Noted Hindi writer Suryabala has been awarded the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 for her novel Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary, published in 2018. The award, instituted by the KK Birla Foundation in 1991, honors outstanding Hindi literary works published in the last 10 years. It includes a ₹4 lakh cash prize, a citation, and a plaque. The selection was made by a committee chaired by eminent litterateur Prof. Ramji Tiwari.
Suryabala, born in Varanasi in 1943, holds an MA and a PhD in Hindi literature from Kashi Vishwavidyalaya. Over her decades-long career, she has written over 50 books, including novels, biographies, and children’s literature, with many adapted into TV serials. Her works often focus on social issues.
Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary explores the struggles of Indian youth migrating to America, addressing cultural conflicts, spiritual alienation, and disconnection from their roots. The novel is an authentic reflection of the challenges faced by overseas Indians, blending personal experiences and cultural insights.