Nirmala Thomas
BIO
Biography

Writing: • Published over 50 short stories and 25 articles in various literary publications in the last 20 years. Most of these are based on the life of immigrants in Canada. Author of 3 short story collections, 2 novels and Canadian experiences of immigrants. Winner of the 2011 “best short story collection " award for writers living outside of India, from the government of Kerala.

Honors

• Interviewed Canadian author Lawrence Hill - 2009

• Served as a judge for short story contest - 2011

• Key Note Speaker at Literary Association of North America’s Convention – 2006 & 2013

• Chief guest at various community functions and book releases in North America Personal Background

• Born and brought up in India, immigrated to Canada in 1982 • Attended McGill University, Montreal and McMaster University, Hamilton taking Information technology • Living in Hamilton since 1989

ADDRESS
City: Hamilton, Province/Territory: Ontario
EMAIL
GENRE
Diasporic fiction
LANGUAGES
Malayalam, English
PUBLICATIONS
Publications
Title
Manjil Oruval (In the Snow) Novel
Publisher
Green Books, India
Year
2021
Title
Pambum Koniyum (Snake and Ladders) Novel
Publisher
D.C. Books, India
Year
2014
Title
Manja Morum chuvanna meenum (Yellow curry and red fish) Story collection
Publisher
Current Books, India
Year
2014
Title
Strawberrikal Pookumbol (When the strawberries bloom) Canadian experiences
Publisher
Green books, India
Year
2008
Title
Nigalenne Feministaki (You turned me into a Feminist) Short Story collection
Publisher
D.C. Books, India
Year
2006
Title
Adaythe Pathu (The first ten) Short story collection
Publisher
Pranatha Books, India
Year
2005
AWARDS
Awards
Name
FOKANA Literary Award for Novel
Publication
Manjil Oruval
Year
2022
Name
Lana Literary Award
Publication
Best Short Story of the year
Year
2013
Name
Ankanam Award
Publication
Mepililayil pathinjupoya nakshathrangal (Stars incripted on Maple laves)
Year
2012
Name
NORKA - Government of Kerela award for writers abroad
Publication
Ningalenne Feministakki
Year
2010
Name
Ponjeekara Rafi Special Jury Award
Publication
Adyathe Pathu
Year
2005
Name
MAM Literafy Award
Publication
Bandhavam story
Year
2004
Name
Thakazhi Award
Publication
Sujathayude Veedukal (Short Story)
Year
2002
Name
Utsav Story Award
Publication
Nale, nalathe yathra (Short Story)
Year
2001
LINKS
Links
Nirmala's blog
FaceBook
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS
Presentation details
Audience Size
Audience size
any
Presentation Genre
Fiction
Programs & Interests
Interested in participating Union’s Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program:
All members are eligible for the Union’s Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program. Are you interested in participating in this pro
Yes
Interested in participating in the Northern Ontario WITS program:
The Union’s Northern Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program funds in-person visits to northern Ontario schools when possible. Ar
Yes