London: Switzerland-based NRI (Non-Resident Indian) writer Anuradha Swaminathan and Kenyan writer Eddie Ogembo have won the two top honours in the BBC World Service International Playwriting Competition 2003, it was officially announced on October 2.

Anuradha won the honour in English as a Second Language category for her play 'Loyalty' while Eddie won in English as a First Language category for 'Binti's Party.'

The two winners will be flown into London this month to attend the studio recording of their plays which will then be broadcast on BBC World Service next month, the BBC said in an official release.

BBC World Service runs the International Playwriting Competition with the British Council and this year received more than 900 entries from all over the world. The competition has been running for over 15 years during, which more than 6,000 entries have been received. Many of winning plays have been staged and broadcast by the BBC.

Mario Nancarrow, Executive Producer, BBC World Service Drama, said, "This is a really exciting competition. It gives a voice to amateur and professional playwrights across the globe, whose compelling dramas reflect the rich diversity of the world."

In addition to the main two categories, Regional winners were also chosen. While Loyalty was awarded regional prize for Europe, 'Collaborators ' by Ramu Ramanathan was chosen for South Asia and former Soviet Union. 'Binti's Party' won the prize for Africa and the Middle East. Other winners were: 'Spell It Out' by Philip Heckman (Americas) and 'In Synch' by Dennis Gillman (Asia/Pacific).

PTI