BLF 2022
HEARTLAND STORIES encourages the narration of stories so as to unlock those hidden human emotions that are intrinsic to all of us and which bind our spirits together. This togetherness is the powerful force that can be evoked to transform the lone individual into the powerful collective. This is where words written find voice, silence finds expression and darkness is illuminated - so as to touch and kindle the soul of every individual, every collective, every society. Heartland Stories are those stories that stimulate the intellect and provoke detailed discussion and candid dialogue.
Inspired by the glorious traditions and rich history of Central India - stories from the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sanchi (close to the Heliodorus Pillar and the Udaygiri Caves) and Bhimbhedka, the enticing and mysterious jungles of Central India, the upsurge of traditional and contemporary arts: epics writers like Kalidas; literary giants like Makhanlal Chaturvedi, Hari Shankar Parsai and Subhadra Kumari Chauhan; artists like SH Raza, MF Husain and NS Bendre; musicians like Tansen, Ustad Allauddin Khan and Kumar Gandharv - and the common desire to foster an environment of culture, the Bhopal Literature and Art Festival is an annual celebration.
Bhopal is the city of Raja Bhoja, the Gond Rani Kamlapati and the Nawab Begums of Bhopal. It has seen the rise of Emperor Ashoka and Chandragupta Vikramaditya. Dotted with gardens, its historic palaces and their floral interiors provide rare insights into the aesthetic and cultural finesse of those times. The unfolding of history is reflected in its diverse architecture, its beautiful lakes and its serene multicultural ethos.
SUSHILA DEVI AWARD 2021 for the BEST BOOK of FICTION written by a WOMAN AUTHOR published in 2020
The Ratanlal Foundation and the organizing Committee of the Bhopal Literature and Art Festival are happy to announce the Sushila Devi Award for the Best Book of Fiction Written by a Woman author published in 2020. This prize has been instituted by the Shri Ratanlal Foundation.
The Sushila Devi Award for the best book of fiction written by a woman author for 2021 goes to Anukrti Upadhyay for her novel Kintsugi. Set primarily in India and Japan, the story explores intercultural relationships through a tapestry of perspectives on art and social practices. A beautifully crafted novel based on the central idea of ‘Kintsugi’ or the skill of joining fragmented bits with precious artistry, the quiet flow of emotions is richly nuanced. While the novel reads easily due to an engrossing plot line, the complex narrative is woven with finesse to leave no loose ends. The author builds a web of life that is authentic to the cultures but transcends them to reach towards a universal humanism. A remarkable feat in imaginative extension and also firmly grounded on cultural reality, this book holds a wide appeal for a global literary audience.
The jury comprising of writers and academics Malashri Lal, GJV Prasad and Sukrita Paul Kumar noted the high quality of the book submissions which ranged from novels by established, internationally known writers as well as debut novelists. The subjects were equally diverse from classical historical renderings to experimental speculative fiction. Now in its fourth year, the Sushila Devi award has gained a prestigious position in the literary sphere. Previous winners have been Namita Gokhale (Things To Leave Behind), Shubhangi Swarup (Latitudes of Longing) and Avni Doshi (Girl in White Cotton).
The award carries a generous value of Rs. two lakhs given by the family Trust of Shri Ratan Lal, a humanitarian businessman of Delhi.
Anukrti is being flown to Bhopal to do a session on her book in the Bhopal Literature & Art Festival on the 27th March 2022. She will receive the award from the Chief Minister of MP who is the Chief Guest for the valedictory function of the Bhopal Literature Festival.