The fourth season of the popular monthly GDN Life short story contest got off to a positive start with two worthy winners who have continued to participate in the literary extravaganza and touch the hearts of readers and judges.
The BD25 April 2024 prize for adult entries went to trainee accountant Monisha Vyas who relaxes from calculating numbers by putting pen to paper and shared the joy of Eid in her latest offering.
Judge Rohini Sunderam, from Bahrain Writers Circle, described her work as a ‘sweet, heart-warming story of childhood emotions and adult wisdom’ much to the delight of the winner who first took a monthly prize back in October 2022 for her entry The Sunlit Minaret.
The Indian expatriate who was born and brought up in Bahrain by ‘loving parents who were welcomed to the kingdom in 1997 said: “Winning this short story contest for the second time is both exhilarating and humbling. It reaffirms my passion for storytelling and the power of perseverance. Writing has always been a medium through which I express my innermost thoughts and creativity, and receiving recognition for it again is incredibly motivating.
“I’m especially thrilled that the theme of Eid has brought me this prize, just as it did with my previous win. Eid holds a special place in my heart and it is gratifying to see my stories about this joyous celebration resonate with others.
“I would like to thank the GDN Life platform for encouraging and supporting individuals. This platform has truly been instrumental in nurturing and showcasing talents.
“Currently, I am pursuing the ACCA qualification and interning in the same field. Despite the nature of my studies and internship, I find immense joy in continuing to pen down stories. At 21 years old, I am committed to continuing my writing journey hoping to connect with and inspire others through my work. I’m excited to see where this journey will take me next and I am grateful for the support and encouragement from everyone who believes in my work. Thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts and for the continued support.”
It was also a case of double joy for April’s U18 winner, schoolgirl Arohi Jani who produced a short but sweet tale on the simple joys of life that enthralled judge Chris Fenton, head teacher of the British Primary Department at Al Noor International School, who said: “What a vivid description of the fairground!”
Last year the New Millennium School Bahrain (NMS) student decided to put a spin of her own to the successful Indian space mission of Chandrayaan-3 and she was flying high again with her description of a roller-coaster ride in her latest entry entitled February is Fab.
The 11-year-old NMS pupil lives with her parents, IT consulting and project manager Siddharth and Roshni Jani, in Juffair, and she has won another pair of Cineco movie tickets.
“Reading and writing are my passions,” she said. “I feel very proud about winning. GDN Life gives me lovely opportunities to put myself out there. The books that I read inspire me and I feel so happy and encouraged to win again. Also, I follow this famous quote: “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader!”
- Check out April’s winning entries by pacing your smartphone over the QR codes. You could be a monthly winner too in May! Join the many keen writers of all ages who have their work published on Bahrain’s popular social media platform. There are also annual prize plaques to be won for the GDNLife Short Story of the Year in both categories and the GDNLife People’s Choice Award – the short story that receives the most views and likes between now and March 2025. As a result of the contest’s success there is now a special exclusive Short Story section on www.gdnlife.com for visitors to enjoy.
managingeditor@gdnmedia.bh
