Celebrated Hindi author Geetanjali Shree has been honoured with the prestigious PEN Translates Award 2025 for her latest work Once Elephants Lived Here, translated into English by renowned translator Daisy Rockwell. The award, conferred by English PEN, celebrates exceptional literary translations and brings international attention to underrepresented voices across the globe.
Once Elephants Lived Here is a lyrical exploration of memory, displacement, and ecological loss, told through Geetanjali Shree’s signature style that blends poetic narration with profound social commentary. Daisy Rockwell, who previously translated Shree’s Booker International Prize-winning Tomb of Sand, once again captures the linguistic nuance and cultural depth of the original Hindi text, making it accessible to a wider English-speaking audience.
The PEN Translates Award is recognized globally for its role in celebrating linguistic diversity and amplifying literary voices from across cultures. The 2025 edition features works from 13 languages across 11 regions, reaffirming the importance of translation in bridging cultural and linguistic divides. The inclusion of Geetanjali Shree’s work is a testament to the growing influence of Indian vernacular literature on the global literary landscape.
This honour marks a significant moment for Hindi literature, historically underrepresented in international literary forums. By spotlighting regional languages, the award reinforces the richness and complexity of India’s literary heritage, encouraging publishers and readers worldwide to engage with Indian languages beyond English.
Geetanjali Shree’s recognition not only boosts the profile of contemporary Hindi writing but also strengthens India’s cultural diplomacy. In a global era where literature plays an increasing role in shaping perceptions and fostering cross-cultural understanding, such accolades contribute to India’s soft power and global presence.
English PEN’s support of the translation also ensures that the book reaches libraries, educational institutions, and literary circles around the world, creating opportunities for dialogue on themes that transcend national boundaries.
With this award, Geetanjali Shree and Daisy Rockwell reaffirm their position as a formidable author-translator duo, and their collaboration continues to bring Hindi literature to global prominence. Once Elephants Lived Here is more than a book—it is a celebration of language, memory, and the enduring power of storytelling across borders.
