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A short story based on real life experiences has won Sudhi Puthenvelikara a prestigious literary award.
Indian Sudhi, has been in Bahrain for 11-years, but though he left his homeland to find work, he did not leave behind his passion for words.
For the 35-year old office assistant, this year presented a giant leap in getting his talents as an author poet recognised when he received the Abu Dhabi Sahitya Kendra. M N Vijayan Award 2009, given in honour of the well-known Indian writer, orator and academic.
Sudhi, from Umm Al Hassam, was one of three participants from the GCC who was awarded the accolade for his short story 'Yathrakkumunpe' (Before the Journey) is a tale about a young man who commences his journey with his father's advice in mind.
He said: "I'm honoured to win this award. The story it is for is based on real life.
"In November 2007 I visited a labour camp with a friend of mine. There I met one person who was very intriguing. He showed me his leather strapped watch, which was given to him by his father who received it as a gift from his grandfather.
"When I heard his story I felt happy and this inspired me to write the story."
Sudhi's love for writing began as a teenager living in Kerala, India. He composed stories and poems, many of which have been published in magazines and newspapers.
Over time, he has also made his mark on the Malayalam literary front including contributing two poems for plays which were held at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam.
Sudhi's stories are mostly an adaptation from or inspired by observations from daily life.
He said: "The story that I am writing now is about a friend of mine and his pet parrot.
"While living in India, he had a pet parrot but had to leave it behind when he came to the island.
"He was so attached to the bird that on arrival, he bought himself another pet parrot.
"My topics are mostly melancholy."
Sudhi is now compiling eight stories which he plans to complete and publish in his first book.
He said: "If all goes well, by the end of the year I am hoping to publish this book in India."
He is also making a collection of 24 of his poems which he hopes to publish. In the future, he dreams of owning a library stacked with all his favourite authors and titles.
