Nina Sibal

Nina Sibal (born Nina Singh, 2 August 1948 – June 2000) was an Indian diplomat and writer, known for her prize-winning novel Yatra and other English-language fiction as well as for her work in the Indian Foreign Service.

Biography She was born in Pune to an Indian father and Greek mother. After an MA in English at Delhi University (in Miranda House) she lectured there for three years. She also qualified in law and studied French. In 1972 Sibal joined the Indian Foreign Service and started work at the United Nations in New York City. Later she told a journalist that this threw her into "the deepest culture shock".

She was married to the lawyer and politician Kapil Sibal, with whom she had two sons. While both spouses pursued demanding careers they maintained a "transcontinental" marriage according to politician, diplomat and writer Shashi Tharoor. She died from breast cancer A Nina Sibal Memorial Award was endowed by her husband. The All India Women's Education Fund Association gives the award annually to an individual who plays a leading role in an organisation using innovative methods to help disabled and disadvantaged children.

Writing Sibal's fiction was noticed in 1985 when her short story What a blaze of glory won an Asiaweek short story competition.

Yatra, a novel published in 1987, covers more than a century in the life of a Sikh family. Their movements over time reflect the title: "Yatra" means journey or pilgrimage. Themes include the Chipko movement, the history of the Punjab, the origin of Bangla Desh, and the heroine's search for a father. The novel can be criticised for being too crowded with multiple themes,

Her 1998 novel, The Dogs of Justice, is set in Kashmir and tells the story of a rich Muslim girl. It was less well-received than Sibal's previous two books, with one critic saying it did not live up to the promise of the earlier works.

Works

Yatra: the journey, Women's Press, 1987, The secret life of Gujjar Mal and other stories, Women's Press, 1991.