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Indian Author Geetanjali Shree Wins PEN Translates Award 2025 for ‘Once Elephants Lived Here’ Translated by Daisy Rockwell.

Awards | Dated: 30 Jul 2025

In July 2025, Indian Hindi novelist and short story writer Geetanjali Shree was named one of the 14 recipients of the prestigious PEN Translates Award 2025 by English PEN (UK), for her short story collection ‘Once Elephants Lived Here’, translated into English by noted American translator Daisy Rockwell.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Geetanjali Shree’s Once Elephants Lived Here earned the PEN Translates Award for its powerful narrative that explores profound themes like memory, uprooting, and the erosion of cultural and ecological heritage. The award is given by English PEN, a UK-based literary and human rights organization that promotes global literary translation.
  • - The English translation of Once Elephants Lived Here was done by Daisy Rockwell, a renowned American translator known for translating major Hindi and Urdu works. The book’s translation showcases a successful collaboration that bridges linguistic and cultural divides, further solidifying India’s position in global literary discourse.
  • - Geetanjali Shree is a renowned Hindi novelist and short story writer from Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh. She began her literary journey in 1987 with the short story Bel Patra, followed by her first collection Anugoonj in 1991. Her major works include Mai, Hamara Shahar Us Baras, Khalij Jagah, Ret Samadhi, and Tomb of Sand.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) In 2022, Geetanjali Shree made history when Ret Samadhi (translated into English as Tomb of Sand by Daisy Rockwell) won the International Booker Prize, making her the first Hindi-language author to win this global honor. Her latest PEN award continues her recognition as a pioneer of South Asian literature in translation.
  • (ii) The PEN Translates Award is part of English PEN’s initiative to support the translation of global literature into English to promote linguistic diversity and underrepresented voices. In 2025, 14 works from 13 languages and 11 global regions were selected, featuring authors such as Mohammed Al-As’ad and Conceição Evaristo.
  • (iii) The 2025 edition of the award emphasized South Asian literature, highlighting works under the ‘PEN Translates × SALT (South Asian Literature in Translation)’ collaboration with the University of Chicago’s South Asia Institute. Alongside Geetanjali’s book, Eyes, Eyes, Eyes by Sara Shagufta (translated from Urdu by Javeria Hasnain) was also recognized.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, who won the PEN Translates Award 2025 for her short story collection ‘Once Elephants Lived Here’?

Correct Answer: Geetanjali Shree

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