on the project and my mood, capturing the evolving story each day before retiring for the night.

 

4. What inspired you to write the books(in general)? Any tales to tell…

My inspiration for writing books arises from a blend of personal experiences, observations, and a profound curiosity about the human condition. I am motivated by a desire to delve into complex themes such as communal harmony, patriotism, and personal growth through storytelling. Additionally, my passion for music and lyrics significantly influences my writing. The emotional depth and narrative techniques found in songs offer a valuable source of inspiration, aiding in the development of characters and plotlines. These diverse influences, coupled with my broader experiences, fuel my creativity and drive me to craft stories that resonate on both personal and universal levels.

 

5. What was your biggest learning experience throughout the writing process?

My most significant learning experience in writing has been recognizing the importance of perseverance and adaptability. I have learned that maintaining commitment through the various stages of the process is essential. Additionally, being receptive to revisions and willing to reconsider aspects of the work is crucial for enhancing the quality of the narrative. Overall, writing has taught me that it involves ongoing refinement and embracing new perspectives.

 

6. Looking back, what did you do right that helped you break in as a writer?

Looking back, as an emerging writer with a few published works, several key strategies have been instrumental in my development. I have consistently demonstrated dedication and commitment to my craft, setting aside regular time for writing and actively seeking constructive feedback. Building a robust network of fellow writers and industry professionals has provided invaluable support and opportunities for growth. Additionally, my willingness to explore diverse genres and styles has allowed me to refine my unique voice and engage with a broader audience. These combined efforts have been crucial in advancing my career as a writer.

 

7. Any best piece of writing advice that you would like to share with new or struggling writers? 

For new or struggling writers, my key advice is to remain persistent and focus on continuous improvement. Recognize that initial drafts are rarely perfect and be open to revising your work. Establish a regular writing routine, seek constructive feedback, and trust your own voice. Writing is a journey that requires time and effort, so embrace the process and stay committed.

 

8. Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?

One aspect that might surprise people is my passion for music, which significantly influences my writing. My involvement in creating music and lyrics deeply impacts how I develop narratives and characters in my books.

 

9. Any future books that you would like to discuss now?

At present, I am working on the Hindi version of Bound by Valor 1. Additionally, I am considering the development of parts 2 and 3 of the series. These upcoming installments will continue the narrative and delve deeper into the themes introduced in the first book. I am enthusiastic about the potential directions the series may take and look forward to sharing more details as these projects evolve.

 

10. Any special mention about your reader (be it with reviews/feedback or anything else)

 

I am particularly grateful for the feedback and reviews from readers. Their detailed reflections on the book's themes and narrative have been invaluable. I especially appreciate those who have shared their personal insights and interpretations of communal harmony and patriotism. This feedback not only motivates me but also deepens my understanding of how the narrative connects with a diverse audience. It is profoundly rewarding to see my work resonate with readers and contribute to meaningful discussions.

 

11.Do you write the story at a stretch or you take your time to complete it? 

I don’t complete the story in one stretch; rather, I take a deliberate and gradual approach. My writing process is closely integrated with my work in lyrics and composition, where the plot often develops subconsciously. I continuously refine and weave together ideas into chapters, forming the overall narrative over time. I write from different locations depending on the project and my mood, capturing and evolving the story daily before finalizing it.

 

If you take a longer time, wouldn’t you be forgetting the story? How do you tackle it?

Since I take a gradual approach to writing, rather than completing the story all at once, I address the challenge of maintaining story continuity through meticulous planning. I write from various locations depending on my mood and the project, and I keep detailed notes and outlines to track the story's progress. This allows me to stay organized and ensure that I do not lose track of the narrative. By frequently reviewing and updating these notes, I can maintain coherence and refine the story as I continue to develop it over time.

 

12.Traditional or Self-Publishing? Why?

 

I prefer self-publishing because it gives me complete control over my work. It allows me to make decisions about content, design, and marketing, ensuring alignment with my creative vision. Self-publishing also offers flexibility in setting timelines and maximizes royalty earnings. This approach enables me to manage the publishing process according to my goals and maintain direct engagement with my audience.

13.How is the response so far for the book? 

The response to the book has been very positive. Reviews and reactions from readers have been enthusiastic and supportive, which is encouraging.

Book Review - Salute The Souls : A story of Communal Harmony & Patriotism

 

Title - Salute The Souls : A story of Communal Harmony & Patriotism

Authors - Dr Kumar R Bhushan & Arya Bhushan 

Publisher - Chembila Publications

Genre - Fiction

This novel is all about Love, Sacrifice, Duty & Revenge.

This beautiful story revolves around few important characters namely ManMohan aka Masterji, Tejas - Son of Masterji, Sanam - Spouse of Tejas, Rita - Masterji’s girl friend, JK, Laila, Omari among others.

While the novel moves between the past and the present, it portrays the beautiful love between Tejas and Sanam and also between JK and Laila. The one between Masterji and Rita was more of transactional though Masterji loved Rita more than anyone else.

The upbringing of Tejas as a single father without revealing the biological father shows the sacrifice of a selfless being and the abuses faced by Tejas by his school mates on his maternal lineage was another aspect which was beautifully captured and portrayed in this novel. However Tejas does something which changes the mindset of the villagers. Their approach towards him and Masterji changes completely thereafter.

What did he do?

The role played by Masterji and John in bringing communal harmony among the villages which had a two major religion having a majority in each of the village showed the communal harmony and what makes our Nation unique and being a true democracy.

What I also liked in this novel is the presence of few songs which is attributed to 8 popular singers which makes it a worthy plot to be considered for being made into a motion movie. 

The link to the song is here

Each of these songs are beautifully composed. Kindly listen to all of these songs. 

How Tejas meets Sanam and how destiny makes them meet again is explained so well. If you ever had been in Love, you would enjoy each and every page. 

The inter-faith religion and the consequences were captured vividly. The past of Masterji is a perfect movie material. 

The story then moves to JK meeting Laila and how he avenges the death of this dear friend and the abduction of his Love. Whether he could save Laila and the rest is all you would know when you read this beautiful novel. 

This book is available on Amazon