Amitav Ghosh Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Facts

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Profession: Writer

Date of Birth: 11 July 1956 (Wednesday)

Age (as of 2024): 68 Years

Birthplace: Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Zodiac sign: Cancer

Nationality: Indian

Hometown: Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Marriage Year: 1990

Age: 68 Years

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EDUCATION

School: The Doon School, Dehradun, India

College/University: • St. Stephen’s College, the University of Delhi, India • Delhi School of Economics, the University of Delhi, India • Oxford University, England

Educational Qualification(s): • He did his schooling at the all-boys boarding school The Doon School, Dehradun • In 1976, he received a B.A. degree at St. Stephen’s College, the University of Delhi • In 1978, he earned an M.A. degree at Delhi School of Economics, the University of Delhi • In 1982, he was awarded a doctorate in social anthropology from Oxford University [1] Britannica

PHYSICAL STATISTICS

Eye Colour: Black

Hair Colour: White

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Marital Status: Married

Wife: Deborah Baker ( a biographer and essayist)

Children: Daughter: Leela Son: Nayan

Parents: Father – Shailendra Chandra Ghosh (a lieutenant in the Indian Army) Mother – Ansali Ghosh

Siblings: He has two siblings.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Awards, Honours, Achievements: • 2011: Blue Metropolis International Literary Grand Prix (Canada) • 2011: Man Asia Literary Prize • 2010: Dan David Prize (Israel) • 2007: Grinzane Cavour International Prize (Italy) • 2007: Padma Shri (Indian) • 2004: Hutch Crossword Book Award • 2001: International e-book Award Grand Prize for Fiction (Germany) • 1999: Pushcart Prize • 1997: Arthur C Clarke Award for Best Science Fiction • 1990: Ananda Puraskar (India) • 1990: Prix Médicis Étranger (France) • 1989: Sahitya Academi Award Note: He has many more awards and accolades to his name.

OTHER INFORMATION

Genre of writing: Historical fiction

Fiction Books: • The Circle of Reason (1986) • The Shadow Lines (1988) • The Calcutta Chromosome (1995) • The Glass Palace (2000) • The Hungry Tide (2004) • Sea of Poppies (2008) • River of Smoke (2011) • Flood of Fire (2015) • Gun Island (2019) • Jungle Nama (2021)

Non-Fiction Books: • In an Antique Land (1992) • Dancing in Cambodia and at Large in Burma (1998; Essays) • Countdown (1999) The Imam and the Indian (2002; Essays) • Incendiary Circumstances (2006; Essays) • “The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable” (2016)

Food: Dosa

Actress(es): Aradhana and Bobby

Game: Badminton

Players: Sania Nehwal, Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic

INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Amitav Ghosh, a luminary in contemporary Indian literature, was honored with the prestigious 54th Jnanpith Award in 2018, the highest literary accolade in India, recognizing his remarkable contributions to the literary world. Renowned for his intricate narrative techniques, Ghosh’s novels delve deep into the complexities of national identity and personal narratives, particularly reflecting the multifaceted experiences of those in India and Southeast Asia. His literary journey began after completing his post-graduation in 1978, when he took his first professional steps at the Indian Express in New Delhi. By 1986, he had earned his doctorate from Oxford University, coinciding with the publication of his debut novel, “The Circle of Reason,” which marked the beginning of a prolific writing career.

Ghosh’s academic achievements are as notable as his literary ones. With four doctorate degrees to his name and two Lifetime Achievement awards from the Indian government, he has made significant contributions to academia as well. In 2007, he was conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, by the President of India, further solidifying his status as a national treasure. His accolades continued with the Dan David Prize in 2010, awarded jointly with esteemed author Margaret Atwood, and in 2011, he became the first English-language writer to receive the Grand Prix Award at the Blue Metropolis Festival in Montreal. Additionally, Foreign Policy magazine recognized him as one of the most significant global thinkers of the decade in 2019, highlighting the impact of his work on international discourse.

Born and raised in an environment rich with intellectualism, Ghosh attended The Doon School, an all-boys boarding school in Dehradun, where he mingled with future literary figures like Vikram Seth and historian Ram Guha. This early exposure to literature and creativity inspired him to contribute poetry and fiction to The Doon School Weekly and co-found the magazine “History Times.” His academic pursuits continued at Oxford University, where he not only received the Inlaks Foundation scholarship but also submitted a thesis on kinship in an Egyptian village community. Ghosh later transitioned into academia, taking up a position as a Distinguished Professor in Comparative Literature at Queen’s University in Canada and serving as a visiting professor at Harvard University.

Amitav Ghosh’s novels often tackle pressing global issues, notably climate change and migration. His 2019 novel “Gun Island” intertwines these themes, receiving critical acclaim for its exploration of the human consequences of environmental disruption. In interviews, Ghosh expressed his belief that fiction has a vital role in understanding the complexities of our contemporary world, especially in the context of climate justice. He emphasizes the necessity for literature to address the challenges posed by climate change, which he regards as the greatest crisis humanity has ever faced. Ghosh’s commitment to these themes has also led him to engage in research and public speaking, making him a prominent voice in conversations surrounding environmental issues. Balancing his literary pursuits with personal passions, Ghosh enjoys cooking with fresh produce from his garden in Goa, indulging in dark chocolate, and maintaining an extensive library, while also nurturing a love for badminton and classic Bollywood films. With his multifaceted background and an unwavering dedication to addressing societal challenges through his writing, Amitav Ghosh stands at the intersection of literature and activism, inspiring readers worldwide.

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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.