South Asia Speaks, a literary mentorship programme for early career writers in South Asia, will open applications starting September 1 and closing on September 30, 2021. Those living in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, and Maldives, and writers of Afghan origin living anywhere in the world, are eligible for entry. 

The initiative promises 24 available mentors, including Fatima Bhutto, Arunava Sinha, and Aruni Kashyap, among others, and the opportunity to workshop a "major project" such as a novel, a work of nonfiction, translation, or a series of reportage. Through reviews and constructive criticism, mentors will help fellows polish their writing and tackle structural issues that the writers might be struggling with in their drafts. There are no application fees nor age restrictions.

The programme, which started last year, is looking for its second cycle. The class of 2021 consisted of 20 fellows chosen out of over 500 applications, and they have since published longform pieces, have been nominated for writing prizes, and have engaged with publishers. The second cycle is set to commence in January 2022, lasting the full 12 months of the coming year. Its special categories have been announced: Climate Change in Asia, Partition of India, North East India, and translated works in any language. The application portal and further details are available on the South Asia Speaks website.

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