Coimbatore: Note Tamil Writer C S Lakshmi, better known as his Ambai pseudonym, has won the Sahitya Academy award this year for a collection of short stories ‘Sivappa Kazhutudan Ora Pachai Paravai’ (a green bird with a red neck).
“I’m glad that the Sahitya Academy has chosen my work for awards,” Ambai said to the Toi.
“This is a great recognition for my work,” he said.
Born in Coimbatore, the 77-year-old writer lives in Mumbai.
An academic and researcher, he has written since 1962 when he was 19 years old.
He won broad praise for his work ‘Kaatil Ora Maan’ and ‘Siragugal Muriyum Veettin Moolayil Oru Samayalabarai.’ He has won several awards, including a live achievement award that is institutionalized by the Tamil literary forum based in Canada.
Ambai also established voice and image archives for research on women (Sparrow), a forum to promote the work of women’s writers.
Sparrow has published a number of books about artists and female writers.
“I liked my short story collection ‘Sivappu Kazhutudan Oru Pachai Paravai’ but did not anticipate awards,” Ambai said.
In his congratulatory message, Minister M K Stalin said a female writer had won award after a long time.
“This will encourage more women to write,” he said.
Stalin congratulated Murugech’s poet also to win the Bala Sahitya Puraslass award from Sahitya Academy for his work ‘Ammavukku Magal Sonna Ulagin Muthal Kathai.’ “Let the award for Murugese encourage more literary works for children,” he said.
Greeting messages from politicians, writers and film personality to Ambai and Murugesh.
“Recognition for Ambai and Murugesh provide extraordinary happiness,” said Ammk leader T V Dhinakanan.