Bena Sareen has emerged as the winner of the prestigious 11th Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize, thanks to her remarkable design for Amitava Kumar’s novel, My Beloved Life, published by Aleph Book Company. The awards ceremony, held on May 26 in New Delhi, was a celebration of creativity and innovation in book cover design, where Sareen was honored with a trophy, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.
This victory marks a significant milestone in Sareen’s career, as it is her second accolade from this esteemed competition. Her first win came during the inaugural edition of the prize for her captivating cover design of Talking of Justice, authored by Leila Seth, which was also published by Aleph Book Company. Sareen’s ability to blend artistic flair with the essence of the stories she represents has undoubtedly set her apart in the literary design community.
This year’s award not only spotlighted Sareen’s talent but also acknowledged two other exceptional cover designs that showcased innovative visual artistry. Shadab Khan was recognized for his work on The Remains of the Body, penned by Saikat Majumdar and published by Penguin Random House, while Pinaki De impressed the jury with his design for Carnival, authored by Sayam Bandyopadhyay and translated from Bengali by Arunava Sinha, also published by Aleph Book Company.
The jury for this year’s awards was chaired by Alka Pande, a prominent museum curator, art historian, and author, who emphasized the importance of visual storytelling in literature. The jury panel included respected figures such as Shashi Tharoor, a well-known author and member of parliament; Anja Riedeberger, Director of Information Services South Asia at the Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan; and installation artist Samar Jodha. Their collective expertise contributed to the rigorous selection process, underscoring the significance of cover design in attracting readers and enhancing literary experiences.
As the literary scene in India continues to evolve, the Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize serves as a vital platform to celebrate the intersection of literature and visual art. The prize not only acknowledges excellence in design but also inspires future designers and authors to collaborate in ways that breathe new life into the narratives that resonate with readers. Bena Sareen’s recognition is a testament to the power of creativity in making literature accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
