Jhumpa Lahiri appointed to Obama's art committee

Washington, Feb 6: In a latest addition to Indians occupying a place of honor in Obama administration, US president Barack Obama has appointed Indian-American Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri, along with five others, as member to the Obama's committee on the Arts and Humanities.

"I am proud that these distinguished individuals will serve in my Administration. The arts and the humanities enhance the vibrancy of our society, inspire us and strengthen our democracy. I look forward to working with them in the weeks and months ahead," Obama said.

The white House said that apart from Lahiri, Chuck Close, Fred Goldring, Sheila Johnson, Pamela Joyner and Ken Solomon have been appointed to the committee.

The noted Indian writer, has received the Pulitzer Prize, the PEN/Hemingway Award, the Addison M Metcalf Award and the New Yorker magazine's Debut of the Year for her debut collection of stories, Interpreter of Maladies.

Her most acclaimed novel 'The Namesake', was a New York Times Notable Book and was the finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.

It was also named as one of the best books of the year by USA Today and Entertainment Weekly and movie based on the book was made by Indian film maker Mira Nair.

The Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award and the Vallombrosa-Gregor von Rezzori Prize, for her latest story collection, Unaccustomed Earth is another feather in her cap.

OneIndia News