Ambai, the celebrated Tamil writer who was born as C.S. Lakshmi in Coimbatore, has been honored with the prestigious Tata Literature Live! Lifetime Achievement Award. This distinguished recognition is a tribute to her enduring and exceptional contributions to the realm of Indian literature. Ambai, widely regarded as a pioneering feminist writer, is celebrated for her fearless exploration of gender stereotypes entrenched in society through her literary works. Her narratives have been instrumental in challenging traditional norms and igniting conversations on the complex tapestry of gender roles and societal expectations.
In 2021, Ambai’s literary prowess was further underscored when she received the Sahitya Akademi award for her outstanding collection of short stories, titled “Sivappu Kazhutthudan Oru Patchaiparavai” (A Red-Necked Green Bird). This accolade, one of the highest literary honors in India, reaffirmed Ambai’s mastery in the art of storytelling.
Ambai’s academic journey took her on a path of intellectual exploration. She pursued history during her post-graduation at Madras Christian College and later embarked on a doctoral journey at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi, where she deepened her understanding of literature and culture.
Ambai’s literary odyssey began in her teenage years when she published her debut collection of short stories, “Sirakukal Muriyum,” in 1976. Throughout her illustrious career, she primarily focused on the art of short story writing, captivating readers with her concise yet profoundly impactful narratives.
Born in Coimbatore in 1944, Lakshmi’s academic pursuits led her to Bangalore and Madras universities for her undergraduate and postgraduate studies. She subsequently completed her doctoral studies at JNU in Delhi. Her early career as a teacher in schools and colleges allowed her to balance her passion for teaching with her dedication to research and writing.
Ambai’s literary gems in Tamil have been thoughtfully translated into English, enabling a broader audience to appreciate her literary genius. One of her notable works, “Veetin Mulaiyil Oru Samayalarai” (A Kitchen in the Corner of the House), translated by Lakshmi Holmström, offers a compelling portrayal of three generations of women in a Rajasthani household, viewed through the perspective of a Tamil daughter-in-law.
Beyond her literary contributions, Lakshmi has played a pivotal role as a pioneering archivist in women’s studies. She co-founded SPARROW (Sound and Picture Archives for Research on Women), India’s first archive dedicated exclusively to women. SPARROW houses an extensive collection of writings, visual records, and oral histories, preserving the rich and diverse narratives of women’s lives.
Tamil writer Ambai’s well-deserved recognition with the Tata Literature Live! Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to her enduring impact on Indian literature and her unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices and stories of women in society.