RKI Website
Renowned Indian author Amitav Ghosh has been awarded the prestigious Dutch Erasmus Prize for his impactful writings on climate change and its far-reaching effects, particularly in the Indian subcontinent.
The award committee praised Ghosh for addressing the existential threat of climate change through his storytelling, blending profound understanding with imagination to inspire hope and change. His acclaimed novel The Hungry Tide vividly depicts the devastating impact of rising sea levels on the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest.
The Erasmus Prize, which recognizes exceptional contributions to the humanities, social sciences, or arts, comes with a cash award of €150,000 ($157,000). Dutch King Willem-Alexander is set to present the honor during a ceremony on Tuesday.
The Praemium Erasmianum Foundation highlighted Ghosh’s ability to connect the effects of climate change with human destiny, noting his political exploration of the issue in The Great Derangement, where he links environmental crises with war and trade.
At 68, Ghosh continues to make waves in global literature, having already received numerous accolades, including the 2018 Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honor. Born in Kolkata, his body of work remains a testament to the power of literature in addressing critical global challenges.
