Tamil writer Ambai, born C.S. Lakshmi in Coimbatore, is a feminist writer who is celebrated for her thought-provoking narratives that have challenged traditional norms and sparked conversations about gender roles in society. She explores how women are stereotyped in the society through her literary works.
Most of her works, written in Tamil, have been translated into English, allowing a wider audience to appreciate her literary genius. In 2021, Ambai received the Sahitya Akademi award for her remarkable collection of short stories titled, Sivappu Kazhutthudan Oru Patchaiparavai (A Red-Necked Green Bird).
She has been awarded the Tata Literature Live! Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her sustained and outstanding contributions to the world of Indian writing and literature. Some of the past recipients include renowned authors such as Anita Desai, Mark Tully, Amitav Ghosh, Ruskin Bond, and Girish Karnad.
