Awards
Editor of the Year
Winner
Rahul Soni
Rahul Soni has been awarded “for his remarkable commitment when it comes to nurturing new talent, foregrounding fresh voices, and giving a platform to writing in Indian languages. Rahul’s achievements speak to his enthusiasm, his passion for the books he works on, and his dedication to publishing quality work. His evolution of the translation list is important and impressive as a viable format for English language publishing to be more inclusive of non-English literary works by Indian/South Asian authors.”
Runner Up
Bijal Vachharajani
Illustrator of the Year
Winner
Vishnu M Nair
Vishnu M Nair has been awarded “for a body of work that displays a wonderful combination of skill, a unique visual interpretation on each project, wonderfully fluid use of space and composition, strong, distinctive characters, and a very particular and remarkable imagination and sense of humour.”
Runner Up
Rohan Chakravarty
Book Cover of the Year – Indian Languages
Winner
Dopehri
(HarperCollins Publishers India; Designed by Bonita Vaz Shimray)
The award is presented to “a cover that does an excellent job of conveying the mood and narrative of the book, and for the ingenious use of flaps that portray an expansive canvas, which fully brings to life this wonderful book. This is a nice example of what book covers should be.”
Runner Up
Duppattu
(Bahuroopi; Designed by M S Sagar)
Book Cover of the Year – English
Winner
Moustache
(HarperCollins Publishers India; Designed by Amit Malhotra)
The award is presented for “a cover whose simple yet compelling design makes it stand out; the little clues the designer places in the typography are astute and bring depth to a design that relies on texture for the most part. The designer’s choice to carry this across the book is daring, in that it stays away from the obvious and draws you in.”
Runner Up
The Miraculous True History of Nomi Ali
(Contxt; Designed by Bhavi Mehta)
Halla Bol: The Death and Life of Safdar Hashmi
(Leftword Books; Designed by Sherna Dastur)
Illustrated Book of the Year
Winner
Words From My Window
Penguin Random House India
For a work that is an interesting exploration of newer ways in which books can interact with readers. This illustrated memoir/journal is soft and the warmth of its colour palette is extremely soothing. The arlene finish used on the cover lends it an old-world charm.
Runner Up
A Journey Within
HarperCollins Publishers India
Children’s Book of the Year (Ages 0-8)
Winner
Snip
Pratham Books
The award is presented to a book that is commendable for the matter-of-fact, totally un-selfconscious way in which the fact that the setting is rural and in north-east India, or that the parents come home after a hard day’s work, is handled. There is much in common that children have, wherever they may be located — geographically, socially and economically — and the story successfully brings that out. The spreads all serve the story and take it forward; they also score a perfect ten on aesthetic appeal.
Runner Up
Darkless
Puffin Books
Children’s Book of the Year (Ages 8+)
Winner
Inside a Dark Box
Penguin Books
“The book is an excellent introduction to depression, employs great use of colour, and a good interplay of dark and light; and is superbly produced. In the way it speaks to children, a yardstick is definitely set.”
Runner Up
The Middle
Pickle Yolk Books
Printed Book of the Year – Indian Languages
Winner
Dopehri
HarperCollins Publishers India
This award is presented “to a book that is very tasteful, simple and elegant. The choice of size, binding, paper, and no-frill layout all set a standard that could easily be emulated. A stunning cover, designed intricately, only adds to its appeal.”
Runner Up
Irasindhur Jadukor
Jadavpur University Press
Printed Book of the Year – English
Winner
Cities and Canopies: Trees in Indian Cities
Viking
For a book that cleverly draws attention to how trees shape cityscapes, and points towards the consequences of unchecked urbanization. Accompanied by the most delightful illustrations, this is an important book on nature’s relationship with human evolution.”
Runner Up
Rewilding: India’s Experiments in Saving Nature
Oxford University Press
Publisher of the Year
Winner
Aleph Book Company
The Award is presented to Aleph for a brave and progressive list, with an eclectic mix of authors whose works speak of oft ignored issues. The promise of quality in editing, design and production has been kept in full measure, while the curatorial function of editing in fashioning good books is evident from the diverse material. The awards Aleph has won are testimony to the core strategy bearing fruit.
Runner Up
Penguin Random House India
Jury 2020
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- Aravinda A
- Arundhati Venkatesh
- Asha Nehemiah
- Asmita Parelkar
- Benny Kurien
- Dharini Bhaskar
- Dibyajyoti Sarma
- Manisha Chowdhury
- Mohor Ray
- Neelam Narula
- Prerna Vohra
- Priya Kapoor
- Proteeti Banerjee
- Rajiv Eipe
- Rohini Mani
- Rosalyn D’mello
- Ruchi Mhasane
- Rukminee Guha Thakurta
- Rakesh Khanna
- Savio Mascarenhas
- Sayantan Ghosh
- Shyam Madhavan Sarada
- Sonaksha Iyengar
- Sukruti Anah Staneley
- Sunandini Banerjee
- Thejasvi Shivanand
- Vidya Mani