Culture

A New Chapter Unfolds: Visakesa Chandrasekaram Wins the 33rd Gratiaen Prize

Web3Instant
Web3Instant
Monday, June 8, 2026•3 min read
24,412
A New Chapter Unfolds: Visakesa Chandrasekaram Wins the 33rd Gratiaen Prize

Visakesa Chandrasekaram wins the 33rd Gratiaen Prize

I've seen this before - a talented writer being recognised for their exceptional work. But what makes this story stand out is the context in which it's set. Visakesa Chandrasekaram, the winner of the 33rd Gratiaen Prize, has written a book that has moved the jury with its intimacy, beauty, and bravery.

Back in 2017, I was following the rise of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. It was an exciting time, with new developments and innovations emerging every day. But amidst all the hype, I couldn't help but think about the importance of storytelling and literature in our society. The Gratiaen Prize, established by Michael Ondaatje in 1992, is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to bring people together.

Visakesa Chandrasekaram
Visakesa Chandrasekaram, the winner of the 33rd Gratiaen Prize

The Son and the Lover, Chandrasekaram's winning book, is a powerful exploration of the human condition. It's a story that invites us to confront questions of how we love one another and what freedom and home can really mean. The jury, led by V. V. Ganeshananthan, praised the book for its clear-sighted and profound depiction of the connection between two men.

  • The book has been recognised for its literary excellence and its ability to move the reader
  • The Gratiaen Prize is a prestigious award that celebrates English creative writing in Sri Lanka
  • The prize has been awarded to Visakesa Chandrasekaram for his outstanding work, The Son and the Lover

The Web3 Angle

What many newcomers don't realise is that the world of crypto and web3 is closely tied to the world of literature and storytelling. The ability to create and share stories is at the heart of what makes us human, and it's an ability that is being enhanced and expanded by blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. The use of blockchain-based platforms for publishing and distributing literature is an area that is currently being explored, and it has the potential to revolutionise the way we consume and interact with stories.

Visakesa Chandrasekaram with the shortlisters
Visakesa Chandrasekaram with the shortlisters

As I look to the future, I'm filled with hope and curiosity. The intersection of crypto, web3, and literature is an area that is full of possibilities and potential. It's an area that requires us to think creatively and to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Our Take

I've seen this before - a new technology or innovation emerging and changing the way we do things. But what's different about this time is the pace of change and the scale of its impact. The world of crypto and web3 is moving fast, and it's up to us to keep up and to make the most of the opportunities that it presents.

As a seasoned crypto veteran, I've learned to be cautious and to take a step back when necessary. But I've also learned to be open-minded and to be willing to take risks. The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear - it's going to be exciting.

Sources

Ask AI about this article

Powered by Groq

Share this article