Awards
Book Cover of the Year - English
Winner
Mushtaq Hussain’s Darbari
(Yoda Press; Designed by Pinaki De)
For "a cover image that cannot be ignored. While the design itself is clean and straightforward, there is something about the collective effect of the visual and words that one cannot put a finger on. The success of this cover lies in its ability to provoke and focus attention on the visceral quality of the book’s content."
Runner Up
The Empty Room
(Zubaan; Designed by Sukruti Anah Staneley)
Book Cover of the Year - Indian Languages
Winner
Raag Pahadi
(Rajkamal Prakashan; Designed by Anil Ahuja)
For "a cover that is brilliantly understated and simple; it retains a seriousness while adding an elegance and depth that the subject deserves. There is a respect in the choice of restrained tones, fitting for the book."
Runner Up
Ghachar Ghochar
(Vani Prakashan; Designed by Shoeb Shahid)
Book Cover of the Year - Children's Books
Winner
A Very Naughty Bear
(Scholastic India ; Designed by Suvidha Mistry)
For "a cover that is simple yet effectively fits into the childrens book genre through very sweet character design. It is refreshing to see minimal interference of digital art in design for once. The cover's clean and simple design is very effective in communicating itself to its target audience."
Runner Up
The Jungle Radio
(Penguin Random House India; Designed by Devangana Dash)
Printed Book of the Year - English
Winner
A Respectable Woman
Zubaan
For "an exquisitely produced book, with a splendid cover that reflects the restraint and stark beauty that is associated with Ms. Kire's writing, and a meticulously designed interior."
Runner Up
Across the Universe: The Beatles in India
Penguin Random House India
Printed Book of the Year - Indian Languages
Winner
M F Husain – Kala ka Karmyogi
Niyogi Books
For "a book that does justice to the subject through the use of well crafted and perfectly executed design."
Runner Up
Angan Mein Ek Ped
Yatra Books
Printed Children's Book of the Year (Ages 0-8)
Winner
Nani’s Walk to the Park
Pratham Books
For "a book that carries many worlds within it--quiet and noisy, rich and poor. Its beautiful, detailed illustrations are, in fact, an exuberant celebration of the diversity we often fail to notice. Gorgeously produced--its sheer size communicates the vastness of every neighbourhood--'Nani's Walk to the Park' is as much for the eyes as for the soul."
Runner Up
Soda and Bonda
Tulika Publishers
Runner Up
In My Heart
Penguin Random House India
Printed Children's Book of the Year (Ages 8+)
Winner
Machher Jhol
Pickle Yolk Books
For "a book whose each spread is thoughtfully presented, and in which the text and visuals complement each other beautifully. The illustrations are beautiful and detailed, and it is easy to see that much effort has been taken over them. A reader's delight."
Runner Up
Spreading Your Wings
Zubaan
Illustrated Book of the Year
Winner
Vivan Sundaram Is Not a Photographer: The Photographic Work of Vivan Sundaram
Tulika Books
For "an excellent addition to books on photography produced from India. The book is a serious dialogue on the art and craft and the boundaries to which it can be stretched. The choice of paper makes it easier to connect with the artwork, the life depicted in the photographs and the dynamics between the photographer, the photograph and the various layers in-between. The text is well edited and the page layout is splendid."
Runner Up
Calcutta Then, Kolkata Now
Roli Books
Publisher of the Year
Winner
Duckbill Books
For "engaging with relevant topics, to which children of our time need exposure; for consciously moving away from the pedantic model in children's publishing, and helping create models in children's minds that promote an ability to differentiate various kinds of information; for clearly defined publishing aims; for choices in terms of content and approach that are very well aligned; and for the twin effort to both anchor in the familiar, and extend into new areas."
Runner Up
HarperCollins India
Jury 2019
- Aravinda Anantharaman, co-founder, Copac Media
- Ahalya Naidu, co-founder, Trilogy Bookstore and Library
- Aniruddha Sen Gupta, author and illustrator
- Deepali Shukla, editor, Eklavya
- Devalina Mookerjee, development editor, Jadavpur University Press
- Dharini Bhaskar, author and former editorial director, Simon and Schuster India
- Gayathri T, formerly of Kutoohala
- Meethil Momaya, co-founder, Trilogy Bookstore and Library
- Mohor Ray Dahiya, director, Codesign
- Pooja Saxena, artist and illustrator
- Pratheek Thomas, co-founder, Studio Kokaachi
- Rakesh Khanna, publisher, Blaft Publications
- Raman Sreshta, owner, Rachna Books
- Ruchi Mhasane, artist and illustrator
- Rukminee Guha Thakurta, art book designer, Letterpress Design Studio
- Sarabjeet Garcha, editor, translator and publisher
- Savio Rodrigues, designer, ACK Media
- Sonali Zohra, designer and illustrator
- Sudhanva Deshpande, publisher, Leftword Books
- Sujata Noronha, educator and principal, Bookworm Trust
- Swati Roy, co-founder, Bookaroo
- V C Thomas, publishing and rights consultant
- Vatsala Kaul Banerjee, publisher, Hachette India