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Anuja Varghese, a learner in the creative writing program of the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies (SCS), has won the for her short story collection, Chrysalis.

The Governor General’s Literary Awards are presented by the Canada Council for the Arts and recognize the best Canadian books of the year.

“It’s such an honour to be recognized with this award, and in the company of such incredible authors,” said Varghese. “I’m so grateful for the ways U of T supported my writing journey and I hope to use this prize to open doors for other queer and racialized writers, as doors have been opened for me.”

Varghese completed her certificate in creative writing in September 2023, having developed several of the stories featured in Chrysalis in her SCS classes.

“We are thrilled that Anuja has joined the growing number of award-winning writers emerging from our creative writing program,” said Catherine Chandler-Crichlow, dean of SCS. “I know that our instructors are inspired by our learners’ talent, dedication and creativity from their first days in the classroom, and it’s so wonderful to see that talent recognized when they take the brave step of sharing their work with the world.”