Author and former Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, Anthony de Sa, has added another feather to his illustrious cap. Writing under the pen name Tino de Sa, he has been shortlisted for the prestigious Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025 for his story ‘Tamarind’. This latest literary recognition adds to a long list of achievements by De Sa, who has distinguished himself both as a senior public servant and a literary voice of depth and creativity.

Selected from over 8,000 entries across 54 countries, ‘Tamarind’ is among the top 25 short stories chosen by an international panel of judges. The shortlist, representing authors from 18 different countries, was announced in London on 15th April. The final winner will be selected in June. Often referred to as “the Booker Prize of short stories”, the Commonwealth Short Story Prize is one of the most prestigious honours in the world of English literature. Being shortlisted itself is a mark of global literary recognition.

De Sa’s shortlisted story ‘Tamarind’ is set in a fictional village in rural Madhya Pradesh, and like much of his work, carries a compelling twist at the end. The story not only showcases his narrative skill but also reflects his deep understanding of the cultural fabric of central India.

A distinguished IAS officer, Anthony de Sa served in various high-level positions, culminating as the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh. Post-retirement, he has channelled his intellectual depth and keen observation of society into writing, receiving widespread acclaim for his fiction and poetry.

He has already published three books, including two collections of short stories – ‘The Disrobing of Draupadi’ and ‘One For Sorrow, Two For Joy’. His third book, ‘The Curious Case of the Nandikote Nawab’, a mystery novel for older children, has been included in the reading list by several CBSE schools. His stories often combine sharp social insights with emotional depth and narrative intrigue.

De Sa has also won the Times of India National Short Story Competition twice – in 2017 and 2019 – further establishing his reputation as a master storyteller. Both those stories were also set in Madhya Pradesh, one in Pachmarhi and one in ancient Ujjain. In addition to fiction, his poetry has been published in anthologies, with two recent poems appearing in a reputed literary publication from London.

Currently, he is working on a new collection of short stories, continuing to explore the complexities of Indian life through his literary lens.

Anthony de Sa’s journey – from a dedicated civil servant to a globally recognised writer – is an inspiring example of how the life of the mind can find powerful expression beyond public office.