Tamil writer wins Sahitya Akademi for novel Sool

Hailing from Urulaikudi near Kovilpatti, 66-year-old Dharman won the award for his third novel, which was published in 2016. The book is a lament about the state of the thousands of water bodies that India inherited at Independence. Dharman is concerned not only with ecological destruction but also with its avaricious origins and its ripples through agrarian communities. He has three novels and four short story collections to his credit. 

The award - a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl and Rs 10,000 cash, will be presented at a function here on February 25 next during the Festival of Letters organised by the Akademi, a press release from the organisation said.