Sharjah Award Presented to Nirmala Lakshman for The Tamils
Nirmala Lakshman won the Sharjah Award for the Best International Book in the Best International Non-Fiction Book category for The Tamils : A Portrait of a Community on November 4, 2026, The Hindu reported. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, presented the award.
Published by Aleph Book Company in January 2025, the book has sold several thousand copies since its release. The volume draws on historical research and personal observations to explore the history, society, and culture of the Tamil people. It traces the community’s evolution across centuries and examines its influence beyond geographical borders.
Author and Publisher Perspectives on the Work
I am deeply honoured by this recognition,
Dr. Nirmala Lakshman said in a press release. Writing The Tamils was both a personal journey and an exploration of a rich and complex history. I wanted to convey the diversity of Tamil life, the many influences that have shaped it, and its continuing vitality. It is especially meaningful to see this story resonate with readers and receive international recognition. I hope it encourages more people to rediscover the histories and ideas that connect us across cultures.
David Davidar, publisher of Aleph Book Company, noted the scope of the publication. Nirmala Lakshman brings erudition, insight and a deep personal engagement to this expansive portrait of the Tamil people,
he said. She makes a complex history accessible without losing its richness or nuance.
Sharjah International Book Fair Awards Criteria
The Best International Non-Fiction Book award is presented as part of the Sharjah International Book Fair Awards. The category recognises distinguished works of non-fiction published in English.
Common Questions About the Award and Book
Who presented the Sharjah Award to Dr. Nirmala Lakshman?
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, presented the award on November 4, 2026.
Which publishing house released The Tamils : A Portrait of a Community?
Aleph Book Company published the book in January 2025.
What sales figures has the book reached since its publication?
According to a press release, the book has sold several thousand copies since its release in January 2025.
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