Bena Sareen Triumphs at 2025 Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize for ‘My Beloved Life’

Bena Sareen has been awarded the prestigious 11th Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize for her striking cover design of Amitava Kumar’s novel, My Beloved Life. The novel, published by Aleph Book Company, has garnered critical acclaim, and its cover has captured the attention of both readers and the jury alike. The award ceremony took place on May 26 in New Delhi, where Sareen was presented 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 recognition from the Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize. Her previous accolade was received during the inaugural edition of the event for her captivating cover design of Talking of Justice by Leila Seth, also published by Aleph Book Company. Her consistent ability to create compelling visual narratives has established her as a prominent figure in the realm of book cover design.

This year’s jury was chaired by Alka Pande, a well-respected museum curator, art historian, and author, and included notable members such as Shashi Tharoor, an accomplished author and Member of Parliament, Anja Riedeberger from the Goethe-Institut, and installation artist Samar Jodha. The jury commended not only Bena Sareen’s work but also recognized two other exceptional covers that stood out for their innovative graphic expression. Shadab Khan’s design for The Remains of the Body by Saikat Majumdar, published by Penguin Random House, and Pinaki De’s cover for Carnival by Sayam Bandyopadhyay (translated from Bengali by Arunava Sinha) also received accolades.

The Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize aims to celebrate the artistic prowess and creativity involved in book cover design, acknowledging the vital role these visual elements play in attracting readers and enhancing the overall literary experience. In an age where digital media dominates, such awards help to preserve the significance of physical books and their artistic presentations. Sareen’s victory is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the rich tapestry of talent within the Indian literary and artistic community.

Source: scroll.in