Meira Chand, a novelist of Indian origin, has recently been honored with Singapore’s prestigious Cultural Medallion, the highest artistic award in the country. This recognition comes with a financial grant of US $58,000 (SGD $80,000) to support her artistic endeavors.
The National Arts Council (NAC) of Singapore commended Chand for her ability to captivate a global audience with stories that reflect her multicultural heritage and delve into themes surrounding cultural identities. Specifically, her novel “A Different Sky” (2010), set against pre-independence Singapore, drew attention and was longlisted for the 2012 IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. It also found a place on Oprah Winfrey’s recommended reading list. Chand’s recent works include “Sacred Waters” (2018) and the story that inspired Singapore’s musical, “LKY: The Musical.”
In addition to her literary accomplishments, Meira Chand has actively participated in Singapore’s literary scene. She has served as a board member of the NAC, played key roles at the Singapore Writers Festival Advisory Panel, served as a judge for the Golden Point Award, and chaired the Singapore Literature Prize in 2012.
Chand’s life journey is marked by significant global experiences. After marrying her Indian husband in 1962, the couple relocated to Japan, where she worked as an art teacher at an international school. Following a period in Mumbai, India, where she started her writing career, she returned to Japan before eventually settling in Singapore in 1997, where she later became a citizen.
Notably, five out of her eight novels, including “The Gossamer Fly,” “Last Quadrant,” “The Bonsai Tree,” “The Painted Cage,” and “A Choice of Evils,” are set in Japan. Chand, born in London, holds a master’s degree in creative writing from Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia, and a Doctorate in creative writing obtained from the University of Western Australia.
Established in 1979, the Cultural Medallion is a prestigious accolade that recognizes individuals whose artistic excellence and contributions have significantly shaped Singapore’s cultural landscape. Recipients are acknowledged for their extraordinary leadership and inspiration to younger artists both locally and internationally.
