Sahitya Akademi awardee Bengali writer Nabaneeta Dev Sen has been declared winner of the Big Little Book Award this year in the "Author in Bengali Language" category for her contribution to the children's literature.
The award, given out by Parag initiative of Tata Trusts to recognise and honour authors and illustrators of children's literature, focused on the writers in Bengali language in its second edition.
Sen, an eminent Bengali poet and novelist, who has written for children as well as adults, expressed her pleasure in receiving the award and stressed on importance of re-igniting children's imagination with books in today's world driven by technology.
"In today's world, books are fighting for children's attention. Technology and other recreational activities like music are taking precedence over a more conventional form, i.e. reading. It's important to re-ignite children's imaginations with books, and encourage more publishers to invest their time and energies towards children's literature," she said.
Chennai-based illustrator Proiti Roy, known for her works in various children's books across languages, received the award in the illustrator category.
The oraganisers of the initiative said the award focused on Bengali literature this year as it has a rich history as well as remarkable contemporary works in recent years.