The Rise Insight is proud to extend our warmest congratulations to Gopalji, a distinguished literary voice, on the esteemed nomination of his short novel Unpolished Regrets for the TRI Literary Awards 2025 – Season 03, under the category of Fiction. This recognition is a tribute not only to his storytelling talent but also to the emotional depth and human sensitivity that defines his work.
At The Rise Insight, the TRI Literary Awards seek to honour authors whose works illuminate the unspoken stories of life, presenting human experiences with authenticity, empathy, and artistic finesse. Unpolished Regrets by Gopalji is a quintessential example of such literature—poignant, introspective, and quietly powerful.
Unpolished Regrets is the heart-rending tale of a woman whose outward beauty, intelligence, and high aspirations are shadowed by the emotional consequences of pride and missed opportunities. This aristocratic village woman, in her pursuit of a perfect partner, turns away numerous suitors, only to find herself engulfed by solitude. Her mockery of potential companions becomes, in hindsight, an echo of her inner restlessness—a choice that, though made freely, leaves her grappling with lifelong loneliness.
Yet, what makes this story so compelling is not just its plot, but the deeply human portrait Gopalji paints—a woman full of compassion, grace, and boundless love for her parents and the people around her. Hers is a heart that “never failed and never won,” a paradox that captures the bittersweet realities of life and love.
TRI has chosen Unpolished Regrets for nomination not only because of its beautifully constructed narrative but because of its emotional resonance. Gopalji crafts a story that is deceptively simple on the surface but profoundly layered beneath—touching on themes of regret, social expectation, self-awareness, and the irreversible passage of time. In doing so, he opens a window into the emotional world of countless individuals who live with the weight of their own decisions, often unspoken and unrecognized by society.
Gopalji’s literary journey is as impressive as his storytelling. Born in 1943 in Calicut, Kerala, he is a multi-faceted individual whose life has been shaped by rich academic, professional, and cultural pursuits. An Electrical Engineering graduate, Gopalji has traveled extensively, especially in the United States, and remains actively involved in professional and socio-cultural activities. His writing is deeply informed by this life experience, as well as his deep cultural roots.
His debut collection of Malayalam short stories ‘Krishna Neelimayil Oru Pachapottayi Radha’ garnered critical acclaim, earning prestigious awards such as the Kerala Sahithya Samithi Award and the S. K. Pottekad Award. With a growing repertoire of both English and Malayalam works—including novels, short stories, and upcoming travelogues—Gopalji is a writer whose voice resonates across generations and languages. He is also a celebrated singer and passionate about music, adding yet another dimension to his creative identity.
The TRI Literary Awards celebrate works that elevate ordinary lives to extraordinary literary heights, and Unpolished Regrets is a shining example of that mission. Through this heartfelt story, Gopalji reminds us that beauty is often marred by the polish of perfection, and sometimes, the most valuable lessons come from the rough edges of unfulfilled dreams.
It is an honour to recognize Gopalji’s literary brilliance, and we hope his nomination inspires readers and writers alike to embrace the quiet stories that shape our humanity.
Once again, we offer our sincerest congratulations to Gopalji for this remarkable achievement. May your pen continue to carve meaningful tales that speak to the heart of every reader.
– The Rise Insight Team
