>> sending a signal to the market that they seriously consider even the very recent >>books of first-time novelists? Parijat was awarded Madan Puraskar when she was 34 for her debut Sirish Ko Phool. Krishna Prashad Pokharel was awarded for his debut epic Ama when he was 26. Dhruba Chandra Gautam awarded his debut Alakhit, I think so was Rajesh Gautam. Shree5, How about Manu Brazaki? Is there anyone who could be compared to him in contemporary short fiction?