The Rise Insight is delighted to extend its heartfelt congratulations to author Sanjeev Panackal Thomas for the nomination of his captivating book, Karachi to Malabar, for the TRI Literary Awards 2025 – Season 03. This recognition is not only a celebration of literary excellence but also a testament to the emotional depth and artistic integrity of a writer whose words have moved readers across continents and cultures.
At its core, Karachi to Malabar is far more than a love story. Described by the author with the phrase “KTM#anodysseyoflove,” it is an evocative journey that threads together themes of love, loss, lust, and self-discovery. The book follows Zohal, a spirited Pashtun mountain girl, on a poignant quest to find her lost love and the father of her child—a journey that spans geographies, generations, and the boundaries of emotional endurance. Her odyssey is interwoven with the author’s own reflections and life experiences, giving the narrative an authenticity that resonates deeply with readers.
What sets Karachi to Malabar apart—and the reason TRI chose it for this prestigious nomination—is the profound emotional honesty that pulses through every page. In the wake of losing both parents within a year, Thomas channels his grief and existential awakening into his writing. He challenges traditional constructs of family and kinship, presenting a raw and unfiltered look at how grief can unravel, and then redefine, one’s understanding of belonging and identity.
TRI was particularly moved by the author’s brave introspection—the assertion that “the blood thicker than water adage was a farce” captures a rare literary vulnerability. This thematic courage, coupled with lyrical prose and compelling character development, has placed Karachi to Malabar in a category of its own.
Another remarkable feature of this novel is its artistic inspiration. The author pays tribute to legendary painter Anjolie Ela Menon, whose emotive works significantly influenced the creation and evolution of his characters. Though her art could not be used directly in the book due to copyright limitations, her spirit breathes through the novel’s aesthetic and emotional palette. Thomas’s memory of Anjolie Ela Menon from their shared school past adds a personal touch to this tribute, enriching the narrative’s multidimensionality.
From the first word to the final sentence, Karachi to Malabar is a powerful exploration of the human heart in transit—between countries, between relationships, and between personal reckonings. It is this blend of heartfelt storytelling, cross-cultural narrative scope, and deeply introspective writing that led TRI to honor this novel with a nomination.
We at The Rise Insight are proud to witness Sanjeev Panackal Thomas’s literary journey unfold and are confident that his voice will continue to echo powerfully in the world of literature. His nomination in the Romance category is not merely for the love stories he tells, but for the truth and courage with which he tells them.
Congratulations once again to Sanjeev Panackal Thomas on this well-deserved recognition.
May your words continue to inspire, heal, and connect us all.
– The Rise Insight Team
TRI Literary Awards 2025 – Season 03
Buy Now : https://www.amazon.in/Karachi-Malabar-Sanjeev-Panackal-Thomas/dp/B0CMJ1GBFX
