Main logo of The Kavya Prize

The University of Glasgow is delighted to announce that Arun Sood has been awarded The Kavya Prize 2024 for their work New Skin for the Old Ceremony.

The Kavya Prize, in association with the University of Glasgow and supported by Aye Write, Glasgow's Book Festival, celebrates the literary achievement of Scottish writers of colour. This year's prize focused on traditionally published books, plays and poetry collections.

Arun Sood 's New Skin for the Old Ceremony, Published by 404 Ink, was chosen from a strong shortlist that also included:

  • "The Last to Drown" by Lorraine Wilson (Luna Press Publishing)
  • "Tapping at Glass" by Tim Tim Cheng (Verve Poetry Press)
  • "Belonging" by Amanda Thomson (Canongate)
  • "At least this I know" by Andrés N. Ordorica (404 Ink)

One of the judges, Amina Shah, National Librarian of Scotland, said: “All the judges were really taken by this novel and that you (Arun) are such a deserving winner.”

Upon receiving the award, Arun Sood said: “This is a real privilege, but it is also a platform for all my fellow nominees work, for all the important reasons. This is such a great legacy left by Leela Soma. Thank you very much.”

An image of writer Arun Sood

Professor Zoe Strachan, author and lecturer at the School of Critical Studies, said: “The Kavya Prize shortlist for 2024 showcased the vibrant diversity and exceptional talent within Scotland's literary landscape. As we honour Arun Sood, we also celebrate the enduring legacy of Leela Soma, whose vision continues to illuminate and amplify voices that have been traditionally underrepresented.”

The Kavya Prize, founded by the late Indian-born Scottish author Leela Soma, recognises and encourages writers of colour who are Scottish by birth, residence or formation. The winner receives a £1000 prize and networking opportunities.

The prize-giving ceremony took place at the Mitchell Library, Glasgow on Thursday 10 October 2024.

Learn more about The Kavya Prize:  The Kavya Prize

More information about Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow: Creative Writing

Biography of Winner

New Skin for the Old Ceremony – Arun Sood 

Arun Sood is a Scottish-Indian writer, musician and academic working across multiple forms. He was born in Aberdeen to a West-Highland Mother and Punjabi

father, and has since lived in Glasgow, Amsterdam, Washington DC, and now Plymouth, South Devon. Arun’s critical and creative practice ranges from academic publications, editorials, poetry and fiction to ambient musical tapestries. Broadly, his varied outputs engage with diasporic identities, mixed-race heritage, ancestry, language and memory. New Skin For The Old Ceremony follows four estranged friends reunited for a motorcycle trip up the Isle of Skye in the hope of coming to terms with how their lives have splintered since a transformative ride in Northern India years earlier. @arunskisood

 

 

First published: 11 October 2024

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