THE latest prize winners of the GDNlife Short Story contests have been announced after the literary talent of all the entries was considered by a panel of judges.

Medical student Senorita Joseph took the BD25 prize in the adult section for her entry Wonderland, take me back which has already received more than 900 views on our social media platform.

“I am originally from Kerala in India,” she said, “I came to Bahrain along with my mamma when I was about a year old as my papa works here … and ever since, Bahrain has been home to me.

“This island is what I call ‘the land where dreams do come true’! Every passing day brings in a new wave of never-ending opportunities and it’s a perfect place for anyone who wishes to nurture their talents and abilities.

“I turned 20 last October and I am a medical student in Georgia. Right now, I’m residing in Riffa, together with my parents and two younger sisters.

“First, I thank Almighty God and my beloved family and friends for the support and encouragement.

“I cannot put into words how happy I am to have shared my work with people all over the world and that is why I extend my sincere gratitude to GDNLife for this wonderful opportunity.

“It is truly inspiring how you have come up with this amazing initiative to mould and motivate budding writers like us.

“My heart leaps up every time someone tells me my work has brought a lovely smile to their faces. I’m so happy I could brighten their day and help keep their spirits up at a difficult time like this. Thank you once again.”

Wonderland, take me back is an upbeat tale urging readers to ‘cherish every passing moment’. The style impressed one of the judges, Rohini Sunderam, from Bahrain Writers’ Circle, who described it as ‘a charming story’.

“It caught my eye because its opening lines are completely dialogue driven,” she added.

Growing up was the theme of home-schooled teenage writer Najeeya Sagucio’s winning entry in the U18 category entitled Goodbye, My Youth! which has attracted more than 1,800 readers.

“I’m a 16-year-old hailing from the Philippines and am currently living in Amwaj Islands,” she said. “I have a passionate love for the arts and humanities. I’ve been living in Bahrain for 14 years now as my parents moved here when I was an infant.

“Writing an entry for the short story contest was something I did on a whim as I usually never post my stories publicly. However, being one of the winners for the November competition certainly boosts my confidence in sharing more of my pieces with the world.

“I am very glad that GDN has provided a space where fellow writers get a chance to express their hidden talents. Thank you very much for the honour!”

Judge Chris Fenton, head teacher of the British Primary Department at Al Noor International School, was drawn by the words … ‘and you’re left wondering what it even meant to be our age, much less act like it’.

“Through this sentence Najeeya captures the essence of being a teenager beautifully by coupling the confidence of youth with the uncertainty of it,” he said. “A convincing, reflective and thought provoking piece of writing. Very well done.”

Najeeya has won a ticket to the movies which she can hopefully enjoy when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Keen writers are being offered the chance to publish their work on Bahrain’s new social media platform for a monthly prize.

December entries are invited.

Winning stories, of no more than 800 words, will then compete for an annual GDNlife Short Story of the Year prize trophy … and even entries that do not win the judges’ approval could still walk away with an accolade – The GDNlife People’s Choice Award – for receiving the most views and likes.