Tino De Sa, a distinguished Goan author and former Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, has achieved a remarkable milestone by being shortlisted for the prestigious 2025 Commonwealth Short Story Prize. His captivating story, ‘Tamarind’, has been selected from a staggering 7,920 submissions from 54 countries, making him the only Indian writer to feature on this year’s shortlist.
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is a major literary platform that celebrates emerging voices from across the globe. Often dubbed the “Booker Prize for short stories,” this prize recognizes exceptional storytelling and writing talent. This year’s shortlist features 25 writers from 18 different countries, representing a diverse range of cultures and experiences.
De Sa expressed his joy and surprise at being shortlisted, saying, “It was a complete surprise, and I’m absolutely thrilled. Being shortlisted feels like a real validation of my work.” With a distinguished career in civil service, De Sa has always nurtured his passion for writing, describing it as both a compulsion and a joy.
De Sa’s love for writing is evident in his words: “Even during my time in government, where most of my writing was limited to official files, I still found ways to nurture my creative side. When you truly love something, you find time for it.” He added, “It’s a virtuous cycle. Reading inspires me to write—and writing deepens my love for reading.”
The final winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize will be announced in June. De Sa’s shortlisting has generated significant interest in his work, and readers can look forward to exploring more of his stories in the future.
Originally from Divar and now living in Panaji, De Sa is a celebrated Goan author known for his captivating stories. His writing has been featured in various anthologies, and he has won several awards for his work. De Sa’s achievement is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of celebrating diverse voices and experiences.
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
