Celebrated Indian author Amitav Ghosh has added another milestone to his illustrious literary journey by becoming the 14th recipient of the Pak Kyongni Prize, South Korea’s most esteemed international literary award. The announcement marks a historic moment, as Ghosh is the first Indian writer ever to be honored with this distinction.

The Pak Kyongni Prize, established in 2011 by the Toji Cultural Foundation, commemorates the legacy of the iconic South Korean novelist Pak Kyong-ni, best known for her monumental work Toji (The Land). The award recognizes “the truest writer of our time” and carries the largest literary cash award in South Korea, underscoring its global prestige and cultural significance.

The international jury, after a year-long evaluation process involving 113 nominees, unanimously chose Amitav Ghosh for his profound influence on postcolonial, historical, and ecological literature. The panel praised his unique ability to intertwine human history, environmental consciousness, and storytelling that gives voice not only to marginalized communities but also to nature itself, a theme central to much of his writing.

Born in Calcutta, Ghosh is the author of numerous acclaimed works such as The Shadow Lines, The Glass Palace, The Hungry Tide, Jungle Nama, The Living Mountain, Smoke and Ashes, and Wild Fictions. His forthcoming novel, Ghost-Eye, is scheduled for release in December 2025, and is already generating anticipation among readers worldwide.

Over the decades, Ghosh’s works translated into more than 30 languages, have earned him a devoted global readership and numerous accolades, including the Jnanpith Award, Erasmus Prize, and now, the Pak Kyongni Prize. His writing continues to bridge cultures, challenge colonial narratives, and shed light on the urgent realities of climate change.

The Pak Kyongni Prize stands among Asia’s most distinguished literary honors, celebrating writers whose works embody universal human values and foster cross-cultural understanding.

With this recognition, Amitav Ghosh not only reinforces his position as one of the world’s foremost literary voices but also brings a moment of immense pride to Indian and global literature alike.

Congratulations to Amitav Ghosh from team Literature Today.