In his acceptance speech, Ban said that while the identity and significance of fiction are continually evolving, the role of the writer remains constant. "Our job is to tell the stories that urgently need to be told and to shine a light on those who are adorable, gentle, kind, and just, allowing literature to illuminate a wider world," he said.
In her award-winning reportage work Yao You Guang (There Must Be Light), Liang Hong writes about youths who feel trapped — those who have dropped out of school or have emotional issues such as depression, as well as those on the brink of dropping out.
In her acceptance speech, Liang said the award makes her think of her PhD adviser, Wang Furen, an expert on Lu Xun (1881-1936). "He once told me to live like Lu Xun, using my life to truly feel reality. This idea inspired There Must Be Light," she said.
"I wanted to explore what true love really is, why our love often misses reaching our children, and what kind of love can truly connect with others. So, I set out on many journeys, talking with children and listening to their stories and thoughts. Despite their challenges, they think about hope, which symbolizes the hope of every family and the enduring spirit of humanity.
"Lu Xun said that countless people in the distance are connected to us. I believe the purpose of writing is to help people see and illuminate each other, making life more meaningful," she said.
One of the five winners of the award for poetry, Wang Jibing has been writing for 38 years and working as a food delivery man for eight years. In his winning anthology Dichu Feixing (Flying Low), he not only goes "undercover" to delve into the details, spirit and emotions of real-life food delivery workers, but also, as an ordinary person living in the "lower" strata of society, he observes, writes about, and reflects on the world around him.
