Rise and growth of diasporic Indian women writers in

English: A study of their contribution

Jyoti Verma - Research Scholar [English]
Dr. Kshamta Chaudhary – Assistant Professor
Vardhman Mahaveer Open University, Kota, Raj.

Abstract:
This paper attempts to focus on the people with Indian roots in the distant land. Before and
after independence, many Indians settled in other countries as immigrants. The intentions to
get better jobs, a high standard of living, better opportunities, high earnings, and higher
education have made these people leave their homeland and live as immigrants in other
countries. Such people have to adjust to two completely different cultures, one that they have
brought from India and the other that they have to face in these other countries. Many of
these immigrants are keen to represent their country by writing about their own memories,
people, nature, friends, relationships, culture, rituals, etc. to share their feelings and
experiences as Indian diaspora members. The advent of Indian women novelists on the
literary horizon is an important development in Indian English literature. These women
writers have also contributed to other genres, such as drama, poetry, and short stories, not
only in English but also in regional languages like Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Tamil,
Kannada, and so on. In the last two decades, Indian women’s writing in English has
blossomed, both in India and abroad .There is a significant place for diasporic Indian English
fiction in portraying mainly Indian diaspora in a wide span. The present article focuses on the
writings of Indian Women Diasporic writers who contribute to sustainable growth in India
through their literary works & this lead to inspire the future generation of India to step into
the literary world to bring name & fame to our nation. Key words: immigrants, universal,
diasporic, cultures, Introduction:

Diaspora is a hypernym which has various meanings such as exile, migration, and refuge.
Life in diaspora discloses one’s struggle to adopt a new culture while retaining the native
culture. Dispersion in space, orientation to a ‘homeland’, and boundary maintenance are the
core elements of diaspora.

Diaspora has been derived from the Greek word which means to scatter or sow of seeds. It
means the people who leave their native lands to live in other parts of the world for different
purposes. Thus they scatter from their homeland to places across the globe, spreading their
culture wherever they go.
Indian Diaspora stands for addressing people who have migrated from the borders of the
Republic of India to live permanently in a foreign land & play a significant role to bring
name & fame to the country. Indian Diaspora constitutes NRIs i.e. Non-resident Indians and
PIOs i.e. Persons of Indian origins. The Government of India recognizes the significance of
the Indian Diaspora as it has brought, a financial, economic, and global boon to India.
For the last two decades, Indian diaspora writers are on the central point because they have
made their unique place and contributed to India as well as to the world. Writing is one of the
most beautiful arts. Diaspora writing is so beneficial that it also links one country to another
country. Indian Diaspora writers connect their feelings of love & passion for their nation
through their writings. The web is the best mode of connectivity and it is connected person to
person or country to country. Though these diasporic writers reside in distant lands, they
have sustained their emotional, cultural, and spiritual bonds with the country of their origin.
Social and cultural experiences of the Indian Diaspora have been voiced successfully by
creative women writers. Through their creative writings, female writers of the Indian
Diaspora have precisely traced their striving for preserving culture and identity in the distant
land where they presently live. The novelists like Anita Desai, Kamla Markandaya, Bharti
Mukherjee, Chitra Banerjee, Sunetra Gupta and Jhumpa Lahiri, Kiran Desai & others have
portrayed the identity of men and women of the Indian diaspora in their literary works. Each
of these writers brings a unique perspective, contributing to a diverse tapestry of narratives
that shape our understanding of India and the world.
Indian women writers in English have made the most significant contribution to the field of
English literature. Indian literature has grown considerably in different varieties. Their
creative writing styles made them eminent at the level of India and worldwide. They have
achieved so much because of their versatility.
Here is the list of some Indian diaspora women writers in chronological order:
Kamala Markandeya

Kamala Markandeya [1924 - 2004] was born in Mysore & belongs to a Hindu family. She
was an Indian journalist novelist, and activist. In 1948, she decided to further pursue her
dream of becoming a writer by moving to London, where she met her husband Bertrand
Taylor, a native Englishman. During her lifetime, she published ten novels, all dealing with
post-colonial themes in modern India. Her works concern the struggles of contemporary
Indians with conflicting Eastern and Western values. ‘Nectar in a Sieve’ was her first
published & bestseller novel which was translated into more than a dozen languages. The
Diaspora Kamala Markandaya's style is characterized by the best use of metaphors and
similes with short, clipped sentence structure. Her writing is unique and usually provides
multiple aspects on different subjects. She has explored themes of identity and belonging in
her works, delving into the complexities of cultural hybridity and the search for a sense of
self. Although she is no longer alive, her voice will always be heard through her works.
Her major works :
Works Publication Year
Nectar in a Sieve Putnam 1954
Some Inner Fury Putnam 1955
A Silence of Desire Putnam 1960
Possession Putnam 1963
A Handful of Rice Hamish Hamilton 1966
The Coffer Dams Hamish Hamilton 1969
The Nowhere Man Day 1972
Two Virgins Day 1973
The Golden Honey Comb Chatto and Windus 1977
Pleasure City Chatto and Windus 1982
Her awards & Honors:

1967: The National Association of Independent Schools Award (USA)

1974: The Asian Prize

Anita Desai

Anita Desai [June 24, 1937], real name Anita Mazumdar, born at Mussoorie in India. She
is the daughter of a German mother & Bengali father. She grew up speaking Hindi, German,
and English. She is a prominent diasporic Indian female English writer. At present, she is
working as a professor at Massachusetts (US). Her novel Bye Bye Black Bird (1971) portrays
immigrants searching for their identity in another land. Additionally, it carries the viewpoint
of young immigrants, aspects of discrimination, east-west cultural dichotomies,
disappointment, and isolation faced by immigrants in a post-colonial context. Thus she has
played a crucial role in representing the experiences of the Indian diaspora, giving voice to
the challenges, aspirations, and triumphs of individuals caught between different cultural
contexts.

Her major works :

Works Publication Year
Cry, The Peacock Orient Paperbacks 1963
Voices in the City Orient Paperbacks 1965
 Bye-bye Blackbird Orient Paperbacks 1971
The Peacock Garden Mammoth Books, 1974
Where Shall We Go This Orient Paperbacks 1975
Summer?
Cat on a Houseboat Orient Paperbacks 1976
Fire on the Mountain Random House India 1977
Games at Twilight Vintage Publishing 1978
Clear Light of Day Random House India 1980
The Village by the Sea Penguin India 1982
In Custody Heinemann 1984
Journey to Ithaca Random House India 1995
Fasting, Feasting Random House India 1999
Diamond Dust and Other Stories Vintage Books 2000
The Zigzag Way Random House India 2004

Awards & Honors :

The Royal Society of Literature Winifred Holtby Prize (1978),
The Sahitya Akademi of India Award (1979),

The Guardian Award for Children’s Fiction (1982),

The National Academy of Letters Award, and three nominations for the Booker Prize The
Padma Bhushan Award in 2014.

Bharati Mukherjee

Bharti Mukherjee[July27,1940- Jan.28,2017] ,born in Kolkata & died in New York City, at
the age of 76. She was immigrated to America .She was eight, when she moved to live in
London for three years. She was an acclaimed Indian-American writer known for her
contribution to the field of diasporic literature. She was the professor emerita in the
department of English at the University of California, Berkeley. She earned advanced degrees
in creative writing in the United States and lived for more than a decade in Canada, affording
her a wealth of experience in the modern realities of multiculturalism. She focused on the
themes of migration, cultural displacement, and the immigrant experience, exploring the
challenges faced by individuals who relocate from one country to another. Her works also
explore issues of gender, race, and social dynamics in both Indian and American societies.
She was the author of a number of novels and short story collections, as well as works of
nonfiction.

Her major works:

Works Year Works Year
The Tiger's Daughter- novel 1971 Miss New India - 2011
novel
Wife- novel 1975 Darkness - short stories 1985
Jasmine- novel 1989 The middleman & other stories 1988
The Holder of the world- novel 1993 Days & nights in Calcutta - memoir 1977
Leave it to me - novel 1997 The Sorrow and the Terror – non -fiction 1987
Desirable daughters- novel 2002 Political Culture and Leadership in India 1991
The Tree Bride - novel 2004 Regionalism in Indian Perspective-non-fiction 1992
Awards & Honors
1988: National Book Critics Circle Award (The Middleman and Other Stories).

1991 : The Canadian Governor General's Award

2013: Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) from Whittier College

Meena Alexander

Meena Alexander (17 February 1951 – 21 November 2018) was an Indian

American poet, scholar, and writer. Born in Allahabad, India, and raised in Kerala and Sudan. At
the age of five years, she moved to Sudan with her parents. She later lived and worked in
New York City, where she was a distinguished Professor of English at Hunter College . She was
an influential Indian diasporic writer who made significant contributions to the field of
literature, particularly in the realm of Indian English writing. Her novel Manhattan Music
(1997) is set on Manhattan as well as on India. There she has portrayed the immigrant life,
identity crisis, racial intolerance, international affairs and marriages in a sensitive style of
writing. Alexander's work traverses various genres, including poetry, memoir, and essays,
and often explores themes of identity, displacement, and cultural hybridity. Her writing
reflects her experiences as a migrant and the complexities of living between different cultural
and linguistic worlds.
Her major works:
Works Years Works Year
The Bird’s Bright Ring - poem 1976 House of a Thousand Doors- coll. 1988
I Root My Name - poem 1977 River and Bridge - collections 1996
Without Place - poem 1977 Illiterate Heart - collections 2002
In the Middle Earth - poem 1977 Raw Silk - collections 2004
The Storm - poem 1989 Nampally Road - collections 1991
Poetics of Dislocation - poem 2009 Manhattan Music- collections 1996
Jerusalem - 2012 Fault Lines - memoir 1993
Poem
Stone Roots - collections 1981 WaThiong'o, Ngugi - memoir 2003
Awards & Honors:
1993:Fault Lines, her memoir, was chosen by Publishers Weekly as one of the Best Books .
2002: The PEN Open Book Award
2002: The Imbongi Yesizwe Poetry International Award.
2009: Distinguished Achievement Award from the South Asian Literary Association for
contributions to American literature.
2016: Word Masala award from the Word Masala Foundation.

Manjula Padmanabhan

Manjula Padmanabhan,[ June23,1953], an Indian dramatist, artist, cartoonist, journalist,

comic strip creator, and children's book author. Her writings examine gender, international,
and scientific inequality. In 1953, Padmanabhan was born in Delhi to an Indian diplomat. She
was reared in Pakistan, Thailand, and Sweden. She has created the illustrations for 22
children's books. Her comics were published daily in The Pioneer (New Delhi, 1991–1997)
and weekly in The Sunday Observer (Bombay, 1982–86). Etchings and lithographs made up
her most recent exhibition, which was held in London in December 2003.
Her Major Works:
Works Year Works Year
Lights Out - play 1983 Unprincess! - Illustration 2005
Sextet - play 1996 Escape - Illustration 2008
The Artist's Model- play 1995 Three Virgins and Other Stories 2013
Harvest. London - play 1997 Island of Lost Girls - Illustration 2015
A Visit to the City Market New Delhi 1986 Suki Yaki. - comic strip 2015
Hot death, cold soup- Illustration 1996 The other woman - story 2012
This is Suki! New Delhi- Illus. 2000 The Rehearsal - story 2019
Mouse Attack - 2003 Getting There - Autobiography 2002
Illus.
Mouse Invadors - Illus. 2004
Double talk - Illus. 2005
Awards & Honors
Manjula Padmanabhan was awarded with Onassis award for her play “Harvest”

Chitra Benerjee Divakaruni

Chitra Benerjee Divakaruni , ,a versatile writer, born on July 29, 1956 in Kolkata. She is
an acclaimed Indian-American author known for her works of fiction, poetry, and children's
literature. She often focus on the experiences of South Asian immigrants. Divakaruni's writing
often explores themes of Indian culture, immigration, women's experiences, and the
intersection of tradition and modernity. Her works have been widely praised for their lyrical
prose, compelling characters, and rich storytelling. She was shortlisted for the Orange Prize
for her novel ‘The Mistress of Spices’. Her works often delve into themes of love, loss, and
identity, reflecting her own experiences as an immigrant and a woman of Indian heritage. Her
writing has been included in over 50 anthologies. Her works have been written in many
languages, including Dutch, Hebrew, Hindi and Japanese. Her writing has resonated with
readers around the world, and her works continue to be celebrated for their exploration of the
human experience across cultures and generations.
Her Major Works :
Works Year Works Year
Arranged Marriage - fiction 1995 The Mirror of Fire and Dreaming -story 2005
The Mistress of Spices - fiction 1997 Shadowland - story 2009
Sister of My Heart - fiction 1999 Grandma and the Great Gourd - story 2013
The Unknown Errors of our Lives 2001 The Reason for Nasturtiums- poetry 1990
 The Vine of Desire - fiction 2002 Black Candle - poetry 1991
Queen of Dreams - fiction 2004 Leaving Yuba City, St. Louis- poetry 1997
The Lives of Strangers - fiction 2007 Multitude: Cross Cultural Readings for 1993
Writers - Anthology
The Last Queen - fiction 2021 We Too Sing America - 1997
Anthology
Neela - story 2002 California Uncovered: Stories for the 2004
21st Century - Anthology
Independence: A Novel - fiction 2022 The Palace of Illusions 2008
TheConch Bearer - 2003 Before We Visit the Goddess 2016
story
Awards & Honors :
1996: American Book Award (Arranged Marriage)

1996: PEN Josephine Miles Literary Award (Arranged Marriage)

Bay Area Book Reviewers' Award (Arranged Marriage)

1997: Pushcart Prize (Leaving Yuba City: New and Selected Poems)

2003: Pushcart Prize (The Lives of Strangers)[21]

2007: Distinguished Writer Award from the South Asian Literary Association

Anita Rau Badami

Anita Rau Badami [24 Sep. 1961] an acclaimed Canadian writer of Indian descent, was born
on in Rourkela, Odisha .She grew up fluent in four languages—English, Hindi, Bangla, and
Kannada. Her works deal with the common problems of Indian family life and with the
cultural gap that arises when Indians start residing in the western countries. She was educated
at the University of Madras and Sophia Polytechnic in Bombay. In 1991, she shifted to
Canada and settled in Vancouver, British Columbia. Her experiences as an immigrant and her
multicultural background have significantly influenced her writing. “The Hero's Walk “was
listed as one of the five finalists for the Canada Reads competition in 2016. She is a highly
regarded author whose works have resonated with readers around the world. Her novels offer
poignant insights into the human condition and the struggles confronted by individuals in
other countries.
Her major works:
 Works Publication Year
Tamarind Mem Penguin Canada 1997
The Hero's Walk Knopf Canada 2001
Can You Hear the Nightbird Call? Penguin Books India 2006
Tell it to the Trees Knopf Canada 2011
Awards & Honours :
2000: The Marian Engel Award for a woman writer in mid-career
2000: The regional Best Book Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and Italy’s Premio Berto Prize
for International Literature

2001: The Washington Post Best Book of 2001,

2017: She was announced as chair of the 2017 Scotiabank Giller Prize jury

Meera Syal

Meera Syal [27 June 1961], born in Wolverhampton in Staffordshire, UK. At her young
age,her parents shifted from Punjab, India to UK . She grew up in a multicultural
environment. She gained prominence as an English comedian, writer, playwright, singer,
journalist and actress. In the 1980s, she gained popularity through her work in the British
comedy sketch show, "Goodness Gracious Me." In addition to her work in television, she has
a successful acting career on stage and in films. She is a published author. Her first novel,
"Anita and Me" (1996), received critical acclaim and was adapted into a feature film. The
book explores themes of race, identity, and cultural clashes through the eyes of a young
British-Asian girl growing up in the 1960s. She became one of the UK's best-known Asian
personalities. Her work has not only entertained audiences but has also made a significant
impact in challenging stereotypes and promoting diversity and inclusivity in British media.
Her talent, versatility, and ability to address serious social issues with humour and sensitivity
have gained her popularity in India & UK.

Her major works:

Works Year Works Year
One of Us 1983 Anita and Me - novel 1996
Tandoori Nights 1985 The House of Hidden Mothers 2015
Black Silk 1985 Goodness Gracious Me 1999
 The Real McCoy 1991 Bombay Dreams 2002
The Oppressed Minorities 1992 Life Isn't All Ha Ha Hee Hee 2005
Big Fun Show
My Sister Wife 1994 Uncle Santa 2010
Goodness Gracious Me 1998

Awards & Honours:

2023 : BAFTA lifetime achievement award in the British Academy Television Awards.[6]
1996 : Betty Trask Award
2003 : the Nazia Hassan Foundation award

Atima Shrivastva :

Atima Srivastava is an Indian playwright and director who was born in Mumbai in 1961. When she was
eight years old, her family relocated to London. She has made several film and short stories
directorial debuts. She has received several honours for her contributions to writing and movies. She
has participated in writing residencies at the Universities of Singapore, Sofia (Bulgaria), Seoul,
Korea, and Mumbai University. In colleges all around Europe, she also develops and teaches
creative writing courses. She has been a director and editor of films since 1985. Srivastava
has worked extensively as a professor and curriculum developer at institutions in both Britain
and Europe, Universities in Poland, Spain, and other countries have examined her writings.
Her work has won prestigious awards and garnered international attention, contributing to the
overall diversity and richness of English literature.

.Her Major Works:

Works Year Works Year

Transmission 1992 Looking for Maya. 2000

Dancing in the Dark 1992 Bombay Dreams 2002

Camden Story 1995 Perfect Match 2003

 The Legendary Vindaloo 1999 It takes a girl 2023

Goodness Gracious Me (1999) 1999 Dark Waters 2023

Awards & Honors :
1994: The Bridgeport Short Story Prize
1998 & 2000: [twice] Arts Council Writers' Awards, for her book Looking for Maya
2000: The Hawthornden Fellowship
2000: The Media Personality

2003: The Nazia Hassan Foundation Award

2015: Commander of the Order of the British Empire
2017: elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

2022: ‘The Scotsman Magazine’ featured Meera Syal on its cover.

2023: The BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) fellowship
Shauna Singh Baldwin

Shauna Singh Baldwin (1962) is a Canadian-American author & novelist of Indian descent.
She was born in Montreal, Canada but raised in India. She has passed her M.B.A. from
Marquette University. Her first novel, “What the Body Remembers”, has been translated into
11 languages. For her, writing on India through fiction is a matter of education and
selfexploration, imagining India from faraway Canada. She has worked as a website designer
and as an independent radio producer. Her poetry, short fiction, and essays published in
literary magazines in the U.S.A., Canada, and India. At present she resides in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. She is an award-winning information technology professional. Her career
includes project management, business analysis, technical writing, training, and consulting.
Her major works:
Works Year Works Year
A Foreign Visitor's Survival Guide 1992 We Are Not in Pakistan: 2007
to America stories

English Lessons and Other Stories 1996 We Are So Different Now 2009
What the Body Remembers: a 2000 The Selector of Souls: a novel 2012
 novel

The Tiger Claw: a novel (2004 2007 Reluctant Rebellions: New 2016
and Selected Non-Fiction

Awards & Honors:

1996 Friends of American Writers Award
1999 Commonwealth Book Prize Best First Book
2000 Commonwealth Book Prize Best Book–Canada and Caribbean Region 2000
Commonwealth Book Prize Best Book
2012 Anne Powers Fiction Prize
2014: The Giller Prize
2018: South Asian Literature Association Distinguished Writer Prize.

Bem Le Hunte:

Bem Le Hunte [1964]is a British-Indian-Australian author . When she was 25 years old, she
went to Australia and, started as a lecturer in the Humanities Department, University of
Sydney. She is an internationally published novelist and an expert in the field of Creative
Intelligence. Her novels that often explore themes of cultural identity, spirituality, and the
connections between past and present. She is the Director of Learning and Teaching in the
TD School at UTS, as well as the director of the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and
Innovation. In 2001, she was shortlisted for the Common Wealth Prize for her first novel.
Her writing is often praised for its lush descriptions, lyrical prose, and ability to transport
readers to vividly depicted settings. Her narratives often incorporate elements of mythology,
folklore, and spirituality, providing a rich tapestry of cultural references and historical
connections.
Her Major Works:
Works Year Works Year
The Seduction of Silence 2001 Creativity and Transcendence 2011
The God of Gate crashers 2002 What the Servant Saw 2011
There, Where the Pepper Grows 2006 Dandelions and Helicopters 2012
Indian Winters 2011 Vox 2013
 The Final Christmas 2011 Elephants with Headlights 2020
Her awards & Honors:

2001: New South Wales [Australia] Writer’s felloship

Sunetra Gupta

Sunetra Gupta [15 March 1965], born in Kolkata, India, and later moved to the UK. She is
an accomplished British-Indian author, academic, and epidemiologist known for her diverse
range of contributions to literature and science. Gupta has written numerous novels, short
stories, and essays, showcasing her versatility and intellectual curiosity. Her works often
explore themes such as identity, migration, cultural clashes, and the intersection of science
and literature. Gupta's writing is characterized by lyrical prose, evocative descriptions, and
nuanced characterizations. She is an accomplished translator of the poetry of Rabindranath
Tagore . She is a renowned epidemiologist and professor at the University of Oxford. She
has made significant contributions to the field of infectious diseases and has been involved in
research on topics such as malaria and the spread of pathogens. Her work continues to inspire
and challenge readers, drawing from her diverse experiences and intellectual pursuits.
Major works :
Works Year
Memories of Rain 1992
The Glassblower's Breath 1993
Moonlight into Marzipan 1995
A Sin of Colour 1999
So Good in Black 2009
Awards & Honors :
2007 : Scientific Medal by the Zoological Society of London
2009 : Royal Society Rosalind Franklin Award
The Southern Arts Literature Prize

Anita Nair
Anita Nair is an Indian English author born on 26 Jan 1966 in Kerala, India. Anita Nair is an
acclaimed Indian author and poet who was born on January 26, 1966, in Shoranur, Kerala,
India. She is known for her diverse range of literary works that encompass novels, short
stories, poetry, and children's literature. Nair's writing explores various themes, including
identity, gender, relationships, and social issues, often delving into the complexities of human
emotions and experiences. Anita Nair's literary works have garnered a wide readership and
have been translated into multiple languages, gaining recognition both in India and abroad.
Her writing style, marked by its depth, sensitivity, and social consciousness, has made her
one of the prominent voices in contemporary Indian literature. In addition to her writing,
Anita Nair has also been actively involved in mentoring aspiring writers and conducting
writing workshops. She has shared her expertise and insights through various literary events
and festivals, both in India and internationally. Nair's novels The Better Man and Ladies
Coupé have been translated into 21 languages
Her major works :
Works Year
The Better Man 2000
Ladies Coupé 2002
Malabar Mind - Poems 2002
Where the Rain is Born– Writings about Kerala 2003
Mistress 2003
The Puffin Book of Myths and Legends 2004
Adventures of Nonu, the Skating Squirrel 2006
Living Next Door to Alise 2007
Magical Indian Myths 2008
Cut Like Wound 2012
The Lilac House 2012
Idris: Keeper of The Light 2014
Chain of Custody 2015
Alphabet Soup for Lovers 2016
A Field of Flowers 2021

Her Awards & Honors :

 2008 Women Achievers Award, for literature

2009: Montblanc honoured her with the launch of the Special Edition writing in India

2012: Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award

2014: The Hindu Literary Prize

2015: Global Ambassador for Women

2017: Crossword Book Award, Jury Award, Children's category

2020: UNHCR appointment as a high-profile supporter

Jhumpa Lahiri

Jhumpa Lahiri, [July 11, 1967], born in London to Bengali parents, she grew up in Rhode
Island, US. She is known for her captivating and deeply insightful works of fiction. Lahiri
gained international recognition with her collection of short stories, "Interpreter of Maladies,"
Her precise prose and ability to capture the nuances of human emotion make her work
resonate deeply with readers. Her writing reflects a deep understanding of the complexities of
cultural integration, the longing for connection, and the weight of familial expectations.
Lahiri's works have been praised for their universal themes, evocative language, and
profound insights into the human condition. She has received numerous awards and honors
for her contributions to literature. Her works have made an important impact on
contemporary literature, fostering empathy and understanding across cultures.
Her major works:
Works Year Works Year
The Namesake - novel 2003 Unaccustomed Earth-I,II 2008
The Lowland - novel 2013 Only Goodness 2008
Dove mi trovo (in Italian) - novel 2018 Going Ashore 2008
Whereabouts. novel 2021 The Boundary"2018 2018
A Temporary Matter" 1999 Casting Shadows 2021
Interpreter of Maladies 1999 Translating Myself and Others
The Third and Final Continent 1999 A Choice of Accommodations"
Awards & Honors :
1993 – TransAtlantic Award from the Henfield Foundation

1999 – O. Henry Award for short story "Interpreter of Maladies"

1999 – PEN/Hemingway Award (Best Fiction Debut of the Year) for "Interpreter of
Maladies"

1999 – "Interpreter of Maladies" selected as one of Best American Short Stories

2000 – Addison Metcalf Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters

2000 – "The Third and Final Continent" selected as one of Best American Short Stories

2000 – The New Yorker's Best Debut of the Year for "Interpreter of Maladies"

2000 – Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her debut "Interpreter of Maladies"

2000 – James Beard Foundation's M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award for "Indian
Takeout" in Food & Wine Magazine

2002 – Guggenheim Fellowship

2002 – "Nobody's Business" selected as one of Best American Short Stories

2008 – Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award for "Unaccustomed Earth"

2009 – Asian American Literary Award for "Unaccustomed Earth"

2009 – Premio Gregor von Rezzori for foreign fiction translated into Italian for

"Unaccustomed Earth"

2014 – DSC Prize for South Asian Literature for The Lowland

2014 – National Humanities Medal

2017 – Pen/Malamud Award

2023 – Honorary Doctorate from The American University of Rome in recognition of her
extraordinary contribution to literature in English and Italian.
Kiran Desai :

Kiran Desai (3rd September 1971), is an acclaimed author of India known for her insightful
and beautifully projected novels. She belongs to a literary family, Anita Desai, her mother is,
a renowned Indian novelist, & Ashvin Desai, her father, is a businessman and author. She
spent her early period of life in India & later moved to UK & later settled in the US, where
she pursued her education and writing career. Her richly descriptive prose & skilful
storytelling create a unique portrayal of protagonists with different cultural aspects. Kiran
Desai's talent and accolades have solidified her position as one of the prominent voices in
contemporary Indian English literature. In her second novel The Inheritance of Loss (2006),
subtly portrays the life struggles of Indian diaspora as well as the aspects of globalization,
racial intolerance, violence and multi-cultural societies. She is listed among 20 influential
global Indian women, declared by The Economic Times in 2015. Her works continue to be
celebrated by readers around the world for her subtle insights and expert storytelling. She is
the third writer originally from India, along with Salman Rushdie and Arundhati Roy, to win
the Booker.

Her Major Works:

Works Year
Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard 1998
The Inheritance of Loss 2006
Awards &
Honors :
2007: British Book Awards Decibel Writer of the Year

2007 : Kiryiama Pacific Rim Book Prize

2007 : National Book Critics' Circle Fiction Award (USA)

2007 : Orange Prize for Fiction (shortlist)

2006 : Man Booker Prize for Fiction

1998 : Betty Trask Award

Shumona Sinha :

Shumona Sinha [1973] is a prominent French writer of Indian origin. She was born in
Kolkata, India, and later settled in France, where she currently resides. She is known for her
insightful and thought-provoking works that explore themes of migration, identity, language,
and cultural belonging. Her writing reflects her personal experiences as an immigrant and
offers a unique perspective on the complexities of navigating multiple cultural and linguistic
worlds. She was fond of reading French, Russian and other translated books in Bengali or
English. Her passion for French language shaped her thoughts. She weaves together elements
of English, French and Bengali, incorporating multilingualism into her works to portray the
complex reality of immigrants who straddle multiple linguistic and cultural worlds. Over all,
her literary contributions have made a significant impact, engaging readers with her incisive
narratives and raising awareness about the experiences of immigrants in contemporary
society. . But she is always connected with her roots & keeps herself updated with the
political scenario in both India and France.
Her Major Works:
Works Year
Fenêtre sur l'abîme 2008
Assommons les pauvres 2011
Calcutta 2014
Apatride, 2017
Le Testament russe 2020

Awards & Honors :

1990, she received Bengali's Best Young Poet Award.
2012 : Prix Valery-Larbaud

2011 : Prix Eugène Dabit du roman populiste

2014 : Grand prix du roman de la Société des gens de lettres

2014 : Prix du rayonnement de la langue et de la littérature françaises de l'Académie

française
2016: Internationaler Literaturpreis

Anjana Appachana :

Anjana Appachana[1972] is an Indian-American author known for her captivating

storytelling and exploration of themes such as cultural identity, gender dynamics, and the
immigrant experience. She was born in Bangalore, India, and later moved to the United
States. Her works often draw from her own experiences as a South Asian woman navigating
between different cultures. Through her vivid prose, Appachana delves into the inner lives of
her characters, shedding light on their hopes, dreams, and struggles. Her writing is
characterized by her ability to weave together richly detailed narratives with thought-
provoking insights into cultural and societal norms. Her short stories have been published in
various journals, anthologies and magazines in the UK, India, the US, Germany and France.
Her major works:
Works Publication year
Incarnation and other stories Virago 1991
Listening Now Random House 1998
Fear and Lovely Verve Books 2023
Awards & Honors :
The National Endowment of the Arts Creative Writing Fellowship 1981: O.
Henry Festival prize.

Samina Ali :
Samina Ali [1969] ,is an acclaimed author, activist, and speaker known for her advocacy on
issues such as gender equality, women's rights, and Islam. She was born in Hyderabad, India,
and later moved to the United States. Samina Ali's work revolves around promoting
understanding and challenging stereotypes about Islam, particularly in relation to women's
roles and rights within the religion. In addition to her literary work, Samina Ali is a
committed advocate for women's rights. She has written numerous articles and delivered
lectures on issues such as gender equity, domestic violence, and the portrayal of Muslim
women in Western media. She is a strong proponent of empowering women within Islamic
societies and challenging patriarchal norms. She is a blogger for The Huffington Post and
Daily Beast.
Her major works:

Works Publication Year

Madras on a Rainy Day Paperback 2004

Grade 3 Fiqh Paperback 2014

Pearls within empower yourself Paperback 2014

Awards & Honors:
2004, Her novel, “Madras on Rainy Days “was chosen as a best debut novel of the year
by Poets & Writers
2004: The Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers' Award in fiction
2015: Prix du Premier Roman Etranger Award.

Conclusion:
These female diasporic writers highlighted diasporic elements including Indian culture,
alienation, assimilation, shared history and myth, development of ethnic groups, yearning for
the comforts of home and the desire to visit the imagined ancestral home, upholding religious
convictions, and others. Acculturation and integration are crucial for illustrating the
experiences of the diaspora. It is reasonable to state as a conclusion that diasporic Indian
English literature is a significant genre that accurately captures the experiences and mind-sets
of the Indian diaspora in a broad sense. It provides that specific diaspora with emotional
comfort and creates room for conversations regarding immigration from India. The feminist
authors did their best, nonetheless, to assert female authority in a world. However, the
Feminist writers tried to stamp their authority in a male dominated environment in their best
possible way. It was a very difficult path, as the women had to break through years of male
dominance, taboos and beliefs that had heavily impregnated the society. Being the
representatives of the Indian diaspora, diasporic female Indian writers are successful in
addressing the readers of Indian English literature in a sensitive, unpretentious style while
carrying a sense of the universal experience of immigration. Furthermore, diasporic Indian
English fiction keeps their writers linked with India and the entire world.
Thus diasporic female English writers contribute to sustainable growth in India through
cultural exchange, representation and empowerment, economic impact, education and
awareness, and cross-border collaboration. Their writings have the potential to shape
narratives, challenge stereotypes, inspire social change, and foster understanding between
different communities, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive society at
national as well as international level.

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