Amitav Ghosh, the celebrated Indian novelist renowned for his compelling explorations of colonialism, environmental themes, and global historical narratives, has been named the recipient of the 14th Park Kyongni Award. The prestigious literary honor comes with a substantial prize of 100 million won (approximately $75,000), recognizing Ghosh's significant contributions to contemporary world literature.

The award committee praised Ghosh for his remarkable ability to expand the boundaries of postcolonial and ecological literature while giving voice to marginalized subjects, including nature itself, with exceptional depth and scholarly rigor. His work has been particularly lauded for addressing urgent global issues through the lens of historical fiction and non-fiction writing.

Born in Kolkata, India, in 1956, Ghosh launched his distinguished literary career in 1986 with his debut novel "The Circle of Reason," which won the prestigious Prix Medicis. His extensive body of work encompasses sweeping historical novels and thought-provoking essays that examine pressing contemporary global challenges. Among his most acclaimed works are "The Shadow Lines" (1988), "The Calcutta Chromosome" (1996), and "The Glass Palace" (2000).

Ghosh is perhaps best known for his ambitious Ibis Trilogy, which includes the Booker Prize-shortlisted "Sea of Poppies," along with "River of Smoke" and "Flood of Fire." This acclaimed series is set against the dramatic backdrop of the 1830s Opium Wars, demonstrating Ghosh's masterful ability to weave historical events into compelling fictional narratives. In 2018, he received India's most prestigious literary recognition, the Jnanpith Award, which is the country's oldest and highest literary honor.

Beyond fiction, Ghosh has made significant contributions to environmental discourse through his non-fiction work "The Great Derangement," which addresses the critical issue of climate change and its impact on literature and society. This work has further cemented his reputation as a writer who tackles the most pressing issues of our time.

The selection process for this year's Park Kyongni Award was highly competitive, beginning with an impressive field of 113 novelists from around the world. After four rigorous rounds of preliminary review, the committee narrowed the field to 29 candidates before selecting three distinguished finalists: Egyptian writer Salwa Bakr, Irish author John Banville, and Ghosh.

The Park Kyongni Award was established in 2011 to honor the extraordinary literary legacy of Korean novelist Pak Kyong-ni (1926-2008), who is best remembered for her monumental epic saga "Toji" (The Land). This remarkable 16-volume series chronicles the story of five generations of a wealthy Korean family from South Gyeongsang Province, spanning from the end of the Joseon era (1392-1910) through the Japanese occupation and Korean independence. Pak dedicated 25 years of her life to this masterwork, writing from 1969 to 1994.

According to the Toji Cultural Foundation, the literary award aims to "recognize novelists worldwide who have significantly influenced the course of literature while preserving its intrinsic value." The foundation seeks to identify writers whose work has made lasting contributions to global literature and cultural understanding.

The official award ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 23, where Ghosh will receive a certificate of merit, a commemorative plaque, and the substantial monetary prize. Several special events have been organized to celebrate the laureate's achievement, including a public talk with Ghosh in Wonju, Gangwon Province, on October 25. This location holds special significance as it is where Pak Kyong-ni spent the final decade of her life. Additionally, Ghosh will deliver a lecture at Seoul National University on October 27, followed by a conversation hosted by the Daesan Foundation at the Gwanghwamun Kyobo Building on October 28, providing multiple opportunities for Korean readers and scholars to engage with the distinguished author.