Saturday, March 16, 2019
Biography of Vikram Seth:
Vikram Seth is an acclaimed Indian author, poet, and novelist known for his versatile literary contributions. Born on June 20, 1952, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, Vikram Seth has gained international recognition for his novels, poetry, and contributions to the literary world.
 |
| Vikram Seth |
Here is a brief biography of Vikram Seth:
Vikram Seth's Early Life and Education:
Vikram Seth was born into a Punjabi family with a strong academic background. His father, Prem Nath Seth, was an executive with a shoe company, and his mother, Leila Seth, was the first female judge on the Delhi High Court. Vikram grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment.
Seth received his primary education at the Doon School in Dehradun. He continued his studies in England, attending Tonbridge School, and later earned degrees in Philosophy, Economics, and Politics from Corpus Christi College, Oxford.
Literary Career:
Vikram Seth's literary career began with poetry. His first collection of poems, "Mappings," was published in 1980. He then released "The Humble Administrator's Garden" in 1985, which won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for poetry.
Seth's breakthrough came with the publication of his monumental novel, "A Suitable Boy," in 1993. This sprawling and ambitious work, set in post-independence India, explores themes of family, politics, and love. The novel received widespread acclaim for its narrative scope and intricate storytelling.
A Suitable Boy:
"A Suitable Boy" is one of the longest novels ever published in a single volume in the English language. The novel follows the lives of four families in post-colonial India and revolves around the arranged marriage of a young woman, Lata Mehra. The book explores social, cultural, and political issues in a rapidly changing India.
Other Notable Works of Vikram Seth:
Vikram Seth has authored several other works, showcasing his versatility as a writer. Notable among them are:
- "An Equal Music" (1999): A novel exploring the themes of music, love, and the passage of time.
- "Two Lives" (2005): A memoir that delves into the lives of his great-uncle Shanti and German-Jewish great-aunt Henny during World War II.
Poetry:
In addition to his novels, Vikram Seth has continued to write poetry. His later poetry collections include "All You Who Sleep Tonight" (1990) and "Summer Requiem" (2015).
Awards and Recognition:
Vikram Seth's contributions to literature have earned him numerous awards and honors. "A Suitable Boy" won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Seth has also been honored with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards.
Personal Life of Vikram Seth:
Vikram Seth is known for his private and reserved nature. His personal life became the subject of public attention when he came out as gay in the 2000s. Seth has been an advocate for LGBTQ rights in India.
Vikram Seth's literary works, marked by their depth, intricacy, and exploration of diverse themes, have secured him a prominent place in the world of contemporary literature.