Vikram Seth’s inspiring journey. Author of A Suitable Boy, poet, traveller, and one of India’s most celebrated literary voices.
From the classrooms of The Doon School in Dehradun to the prestigious halls of Stanford University, who would have imagined that this schoolboy would grow up to be one of India’s greatest contemporary authors?
Vikram Seth started as the editor-in-chief of The Doon School Weekly. He completed his Master’s degree in Economics in 1978 and subsequently pursued a PhD at Stanford. But sometimes, life takes its own course.
He didn’t finish his PhD, but that didn’t stop him from finding his true path. Today, he’s known as one of the most celebrated writers, loved for his storytelling and the variety of work he’s done.
Also Check: Nelson Mandela Biography
Early Life and Family
Born on June 20, 1952, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, he spent his early years between India and London.
His mother, Leila Seth, was the first woman to become Chief Justice of a state High Court in India. His father, Prem Nath Seth, was a successful businessman.
Vikram Seth has openly spoken about his bisexuality. He was in a long-term relationship with French violinist Philippe Honoré, and dedicated his novel An Equal Music to him. He currently divides his time between his home in Noida, India, and the UK, where he owns the former residence of poet George Herbert.
Education
Vikram Seth attended some of India’s most prestigious schools before moving abroad. He graduated from Corpus Christi College, Oxford, with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics in 1975. Later, he earned a Master’s degree in Economics from Stanford University in 1978. He also studied at Nanjing University in China.
Also Check: C Sankar Narain Biography
Career and Major Works
Though Vikram Seth’s first poetry collection, Mappings (1980), didn’t gain much attention, things changed with his travelogue From Heaven Lake (1983). This book narrated his adventurous journey hitchhiking from China to India through Tibet, earning him the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award.
The Humble Administrator’s Garden (1985) made his poetic talent even more visible in. But it was The Golden Gate (1986), a novel entirely in verse, set in California, that staged him on the global literary map. This unique book, written in rhyming 14-line stanzas, was praised for its bold style and witty take on contemporary life.
A Suitable Boy (1993) was Seth’s most famous work. It is a story that revolves around four Indian families, set in post-independence India. Over 1,300 pages long, it’s a huge novel.
It is among the longest English novels ever published in a single volume. The book was widely praised and was even adapted into a TV series in 2020.
Apart from A Suitable Boy, some of his other well-known books include:
- An Equal Music (1999): a heartfelt story about love and music.
- Beastly Tales from Here and There (1992): a playful collection of animal fables written in verse.
- Two Lives (2005): a touching family memoir about his Indian uncle and German Jewish aunt.
He has also written several poetry collections like All You Who Sleep Tonight (1990), The Poems, 1981–1994 (1995), and Summer Requiem (2015).
Honors and Recognition
Over the years, Vikram Seth has received many awards and honors, some of which are listed below:
| Award/Recognition | Work | Year |
| Thomas Cook Travel Book Award | From Heaven Lake (Travelogue) | 1983 |
| Commonwealth Poetry Prize | The Humble Administrator’s Garden (Poetry) | 1985 |
| Sahitya Akademi Award & Commonwealth Writers Prize | The Golden Gate (Novel in Verse) | 1986 |
| WH Smith Literary Award & Commonwealth Writers Prize | A Suitable Boy (Novel) | 1993 |
| Crossword Book Award & EMMA Award | An Equal Music (Novel) | 1999 |
| Padma Shri (India’s Civilian Honor) | Contribution to Literature & Education | 2007 |
| Pravasi Bharatiya Samman | Overall Contribution | 2005 |
Current and Upcoming Work
As of 2024–2025, Vikram Seth is still active in the literary world. He’s currently working on A Suitable Girl, the much-awaited sequel to A Suitable Boy, which is expected to release in 2026.
In June 2024, he also came out with his English translation of the Hanuman Chalisa, blending traditional Indian themes with modern English verse.
He continues to take part in literary festivals like Tata Lit Live Mumbai and The Kolkata Literary Meet, where he speaks not just about literature but also about social topics like freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights.
FAQs Related to Vikram Seth
Who is Vikram Seth?
Vikram Seth is a well-known Indian author and poet, famous for his novels, poetry, and travel writing. He’s best known for A Suitable Boy and is loved for his storytelling across different genres.
Who was Vikram Seth’s mother?
His mother, Leila Seth, was a respected judge and made history as the first woman to become Chief Justice of a state High Court in India.
How many major awards has Vikram Seth received from India?
Vikram Seth has been honored with two of India’s prestigious awards: Padma Shri and Sahitya Akademi Award, for his contribution to literature.
What is Vikram Seth’s highest qualification?
He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Stanford University. He also studied at Oxford and Nanjing University.
What are Vikram Seth’s upcoming projects?
He’s currently working on A Suitable Girl, the much-awaited sequel to A Suitable Boy, expected to be released in 2026. He also recently published his English translation of the Hanuman Chalisa in 2024.
