Five Survivors And Other Stories

Five Survivors and Other Stories, a collection of short stories, showcases the budding literary talent of India. It is the product of an annual nationwide talent search — the Classmate Young Author Contest — organised by ITC Ltd. since 2003. Edited by Ruskin Bond, the stories bring to fore the creative, imaginative and versatile genius of our country’s promising young adults. The sixteen stories that form part of this milieu were shortlisted by an eminent national jury headed by Ruskin Bond. Just as the writers come from different cities and varied backgrounds, likewise, the stories too form an eclectic mix of flavours. In ‘Five Survivors’, Mithila Saraf, this year’s national winner examines the issues of survival and evolution in an offbeat perspective whereas Pratishtha Shira Ram assumes the role of a detective in her story ‘Dancing in the Dark’. Together, they craft a vivid world of emotions encapsulating charm, nostalgia, thrill, regret, suspense…but the common thread that binds their pen is a keen desire to express their opinions, emotions and concerns effectively through an artistic medium. The Classmate Young Author contest, a celebration of young India’s literary brilliance, is fast turning into a movement of self-expression. It has emerged as India’s largest platform that discovers and promotes young authors. Growing from strength to strength, this year the event was conducted in thirty-four cities covering over two lakh students. Be part of this immense journey and experience the energy, fire and passion of India’s future with us!