Feedback
Sri GSP Rao garu,
You have proven yourself indomitable! You and your team have successfully launched the rich and varied Indian literatures on the global scene - a Herculean task. We are happy our works and our cultures are showcased and broader critical evaluations are in sight, thanks to you. We are happy to glimpse the achievements of other regions.
I know only Telugu and am heartened by the translations of Telugu stories. They carry the tone and resonance of the sources. About Raavi Shastri's story: even readers who had felt that his plots were overly sensationalized, were always delighted by the sensuous and lyrical quality of his distinctive style. The poetry and the rhythm of his language was caught by the translator Ms B. Indira. We see a promise of real good translators showing up in future.As you said in your editorial, there is a strong need for good translations of acclaimed stories. Congratulations, Sir.
Vasundhara Ratakonda New York vratakonda@yahoo.com Nov 11, 2008
(Thank you for your kind words, appreciation and constant support to Museindia. We shall try our best to achieve our mission with encouragement of people like you.)
I observe from the authors' list (index) that it needs to be updated. Does it also include the names of poets? If yes, then I tried to see Shernaz Wadia's name under "S" but it was missing. If names of poets contributing to Muse are not listed/indexed then I feel an effort should be made to do the needful. Further, after reading background of Editor Shri GSP Rao, I feel it may be worthwhile to know the background of other eminent persons comprising the Editorial Committee (if there is one !) so that readers can get to know about them. Still further, if feasible, a short biodata (with a photograph) must be compiled in case of all the poets and authors and displayed suitably some where in the magazine.
Do think over these suggestions and implement them if found worthwhile.
J S Broca New Delhi jsbroca@yahoo.com Nov 09, 2008
(We do have a panel of eminent editors. Their profiles and photographs can be viewed by visiting "Team" and clicking on their names. Our "Authors Index" carries profiles of only those writers whose works are featured in our bi-monthly eJournal but does not cover those who are posting their work in Your Space. Further, profiles of all authors are included in each issue, with their photos wherever available. May be you are still new and have not tried out these facilities. Please do use them. - Managing Editor)
I have a small suggestion to make. These days it is a common practice to post photographs of poets and authors along with their contributions. For example, I had submitted an article to Business Line and they had asked me to send them my photograph which was published along with my article. Recently I have submitted an article to The Indian Banker, a publication of IBA, and they too have called for my photograph which is being published shortly. Our Bank's house magazine has also recently started this practice. Do think it over and implement it. Thanks.
J S Broca New Delhi jsbroca@yahoo.com Nov 09, 2008
(Thanks, Mr Broca; photographs of the authors are available in their profiles. Profiles can be viewed by clicking on their names on top of the page of their work. However, some writers don't send their photos. - Managing Editor)
The current issue on translations is truly delightful. I enjoyed going through it very much. In Bangla, (as I'm not in a position to comment on other literatures) we do have a rich fare in the post Tagore-Nazrul period too which needs to be translated for wider circulation. Writers like Bani Basu, Nabaneeta Dev Sen, who are living authors, or poets like Shankha Ghosh, or the writers and poets of the mid twentieth century. Anyway, thanks for Muse India. It offers a great reading pleasure!
Jayita Sengupta, Kolkata indianlit@rediffmail.com Nov 8, 2008
(We agree with you that in Bangla - and this is true of all our regional literatures - there have been several important writers in more recent times whose works need to be translated. We have carried in this issue selections from submissions received in our contest. Incidentally, we have featured articles on, or works by, Bani Basu and Nabaneeta Dev Sen in our past issues. We will be happy to receive translations of other writers from our members / readers. - Managing Editor)
Thank you for the wonderful boost you have given me with the prize in the story translation contest.
It is heartening as well as encouraging to see my translation receive an appreciative mention in Muse India. Thank you. I congratulate the Muse India team that worked hard to bring out this delightful and impressive issue on translation. Your attempt to attract the best in all regional literatures through translation and for offering them a common platform is highly commendable.
Popuri Jayalakshmi, Hyderabad, jaya.popuri@gmail.com November 05, 2008
(Thanks for your participation and a good submission. You may continue to send your contributions to Muse India in future.)
The translations from Oriya language and literature have given altogether a bleak picture of the said literature. You could have selected better writers. With this number and standard, a sincere reader can’t (get a correct picture of the literature) … I have no intention to be judgmental on the translations or the poets. However, I congratulate you for the noble and sincere effort.
Manu Dash, Editor, Dhauli Review manmohan_dash@yahoo.com Nov 4, 2008
(Thanks for your honest comment. These were merely selections from the entries received in our translation contest and in no way reflected the best of translations of regional literatures available. We have drawn attention in the Editorial to observation of some of the Judges that caliber of translations and selection of works could have been better in the contest. We drew the conclusion that "this suggests that there is a strong need for good translations of our regional literatures so that their richness could be more effectively reflected." - Managing Editor)
I have to admit, if there is one magazine in India that shows the promise of attaining the quality of the likes of THE PARIS REVIEW and AGNI, it is our very own Muse India. What an excellent issue!
Thanks to you and your editorial board, writers and translators in India have a global platform that exude professionalism and creative brilliance.
Nikesh Murali, Australia nikeshmurali@gmail.com Nov 4, 2008
(Thanks indeed for your generous words. - Managing Editor)
The current issue of Muse India offers rich fare in terms of variety and depth. The prizes are incidental, translations are really good. A great effort on your part to promote regional literatures! The poems and stories can be compared with the best in the world. Now that Telugu has got ancient language status, efforts such as yours should get institutional support. Mine was a lonely mission in the late 80s - Chandra Mouliji knows this, there were very few who considered translation as a dignified preoccupation - and I'm now happy that the perception is reversed. I hope your e-journal stands for the best traditions of the translation activity, capturing the brightest in the country!
K.Damodar Rao, Assoc. Prof. of English, Kakatiya Univerisity, Warangal damodarrao_k@yahoo.com Nov 4, 2008
(Thank you for your kind words. We will continue to strive to encourage and publish good translations from our rich regional literatures. - Managing Editor)
Mr GSP Rao, you and your team deserve all the accolades coming your way for this superb edition you have brought out. It is a rich and valuable mosaic. Thank you very much. Keep it up!
Congratulations to Mr. GSP Rao and his team for publishing a special issue on tranlations! As translations from poetry and short fiction were invited on competitive basis, you could receive several excellent ones and with them you could make this elightening and entertaining garland!! I do feel that you are putting into practice the Gandhian philosophy. As India lives in thousands of villages, her pulse could be read only from the regional languages and literatures. By inspiring writers to translate these regional literatures, you are not only enriching Indian Writing in English but also promoting national integration which very few editors and publishers do!!! Mr. Surya, feel proud and march ahead. We are behind you.
K. V. Dominic, Editor, Indian Journal of Postcolonial Literatures, Thodupuzha, Kerala. E-mail: kdominicnewman@gmail.com Nov 3, 2008
As usual Muse India has produced a delightful and beautiful edition. I congratulate and commend the editors who strove so much for presenting this variety in such a pleasant form. This issue of Muse India is beautiful garland made of flowers picked from all beautiful places. Thanks for a delicious treat. Glad that my Sanskrit story and its translation has been found commendable and got a place in this delighting composition. Best wishes for further progress with more enthusiasm.
Congradulations on the new issue of Muse India. It is so good to know about the response from various languages. Keep it up. All the best for future efforts. With seasons geetings,
Binda Paranjape, Varanasi binda_bhu@rediffmail.com Nov 2, 2008
Thank you very much … the Issue brings in a lot of encouragement for me as a translator, and I am privileged to have a journal such as Muse India bringing Mizo literature in translation into a more 'mainstream' platform. My heartiest congratulations to you on the issue on translation.
Margaret L.Pachuau, Aizawl, Mizoram maggielpachuau@gmail.com Nov 1, 2008
Congratulations! Now you need to plan for a future volume in which translations of some important and interesting Classical Telugu and Classical Kannada texts could be published. Regards,
Prof. Udaya Narayana Singh Director, CIIL, Mysore unsciil@yahoo.com Nov. 1, 2008
(Thank you, Prof Singh. We will keep this in mind and work towards it. Your suggestion comes on a day when the Govt.of India has decided to confer the status of classical language on both Telugu and Kannada. - Managing Editor)
Lage raho, Surya bhai!
Naresh Jain, New Delhi jainenkay@yahoo.com Nov 1, 2008
(This is one of the most encouraging mails we have ever received! Thanks indeed. - Managing Editor)
Congratulations to Muse India for rendering precious service to Indian Literature for four years now. I'm sure Muse India will keep doing this for decades to come. I will always be glad to be a part of Museindia Mission.
Hemang Desai, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat hemangde@yahoo.com Nov 1, 2008
(Thank you for your good wishes. Together, all of us have to take this mission forward. We appreciate your gesture of wholehearted support. - Managing Editor)
Thank you very much for including my work in the ‘commendable’ part of Muse India. I'm thrilled beyond words. It’s a terrific issue and most diverse that I've seen so far. This is India indeed!
Annie George, Kottayam, Kerala anniegeorg@gmail.com Nov 1, 2008
Thank you for a wonderful issue and especially for being kind enough to include my work. I really feel honoured. I specially liked the prize-winning contributions. I am looking forward to reading the entire issue carefully.
Swapna Dutta, Bangalore swapnadutta2000@yahoo.com Nov 1, 2008
Hearty congrats! The latest issue is impressive in content and visuals. An astounding endeavour, well conceived and exquisitely executed by Muse India team, deserves warm compliments. Your triumph lies in kindling and sustaining the spirit of emotional integration among fellow countrymen. When people with short term goals arouse regional fervour resulting in loss of life and public property, you have provided soothing service silently. We are indebted to you for offering creative out put in different parts of the country through translations in this issue. A multilingual nation like India with several sub-cultures needs channels to transmit literary and cultural heritage to all parts of the land and beyond the borders too. Emphasis on human relations and significance of regional flavour in the poems and short stories is all the more gratifying. Kindly keep the good work going. Warm regards.
(Thank you for your warm words. - Managing Editor)
Congratulations on the Translation issue of Muse India! The selected write-ups are indeed very poignant and being drawn from diverse languages, they add to Muse India's rich profile.
Nabina Das, Ithaca, NY nabinamail@yahoo.com Nov 01, 2008
Muse India's latest Nov-Dec 2008 issue takes me round the boundary lines of undivided India with her songs on my lips; a very rare feeling, perhaps felt decades back by the freedom fighters of our motherland. It is a great job to stitch the petals back to the stem to create a flower that had blossomed in the patriotic fervour in the first half of the last century. I congratulate GSP Rao, Ambika Ananth, TC Chandramouli and all other editors for their noble efforts, first to have this idea and then executing it with clinical precision. I take great pride to be part of the Muse India mission.
Kumarendra Mallick, Hyderabad mallik_ku@yahoo.com Nov 1, 2008
I have been a regular reader of Muse India since its inception. I am also happy to find the suggestions and feedbacks are carried out and implemented wherever possible. I would like to thank and congratulate the editorial board for their consistent quality of work in bringing out issue after issue so well; also the web designers who are able to bring it with the latest usages and designs, and the Editor without whose interest and coordination this would not have survived for so long. I wish and hope the same will continue in the years to come. Great Work! Regards,
(Thanks for your warm words. We will continue to strive to keep up the standard. - Managing Editor)
Eminent Bengali writer Sunil Gangopadhay turned 75 last September. He has written poems, novels, short stories, dramas, memoirs, travelogues and literary essays. In a word, his contribution to the Bengali literature and language is immense.
Niamul Hossain Mallick, Burdwan niamulmullick@yahoo.co.in Oct 7, 2008
(Thanks for the information. Sunil Gangopadhyay's contribution has indeed been immense. We wish him a long and active life. It will be nice, however, if you could translate two of his short poems into English and post in "Your Space." - Editor)
We are publishers and have published the book "Noorella Panta" compiled by Late Smt. Dr Bhargavi Rao. I was going thorougt one of the articles written by Mrs. Sujatha Gopal about Dr Bhargavi . In the article it is mentioned that "Noorella Panta" was published by Dr Bhargavi. We request you to make change in this regard.
Ravindra Nath, Prism Books Pvt Ltd., Hyderabad Oct 5, 2008
(Thanks for bringing this to our notice. The error is regretted and the correction will be incorporated. - Managing Editor)
After posting her first poem What is she? in "Your Space" (Sep 28, 2008) and reacting to the response by Kumarendra Mallick, Dr. Pooja Bhuyar writes,
"Thank you very much Sir for extending your support. I have deep trust in God and always feel that He is the force behind us in whatever we do. Because I have experienced it myself. I write all my poems in a short time and just write on the thought running in my mind. When I arrange all the lines, it's a nice poem and I feel very happy. My parents' perceptions and perseverance hold in me as my strength. I love reading, helping the poor as I get to see the different levels of poverty in my profession as I am a doctor. I am also a good singer as I started learning music when I was 3 years old. I play all percussion instruments, too. I am a good tabla player. I am still onto climbing the first step of wisdom and wish to have all your support. Actually I am very happy after I read the appreciation of my poem and I have lost words to tell something about me. I am very grateful to museindia to give me this platform and I shall struggle hard to come up to your expectations."
Dr. Pooja Bhuyar, Bijapur pooza_29@yahoo.com
I had submitted a response to Shernaz Wadia's poem "Where is the present lost ?" a day or two ago.However, it has not been posted so far.Could you please look into the matter? Thanks.
J S Broca, New Delhi jsbroca@yahoo.com Sep 23, 2008
(It was not received by us. May be there was some problem with transmission. Please send it again. - Managing Editor)
When ‘the process and the product’ are genuinely appreciated it fills the creator with a rare joy. As one of the team members of Muse India, I feel very good getting appreciative feedback from readers, who are kind enough to take time to go through the contents and respond to them. Most of the well-wishers and members of Muse India remain content by ‘saying’ a good word about the e-journal when I chance to meet them; however, they display a sort of laid back attitude when it comes to posting their views/opinions/criticism. It is saddening that though it is just a ‘click’ away, ‘appreciation,’ ‘response,’ and ‘suggestions’ come our way very sparingly.
What prompted me to write this is the wonderful, objective, genuine feedback from Vasundhara Devi Ratakonda, who not only sponsored this Issue but had invested her deep analytical mind and empathizing heart to go through all the contents and comment very inspiringly and thought provokingly. Many thanks to her..!!
Dr.Kumarendra Mallick is known for his insightful, critical and appreciative comments put across in a loving manner. He never fails to respond, never forgets to encourage. Thanks to him, one of our supporting pillars.
Ambika Ananth, Bangalore ambika.ananth@gmail.com Sep 19, 2008
Besides poetry, fiction, opinion, I feel in today's stressed world there is a need for encouraging articles on HUMOUR and SATIRE .
J S Broca, New Delhi (email not given) Sep 19, 2008
(Earlier we had a section on humour, A-muse-d, which could not be sustained due to lack of enough contributions. We will try to revive it. - Managing Editor)
The current issue of Muse India, featuring Telugu and Marathi literatures, is excellent. It is painstakingly put together with care and imagination. Telugu literary sensibility got a focus because the poems and six articles on the poetry scene and four stories, and also one important book review appear together. It was a pleasant surprise considering the dormant Telugu presence on the English scene.
'In conversation' with Dilip Jhaveri is thought-provoking.Clarity in outlook, originality in choice of words and avoiding cliched phrases seem to be his hallmark.
Sri Raju's SATRAYAGA is a marvellous story of man's quest for truth. He makes good use of the literary device of magic realism. Man's failing quest for the joy of life in modern times is aesthetically portrayed in P. Satyavathi's MY SONG. The feeling relationship between man and land and the relentless onslaught of a callous urbanization on it is effectively evoked in THE TRUSTED LAND by Viswanatha Reddy.
Ambika Ananth's review of R.S.Sudarshanam's THE TREE OF LIFE is empathetic, fair and comprehensive. It brings out her deep understanding of life situations and capability to appreciate literature. I am with her in her assessments here. Asked why she combined brutal violence with God's grace in her stories, the famous shortstory writer Flannery O'conner answered: "You have to make your vision apparent by shock.To the hard of hearing you shout, and for the blind, you draw large and startling figures." Many of Sudarshanam's stories present sin. Maybe he is showing grace is beyond the -ve aspects of morality!
R.Vasundhara Devi, USA vratakonda@yahoo.com Sep 15, 2008
The Sep-Oct 2008 Issue (No.21) of Muse India brings me still closer to India's rich literary traditions, and I feel delighted and proud that I am a small part of this vast ocean. Metaphors vary, new ideas crop in, themes create new terrains but one thing does not change: the Indian ethos. Every language provides a new petal, a new colour to just one flower, the Indian literature. The Marathi and Telugu poems, short stories and other works, translated though, retain a freshness and the original emotions. The editors - Hemant Divate and T.S. Chandramouli - have taken a lot of pains and care; so also GSP Rao and Ambika in their respective spheres. The net result is a splendour. The photograhs with raindrops may inspire some to write new poems. Hearty congratulations!
Kumarendra Mallick Hyderabad malik_ku@yahoo.com Sep 11, 2008
I should say honestly that wonderful things are happening in 'Muse India.’ It would have never been possible on my part to read such high standard stories of Dilip Chitre and Vilas Sarang, whom we all know as important poets only. Hemant Divate has rightly chosen Sarang and Chitre's stories.
I have not gone through the Telugu literature part due to paucity of time, but I will go through it in a day or two. I must congratulate you for maintaining high standard of the e-journal, which is the backbone of its survival. Suggestions can be given in gratis, but the editor of your standard knows well where the shoe pinches.
Manu Dash, Shahdol, MP manmohan_dash@yahoo.com Sep 7, 2008
I had the honour of getting one of my poems published in your esteemed poetry magazine. From your mail, I came to know about the contest (for translated works) to be held. That’s perhaps good, as it may test the skill of poets, specially upcoming poets like me. But pardon me, Sir, I fail to understand why must a 'cash award' be given for literary work, specially poetry? Many such contests do take place at national and international levels, but I am humbly asking you - should money be attached to literary works? I 'm not quite sure.
I love the look and content of your website, and humbly appeal to you, Sir, wouldn't it be better to publish the best works in the front page (just a suggestion) instead of cash prize? I beg to apologise if I'm sounding too humble or "talking too much"!
Arunansu Bandyopadhyay, Kolkata arunansu.b@dellmail.com Sep 4, 2008
(We appreciate your feelings about cash awards for literary works. We will publish the best submissions received in the translation contest, as we had done for fiction and poetry contests held a few months ago. So the main reward for participants will be that if their work is good they will get published. Cash awards are basically to involve more writers and translators. We feel this is one way to reach out to more writers and get them involved in a venture like Muse India. – Managing Editor)
Dear Chandramouli, saw the website of Muse India. It is very nice. Your article is a wonderful attempt.
S Kirubhakaran, Muscat kirubhas@gmail.com Sep 4, 2008
Thank you very much for the beautiful issue of Sep-Oct 2008 edition. It is as inviting as its earlier editions. It is both eye and heart friendly. Congratulations to the editors and scholars who strove to give us this joyful treat.
(Thanks for your kind and encouraging words. - Managing Editor)
It is a great pleasure for me to read the latest issue, Sept-Oct 2008. It is excellent in all respects. The added attraction is publication of translated works from Telugu literature which has given me much satisfaction.
I am not sure whether Muse India is being published in print / book format also. If so, please help me with address where it is available in Hyderabad.
Further, I have gone through the details of your 'Team' which has very resourceful, eminent personalities who are elevating the status of Muse India to very great extent, in addition to the Editor's Contribution which ultimately reflects the content, form and exhuberance of the magazine.
Finally, the matter of disappointment for me, even though in a small way, is that I did not find any person in your team representing Telugu Literature, the reasons for which are not known and the same need not be known to outsiders like me. I feel, if you include someone appropriate the small gap will be properly filled in.
Since I have writing skills only in my mother-tongue Telugu, I will not be able to contribute to your magazine in English. However, if you can arrange for translation from Telugu to English, I will be able to send some poems written by me and also some literature articles. I have contributed, in Telugu, biographical essays on eminent Telugu personalities to publications all over the globe.
K B S Sarma, Assistant General Manager, NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), Hyderabad Sep 4, 2008
(Thanks for your mail and warm words about our editorial team. Prof Bhargavi Rao, who recently passed away, was one of the founding editors of Muse India and a well known scholar and writer in Telugu literature. Ms Ambika Ananth, another of our founding editors, is a Telugu and English poet, translator and a journalist. They were looking after our coverage of Telugu literature and there was no need for us to have a separate Contributing Editor for Telugu.
As of now Muse India does not have a print version. We do not take up translations ourselves. If you get your work translated and send it, that can be considered for publication. - Managing Editor)
To Dr Chandramouli. Great work, Sir. I'm going through the latest issue with excitement … I'm so happy to learn that there is a lot of effort behind this issue. Do keep up the good work.
Annie George, Kottayam anniegeorg@gmail.com Sep 4, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!!! Muse India is no doubt No. 1 e-journal in India. What captured my eyes first is the excellent and enlightening interview with one of the leading contemporary Indo-Anglian poets, Dr. D. C. Chambial (Editor of POETCRIT) by an ardent lover of literature, Nilanshu Kumar Agarwal. If you are a lover of English literature, especially, Indian Writing in English, you need not go after Plato, Aristotle, Longinus, Horace, Sydney, Dryden, Coleridge, Arnold, Eliot etc. to learn about poetry, but just read this interview and you will learn as well as feel what poetry is, as it is imparted by a fellow countryman without any pretensions.
K. V. DOMINIC, Editor, Indian Journal of Postcolonial Literatures (IJPCL), Thodupuzha, Kerala kdominicnewman@gmail.com Sep 3, 2008
Dear Dr. Chandramouli, thanks so much for this info (on the coverage of Contemporary Telugu Poetry). I have paid a visit to the Muse India site and found it excellent. Please accept my sincere congratulations on a job well done.
Rajeshwar Mittapalli, Warangal rajeshwar9@yahoo.com Sep 1, 2008
In reply to a response to his poem Paintbrush of creativity (Your Space, Aug 25, 2008) and reacting to a number of poems posted on the occasion of Janmastami (Aug 24, 2008) Dr. Sat Paul Goyal from Michigan writes:
Dear Kumarendra Ji, I owe it to your excellent creations and the mystique Muse India creates by bringing a feast of diverse opinions and provocations. Your poem I Shall Wait with an urge to sail out into the vast infinite expanse /a new sunrise threading a needle for a new future inspired me to provide some symphony and rhythm to honor those who wait for others to embark on new journeys. In All His Glory by Ambika Ananth with enchanting cosmic rhythm in her heart's court-yard of heaven had a felicity of expression to give us a glimpse of Krishna's Ras Lila beautifully. I just celebrate what Muse India is creating!
I have a few questions and suggestions:
a. If you have forgotten your member name (the one that you have registered under)--say my name is Julie Acharya Ray and I have forgotten whether I registered as Julie or Julie Acharya. I type Julie. Now there might be another Julie. If I got to Member update to check, I realise I have reached the other Julie's update page. I can go ahead and make any changes that I want and publish under this other Julie's name. That would be criminal. How can this be corrected? I think apart from username there should be a password to enter Muse India.
b. Is there a way you can make corrections to your entry? Sometimes you see that you have a typo etc---is there anyway we can enter our own account and make changes?
c. Could you have Log in Tab at the top of the page instead of the bottom? It makes it easier.
(Since logging-in is not really required to read the eJournal we felt that providing for a password was not called for. What you say about accidentally updating someone else's personal details is indeed true, but generally all members have been very careful on this count. We'll review how best to tackle this without making the operations bothersome. We have not provided for self/reader correction to text - in Your Space column - to ensure integrity of text. You can always bring errors to our notice and we will rectify them. Given the design of the homepage, your suggestion regarding login box being on top cannot be considered at this stage. We thank you for your suggestions. - Managing Editor)
I too join the mourning of the death of Dr. Bhargavi Rao. But poets and writers never die. Thank you so much for including the interview of Dr. O.N.V. Kurup, the darling poet of God's own country.
J.T.Jayasingh, Poet-Lecturer, Kerala Aug 2, 2008
We are all sad Ms Bhargavi Rao,a founder member is no more. We are glad you are trying not to let the loss become a loss for your website. Please keep this valuable site established firmly. We would like to see your interview in the next issue of muse to know your plans for the future of the site.
(We appreciate your concern. We will continue to strive to consolidate on the credentials gained by this website. - Managing Editor)
Dear Sir, it was nice to listen to your interview over ALL INDIA RADIO today. Muse India is reaching new heights. I also got an insight into future plans of the e journal. Congratulations! I was happy to read poems and responses by Swami Tejomayananda Saraswatiji in Your Space. Many wishes to the team, 3 years young!
Dear Sirs,
I have found on your site of Muse India the following:
"Amrita Sher-Gil's Profile:
Amrita Sher-Gil was born in 1923; came to India in early 30's ans died in 1941 at the age of 29."
Amrita Sher-Gil was born in 1913 not 1923; please correct the error.
Best regards,
G. Jancso, Budapest, Hungary jaga@chello.hu Jul 25, 2008
(Thanks for bringing this to our attention. The profile has been updated now. – Managing Editor)
I'm still unable to recover from the shock over the demise of Bhargavi Rao. I'm deeply saddened that we shall no longer be able to enjoy the warmth of the personality that we knew. Readers will remember her review of my book in the archives. It is also a great personal loss for me. I am moved by the memoirs of her in the current edition. With warm regards,
Annie George, Kottayam anniegeorg@gmail.com Jul 18, 2008
I must congratulate you for your endeavor to accommodate so many writers at one go in each issue of your journal. The quality of the journal is, though, well up to the standard, I feel there is always a room left for development. Hope, you will not be complacent as an editor.
I went through the interview of Rabindra K Swain in your current issue (Jul-Aug 2008) and would like to share my views. In the first question, the interviewer starts explaining to the poet in detail instead of asking the question … While the interviewer mainly asks about the function of poetry, the poet narrates the experience of writing and reading a poem. Swain, it appears from his reply, has not understood the question properly … Swain has tried to use in many places language of others. His answers are neither straight nor to the point …In one place, Agarwal asks “whether literature can fill the moral vacuum in the spiritually degraded contemporary society? Can literature serve as a torch bearer in this blighted age?” What has Swain to say? He starts telling us how Pablo Neruda's poems have gone from personal to universal. … (we all know) all great poems bear that quality … By saying 'Chandrabhaga' (of which he is the Managing Editor) is the single most influential literary magazine, Swain seems to show his arrogance …
Dear editor, I request you to start a fresh column, if you think proper, to debate on the literary situations in our country. I know many writers of our country are indulging themselves in games than concentrating on their creatitivity. That's sad state of affairs … Hope to read better pieces on creativity from Muse India in the months to come.
Shivaji Dhepe, shivaji.dhepe@rediffmail.com Jul 13, 2008
(The feedback had to be edited for brevity. We thank you for your kind words and suggestions. Our effort has always been to present established as well as new voices. As for the interviews, different persons have different ways of expressing themselves. And some interviews are informal and conversational in nature. Views on literary scenario in the country, on which you comment, could vary widely. One can always express one’s opinion in “Your Space” column of the journal. – Managing Editor)
It is with profound sorrow and dismay that I have read in your journal about the death of Dr Bhargavi Rao. She had still a lot of service in her and only she could have rendered it to Telugu and Kannada literatures. I have known her closely for over three decades as one committed to transcreation with unparalleled passion. While much is said about her translations into Telugu, no adequate reference has been made to her translation from Telugu into English. She competently rendered into English "Kitiki Kannu" ("Windowscape") of Seela Veeraraju, to which I had the pleasure of contributing a brief foreword.
May her soul rest in peace! My heartfelt condolences to the members of her family. As I have been away from India, visiting my children in the US, I regret my inability to offer condolences in person.
Prof. S S Prabhakar Rao, Formerly Professor of English, JNTU, Hyderabad
prabhakar_sivudu@yahoo.com Jul 12, 2008
I have gone through the latest edition of Muse India. I wholeheartedly appreciate the efforts put by the editors and the concerned in bringing out such informative pieces rich in variety, newness and from all age groups. Especially I agree with poetry editor Ambika Ananth that Your Space forum is intended to encourage all types of poets or literature creators irrespective of their age, quality or otherwise. Most of us are not Shakespeares as poets or great critics of literature. And there is no standard measure of greatness or otherwise. We must be accommodative and encouraging to all of us. Works of many of us may not be printed at all and hence reach a wider audience. That does not mean that they lack in quality or beauty. After all beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. I specially appreciate Dr Kumarendra Mallick for his efficient and patient work and gentle and encouraging comments. All of us are, though not mediocre, "average" in our creations. I wish Your Space continues to be all-welcoming.
What is disheartening to a writer is not to have any feedback from readers, good, bad, or otherwise. Rarely do I see a comment written on fiction pieces. I always wondered what that means.
"Stepping Up" by Vinayak Varma has to be acknowledged for its great surrealistic technique, an unusual occurence in Indian writing. It's like asking people to appreciate a Piccasso painting where they expect to see a Renoir. Lot of readers focus on the plot and move on when reading a story. The sentence structure, the believability of the events, and the sense of humor built into the story are amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story. I hope and pray that Mr. Varma would have a great writing future.
Dr Suseela Ravi, Bangalore panda_ravi@yahoo.com Jul 11, 2008
I regret to learn that Dr. Bhargavi Rao is no more. My heart-felt condolences to the bereaved family.
Manu V Devadevan, Bangalore mahaparva@gmail.com Jul 8, 2008
Although I didn't know Dr Bhargavi Rao personally, I felt very sorry hearing that someone who contributed to Muse India in giving its present shape, is no more with us.
Gorima Basu, UK gorima_basu@yahoo.co.in Jul 8, 2008
I have browsed through the recent edition of Muse India. Read the two pieces about Bhargavi. I am still not able to reconcile that she's not around. Didn't read further.
Dr Jayashree Mohanraj, Hyderabad jayashreemraj@gmail.com Jul 9, 2008
Heartfelt condolences
Dr Bhargavi Rao's sad demise during May, 2008 is truely a loss to the Telugu Literature. To many of her friends and well-wishers, this loss is irreparable. My acquaintance with her is short-lived. It is through one of her letters to Chandur's JAGRUTHI - where she spoke of her childhood days at Chennai and of her association with Radio Tatayya (Sri M Umamaheawara Rao). To this letter of hers, I responded giving more details of Radio Tatayya and promptly came her reply in her beautiful handwriting. Although we were scheduled to meet in Hyderabad, unfortunately this meeting did not take place. Later, when I was in UK and she in the USA last year, our correspondence had again ushered in through e-mails. When, again I sent her an e-mail on my way to USA during last week, reply came from her sister conveying to me the sad news of her demise. The tributes paid to her by many of her friends in the current issue of Muse India have prompted me to write these few words. May her soul rest in peace!
I am shocked at the news of Dr. Bhargavi Rao's sudden demise. She had promised to give me an interview. My condolences on the passing away of this great scholar of Literature in India.
Dear Surya,
It so happened that the present issue was delayed by a couple of days. Don't you think that it is not due to any unavoidable circumstances, but due to the shock the journal received by the sudden demise of Professor Bhargavi Rao, one of its Founders? After going through the condolence messages and the interview by Ambika, I feel so devastated. I have hardly entered into the new ocean you have created with the latest issue of Muse India. The messages on 'Your Space' and here in 'Feedback' assure me that "in small (and loving) measures life can perfect be." After meeting Sujatha Gopal, I feel very sorry that I couldn't meet noble Bhargavi Rao in person.
Kumarendra Mallick, Hyderabad, mallik_ku@yahoo.com Jul 7, 2008
(As you say, all of us in Muse India are still reeling under the impact of losing Dr Bhargavi Rao. I also take the opportunity of thanking all the members for their condolence messages. - Managing Editor)
My deepest condolences on the sudden demise of Dr. Bhargavi Rao. It's an irreparable loss, but she shall be remembered for the great works she has done!!!
Dr. Kanwar Dinesh Singh, Editor: Litcrit India & Hyphen, Shimla
This is to offer my condolences for the loss of Bhargavi Rao. Regards,
R. Uma Maheshwari, Hyderabad umamaheshwari_1999@yahoo.com Jul 6, 2008
Sorry to hear about the death of Dr. Bhargavi Rao... May God give peace to the departed soul ...
Dhiren Avashia, Ahmedabad Jul 6, 2008
Very sorry to hear about Dr. Bhargavi Rao. My condolences to you all at Muse India. May it continue to go from strength to strength. All good wishes,
Anupa Lal, New Delhi anupalal@gmail.com Jul 6, 2008
Please accept my deepest condolences on the death of Dr Bhargavi Rao.
Srividya Sivakumar, Coimbatore bookofpoetry@gmail.com Jul 6, 2008
I express my sincere condolence on the demise of Dr. Bhargavi Rao and I join every one of the Muse India family to pray God Almighty to rest her soul in peace.
Dr. V. Vinod Kumar, Annamalainagar, TN drvvinodkumar@yahoo.com Jul 6, 2008
It was sad news indeed (about Bhargavi Rao). I communicate my deep condolences. May God bless her soul with peace.
Uday Prakash, Ghaziabad udayprakash7@hotmail.com Jul 6, 2008
Received your mail just now. I was a student of Dr Bhargavi Rao. I am shocked to know of her sudden demise. Thank you for informing.
Kalyan Chakravarthy, Hyderabad tkchakravarthi@gmail.com Jul 6, 2008
It is a great tribute you have paid to Dr Bhargavi Rao by including three write-ups on her in the present issue. She was a friend of many and foe of none. She brought cheer into the hearts of all her friends and it is indeed sad that she should not be with us today. May her sould rest in peace.
Dr S Mohanraj, Hyderabad mohanrajs1@rediffmail.com Jul 5, 2008
Please accept my deepest condolences on the sudden demise of the founding Editor.
Shaleen Kumar Singh, Budaun, UP drshaleen111@yahoo.co.in Jul 5, 2008
We condole the sad demise of Dr Bhargavi Rao garu.
Dr T S Chandramouli, Hyderabad tscmouli@hotmail.com Jul 5, 2008
I am very sorry to hear the sad news about Dr. Bhargavi Rao.
Mamang Dai, New Delhi mamangdai@hotmail.com Jul 5, 2008
The loss (of Bhargavi Rao) is painful but may God grant us forbearance.
Dr V V B Rama Rao, New Delhi vvbramarao@yahoo.com Jul 5, 2008
Tearful adieu to Dr. Bhargavi Rao! Though Fate could still her vibrant heart, it still vibrates in millions of hearts! Tributes to the great daughter of India by Sujatha Gopal, Ambika Ananth and V. Nagalakshmi are worth reading.
Was quite shocked to hear about Dr Bhargavi Rao. I had known her quite well. It is good that two of her close associates have paid written tributes to her. Regards,
Prof Udaya Narayana Singh, Director, CIIL, Mysore unsciil@yahoo.com Jul 5, 2008
It is really a shocking news that Dr Bhargavi Rao has passed away. I can do nothing to lessen the sufferings of the bereaved family except send my condolences. Regards,
Tayenjam Bijoy Kumar Singh, Imphal bijoytay@yahoo.co.in Jul 5, 2008
We offer our tribute to Dr. Bhargavi Rao, the founder editor of the journal.
Dr Harekrishna Meher, Bhawanipatna, Orissa meher.hk@gmail.com Jul 5, 2008
Dipnarayan Mitholia's (1917-2003) 92nd birth anniversary passed in June unceremoniusly. He ably translated many Bengali short stories and novels by eminent authors into Hindi. He is a pioneer in popularising Rabindrasangeet (songs written and composed by Tagore) among nonengali audience. He translated Rabindrasangeet both into Hindi and Urdu.
Please give us a cover story on Puroshattam Lal, poet, critic, transcreator of The Mahabharata (Sanskrit) into English, Hindi, and Punjabi texts.
(Thanks for sharing details about Dipnarayan Mitholia's work. We can consider featuring Prof P Lal and publishing his work if we receive suitable submissions. - Managing Editor)
Glad to see your website "Muse India" forming e-journal for popularisation of various literatures in English. Hearty thanks for your active endeavours. I am a writer and translator in Sanskrit, English, Hindi, Oriya and Koshali languages. In future I would like to send some of my articles for posting on your site.
Please keep up the literary programmes enthusiastically value-based and beneficial to the society at large. With best wishes,
Dr Harekrishna Meher, Bhawanipatna, Orissa meher.hk@gmail.com Jun 19, 2008
It was extremely sad & shocking to know about the sudden demise of Prof. Bhargavi - loss for both the creative & academic fraternity.
Prof. Laksmisree Banerjee, Jamshedpur laksmisree@hotmail.com Jun 15, 2008
There are some authors in Bengali like Nabarun Bhattachaya, Bhagiratha Mishra, Debesh Roy, Amar Mitra and others who do not follow the conventional mode of writing. Please focus on them.
Niamul Hossain Mallick, Burdwan, West Bengal niamulmullick@yahoo.co.in Jun 8, 2008
(We will be happy to receive English translations of their work for consideration of publication. - Managing Editor)
This is rather a request from an M.Phil. student. I am working on the novels - 'The Better Man', 'Ladies Coupe' and 'Mistress' of Anita Nair. My area of focus is Transgression and Identity-formation in the novels of Anita Nair. It would indeed be very kind of you if you could guide me towards any criticism or review towards this angle or on this author. Thanks in anticipation.
Jalaja Nair, Mumbai mailtojalaja@rediff.com Jun 4, 2008
(We'll try to circulate this in the literary circles and hope someone who has worked in this area to help you. - Managing Editor)
North East is not only associated with militancy, good literature is being produced from this part of thecountry. Two fine books to be published recently are: 'Monsoon Mourning' by Monalisa Changkija and 'A Terrible Matriarchy' by Easternine Iralu. The first one is a collection of poems and the second is a story. Please focus on the literature from the North East.
Reader details not given (It is requested that these details be provided to enable us to publish feedbacks.)
(Nov-Dec 2007 issue of Muse India had focus on Manipuri poetry and Jan-Feb 2008 issue on literatures of Assam, including some of the minor languages. - Managing Editor)
Dr Bhargavi Rao passes away
We regret to record that Dr Bhargavi Rao, Professor (Retd), Department of English, Osmania University, Hyderabad passed away on 23 May 2008 due to a cardiac arrest. She was a multilingual writer and an award-winning translator. Her translation of Girish Karnad's plays from Kannada into Telugu won her the Sahitya Akademi Translation Award (1995). She was one of the founder editors of 'Muse India' and her profile can be seen at www.museindia.com/mdisedit.asp?id=5. More details on her can also be read at
The poet Homi Framroze captured in words an amazing humanitarian moment. A Palestinian mother lapped an Israeli soldier. Sabash!! That's why the world is still moving! That's why poets are great!
J.T.Jayasingh, Kerala jtjayasingh@gmail.com May 26, 2008
I went through Muse India just today. I congratulate all the winners and congratulate Muse India for its worthwhile initiatives.
Latha Ramakrishnan ramakrishnanlatha@yahoo.com May 12, 2008
Could you please tell me how to download the issues to my computer to read at leisure, without having to be connected online and also to have the pleasure of forwarding to friends / relatives so that they can also enjoy the e-journal. Each issue is priceless.
G N Bhaskar, Secunderabad bhaskargn@rediffmail.com May 11, 2008
(You cannot download an entire issue. However, you can mail individual items -articles, poems, etc. - to your friends, or even yourself, by using "Mail to a friend" facility available on top right corner of the starting page. Best way to help others enjoy Muse India is to ask them to visit www.museindia.com. - Managing Editor)
I simply melt while reading Sitakant Mahapatra's poem 'Kargil Returned'. May be a small sacrifice for the country but a big personal loss which can never be corrected - well captured in words.
Reader details not given
(The person who has submitted this feedback may kindly provide details of name, place and email address. We have mentioned quite often that without these basic details it becomes difficult for us to publish the feedback. In
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