It is with immense pride and admiration that The Rise Insight congratulates Vinod Menon on the prestigious nomination of his groundbreaking non-fiction work, Pencils to Pixels & Portals, for the TRI Literary Awards 2025 – Season 03. This nomination celebrates not only the literary merit of the book but also its visionary insight and its timely relevance in a rapidly evolving world.
Vinod Menon’s compelling narrative stands at the intersection of personal memoir, social commentary, and futuristic foresight. With Pencils to Pixels & Portals, he delivers more than a book — he delivers a bridge across generations, ideologies, and possibilities. The Rise Insight is honored to see such an impactful work recognized by the TRI Literary Awards committee.
🌍 Why TRI Chose Pencils to Pixels & Portals
The TRI Literary Awards, known for recognizing books that spark dialogue, inspire reflection, and champion innovation, found Pencils to Pixels & Portals a natural choice for nomination in the Non-Fiction category for several compelling reasons:
1. A Thoughtful Chronicle of Generational Shifts
At the heart of the book lies a powerful juxtaposition between a nostalgic past and an uncertain, digitized future. Vinod Menon masterfully interlaces stories of childhood memories — ripe with seasonal fruits, traditional games, and collective harmony — with the digital present shaped by screens, algorithms, and virtual interactions. This interplay resonates deeply with readers who have lived through these transitions and provokes introspection among younger generations.
2. A Visionary Blend of Memoir and Macro-Reflection
By using his own life as a canvas, the author paints a vivid picture of how the world has transformed over the last five decades. From the simplicity of analog tools (“pencils”) to the complexity of the digital age (“pixels”) and the infinite possibilities that lie ahead (“portals”), Menon structures his narrative as both a deeply personal journey and a universal reflection of humanity’s path. This dual lens—personal and planetary—makes the work exceptionally rich and relatable.
3. Environmental and Technological Awareness
The book doesn’t shy away from urgent global issues. Through engaging, well-researched commentary, it explores climate change, sustainability, industrialization, and food security — areas that are crucial for contemporary and future discourse. At the same time, it shines light on technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and smart systems, drawing inspiration from iconic science fiction such as Blade Runner, Wall-E, and Jurassic Park.
This holistic approach demonstrates Menon’s deep understanding of the world not just as it was or is, but as it might become — a key criterion in TRI’s selection process.
4. A Balance of Caution and Optimism
One of the defining features of Pencils to Pixels & Portals is its hopeful tone. While it presents stark realities — environmental degradation, loss of cultural fabric, and ethical dilemmas posed by technology — it also offers innovation-driven solutions and a sense of optimism. Rather than dwell in despair, the book acts as a guide and a beacon, urging readers to become active participants in shaping a better tomorrow.
5. Literary Merit and Accessibility
In addition to its profound themes, the book is elegantly written and emotionally resonant. Menon’s ability to engage a wide audience — from academic readers to everyday individuals — through clear, evocative prose is a testament to his literary craft. His reflections are thoughtful without being didactic, intelligent yet intimate — qualities that the TRI Awards consistently look for in their top selections.
✨ A Nomination Worth Celebrating
Vinod Menon’s nomination is a well-earned recognition of a work that dares to look back, dares to look ahead, and, most importantly, dares to ask the right questions. In a time when the pace of change can feel overwhelming, Pencils to Pixels & Portals reminds us of our shared humanity and the critical choices we must make to ensure a balanced, sustainable, and enlightened future.
The Rise Insight proudly celebrates this remarkable achievement and extends its warmest congratulations to Vinod Menon. We look forward to seeing Pencils to Pixels & Portals reach more readers, spark more conversations, and continue to inspire thoughtful action in a world that needs both memory and vision.
