FEEDBACK
Eclectic collage of talent
Thank you for the superb event and the brilliant eclectic collage of people and talent it drew. Thank you also for inviting me and letting me have the opportunity to share my work with such a keen and perceptive audience. It was through and through a job well done and I look forward to more.
Navkirat Sodhi, New Delhi navkirat@gmail.com Jan 26, 2012 |
Thanks for time and space for Germany
Dear Surya: I join in with Monika and the entire Team GZ HYD (to express) that it has been great working with you, Vijay and others on the HLF 2012. Thank you for having us as the featured nation, giving us time, space, slots and significance during the three day festival. It was indeed a success and a big event that fell into place as planned and everything working out just fine. Glad to have been a part of it.
Hearty congratulations to both you and Vijay for swinging this mega event - I believe the second edition has been successful and one feels Hyderabad can actually become a significant player in the literary world. Thank you, best cheer,
Amita Desai, Director, Goethe-Zentrum, Hyderabad amita.desai@goethe-hyderabad.com Jan 26, 2012
(Thank you Amita for your warm words. You and the entire G-Z team worked very hard all the way with us. We cannot adequately express our gratefulness. We look forward to your continued support for the future editions of HLF. - GSP Rao) |
Well known literary personalities graced the festival
Prof Vijay Kumar, I wish to convey my appreciation and congratulations to you and other active members of Muse India, for the grand success of Hyderabad Literary Festival, held last week. I can imagine the enormous work and sustained efforts that went into organizing such an event, right from envisaging, planning, getting sponsorships, pooling funds, coordination and successful execution. It was nice that quite a few very well known literary personalities graced the festival. All of you have worked very hard for past 8-9 months. The venue being far away added to your hurdles. On the whole, a successful achievement you all can be proud of. Please convey my good wishes to every one involved. Wishing Muse India much more prominence and your team many more laurels and successes in future. With regards
G V Subba Rao , Puttaparthi sai_gauravaram@yahoo.co.in Jan 25, 2012
(Thanks, Mr Subba Rao, for your warm words. Thank you for the help you extended at the Registrations counter at the festival. - Managing Editor) |
Mark Tully
Dear Surya, Thank you very much for your mail. Unfortunately, Mark Tully still has the same problem, and so he had to cancel all his other engagements, including Jaipur, as well, and is very, very fed up about it. However, all Dthe doctors say that this is a phase that will pass, and we are just waiting for it to (happen). We were bitterly disappointed not to come to Hyderabad, but very glad to hear everything went so well.
All best wishes for future success.
Gillian Wright, New Delhi markandgilly@gmail.com Jan 24, 2012
(Dear Ms Gillian Wright, we are sorry to note that Mr Mark Tully hasn't recovered yet. This should certainly be a passing phase as the Doctors say. We wish him a quick recovery to his normal health. We missed both of you at the festival. Warm regards. - GSP Rao) |
Thank you very much for your message, and congratulations for the success of the Festival. It seems to me that the Festival has really taken off. Everyone was pleased with the programme and the quality of the sessions.
I missed many interesting sessions, and the evening of dance and thumri. Despite my tight schedule, due to the preparations of AF shifting, I could make it for the session with Meitim Conolly and Robert Bohm, and that was most enjoyable.
Looking forward to meeting you soon, Best regards,
Jean-Manuel Duhaut, Director, Alliance Francaise, Hyderabad directeurafhyderabad@gmail.com Jan 23, 2012 |
Was a pleasure
Thanks, Surya. It was indeed a pleasure to be at Hyderabad. You took such great care of us. Yes, I have some suggestions to make the Fest even more impactful. Let's remain in touch. I have written about you (and Muse India) in my column (in Mail Today).
Pavan K Varma, Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, Thimpu pavankvarma@hotmail.com Jan 23, 2012
(Thank you, Mr Varma for your kind words. We greatly appreciate your comments on Muse India's work in your weekly column. We look forward to your suggestions on the festival. Warm regards - GSP Rao) |
Thank you for the wonderful opportunity you afforded me by enabling me to participate in my first literary festival. It was a wonderful event and the discussions by various writers provided ample food for thought. Also, the opportunity I had to read out my poetry to an audience was something I will always cherish. Please do convey my heartfelt gratitude to the moderator of the session, Mr. Angshuman Kar.
He was very encouraging and his kind words soothed my nerves before the session began.
Amrita Nair, Chennai amrita.aug20@gmail.com Jan 23, 2012 |
Thank you. It was a pleasure to come, and it was a great show. Hope to stay longer next time (just got back from a one day sortie to Jaipur and am leaving for SF tonight).
Vamsee Juluri juluri@usfca.edu Jan 22, 2012 |
It was such a pleasure to attend the festival. Thank you so much for everything - the hospitality and the warmth. I had a memorable time. I only wish I had had some time to interact with you but you were understandably busy. I do hope we will have occasion to interact in the future.
K Srilata, Chennai srilata.k@gmail.com Jan 22, 2012
(Thanks for your kind words. I look forward to interacting with you in future. - Managing Editor) |
I enjoyed attending HLF 2012. I felt it was both inspiring and motivating and I look forward to attending your next festival
Sudha Balagopal, USA sudha_sethu2003@yahoo.com Jan 22, 2012 |
Witnessing creativity continuing
Members of Muse India team from Hyderabad have worked much harder and more effectively than the outsider editor like me. The festival was a success. After participating in several festivals one learns many things and not to expect large crowds is one of them. What matters is opening up and outgrowing. If one returns from a festival as the same person the failure may be with the person or the event, often the former. HLF helped several to enlarge their receptivity, inspired many and provided fresh energy to a person like me. Meeting young people with creative vitality makes me realise many possibilities that were not explored. Seeing their achievements is a satisfaction that many new dimensions are explored from where we left off. There can be no greater joy in life than witnessing the mysterious process of creativity continuing. One lives with that hope and faith. That hope was not belied in Hyderabad. What greater success can be imagined?
Personally for me renewing the friendship with Adil, meeting Meena Alexander, interacting with Telugu writers, sharing with Anindita, Sagarika, Ajay and other bright young writers, conversing with Sukrita, Charanjeet and other fellow editors, watching the sincerity and industriousness of Vijay Kumar, Atreya Sarma, Mallik and several dedicated individuals, reviving Gujarati connection with Amita and enjoying superb hospitality flowing in the glasses and spreading of colorful flavours on the plates, the cool breeze, soft sunshine, flowers, birds, green grass were a life time lived. What more can one ask?
Thank you again.
Dileep Jhaveri, Thane dileepjhaveri@aol.in Jan 22, 2012
(Dear Dr Dileep Jhaveri, thank you for the wonderful sentiments so beautifully expressed. - Managing Editor)
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Fabulous event
It was a fabulous event and I am proud and happy to be invited there. The ambience was very good and I liked it very much. I met so many persons and interacting with them was an added pleasure. I will not forget the experience. With Best Regards,
Mandakranta Sen, Kolkata mandakrantasen@yahoo.co.in Jan 22, 2012 |
Efficient management
I (have returned) with fond memories of HLF. Kudos to you and Prof Vijay Kumar, and the rest of the Muse India team, for working so hard to make the event a success. What I liked the most was the quiet efficiency with which things were managed, a few hiccups notwithstanding (inevitable when so many writers converge at one place & in an event of this scale). The modesty of the organizing team didn't go unnoticed.
I enjoyed the readings, the chats with fellow writers, Taramati Baradari itself, the weather, the food and the experience of 'performing' in a literary festival. I came away with new friendships and a sense of community with other writers, important for someone working in the corporate sector. If I am invited again to HLF, you can count on me to drop by to do my bit by way of reading my works. I will try my best to be there.
Publishing the proceedings is a wonderful idea. I was planning to write in with the same suggestion. Glad to know that this will happen. It may also be a good idea to upload the videos of the readings on Youtube to spread the word. Some of my friends had asked for the video so looks like there is a real need out there for people to 'see' the written word in action.
MK Ajay, Malaysia ajaymk1@rediffmail.com Jan 22, 2012 |
Thanks. May HLF grow like a movement. Regards,
Prof. Udaya Narayana Singh, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Visva-Bharati unsciil@yahoo.com Jan 22, 2012 |
It was good to be be in Hyderabad again and take part in the festival. So many memories in the city. With my best wishes.
Meena Alexander meena.alexander@gmail.com Jan 21, 2012 |
HLF has grown in stature
Congratulations on the successful completion of another edition of the Literary Festival. The Festival and you have grown in stature and catapulted you into a different league. I am so happy that I was there to witness this. I liked the ambience of Taramati and though I understand its unsuitability from a transport convenience perspective, it has many elements such as informality, homeliness and space-iness that augurs well for such a festival of minds. I am hoping that you will be able to leverage the interest and press coverage this edition has brought to the HLF to take it beyond what the JLF is today.
Rajnikant Rao, Mumbai rajnikantmrao@gmail.com Jan 21, 2012 |
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for a stupendously successful HLF 2012. I enjoyed every bit of it, the reading and attending. Perhaps for the coming year, other than reading, I'd like to also be in a panel, especially if you concentrate on new writers or Northeastern writers. But what a grand festival really! We all returned with pleasant memories. Best wishes,
Nabina Das, Bangalore nabinamail@yahoo.com Jan 21, 2012 |
Mesmerising venue
Thanks for inviting us to HLF 2012. It was really a wonderful experience!! The venue, though away from the city, was mesmerizing!! We had, however, extreme difficulty in catching a taxi on the day we returned. The cab that we had booked, did not turn up! Then somehow we managed to get an auto. We had some trouble too with the train.I came home last night around 10.30. The train was abnormally late! What to do! Part of one's life these hazards are.
Congratulations again for a very successful HLF 2012!!!! Looking forward to future editions of HLF.
Angshuman, Burdwan angshus@gmail.com Jan 21, 2012 |
Encourages serious creative activities
Many thanks for your mail and indeed many many thanks for putting the wonderful lit fest together. Yes, the lessons will be learnt but I have no doubt that this kind of a programme which included discussions, readings and awards for poetry and translation etc, will go a long way in encouraging serious creative activities in the country. I wish you all the best and hope that you and your team will be able to sustain your enthusiasm and commitment for such ventures. Warmly,
Sukrita Paul Kumar, Delhi sukrita.paulkumar@gmail.com Jan 20, 2012 |
Taramati Baradari a perfect venue
Dear Surya Rao, I was happy with every aspect of the festival and my stay was very comfortable. I think I can speak for some other writers too when I say that you and your team looked after us very well. I myself wasn't disappointed by the low turn-out at some events and I hope such a possibility won't be a major factor in deciding on next year's venue. I thought your choice of the Taramati cultural complex was perfect.
With my best wishes, and thank you again for inviting me. I learned a lot.
Adil Jussawalla, Mumbai jussawalla.adil@gmail.com Jan 20, 2012 |
A great event, well accomplished! Although I was not a part of it this time due to my absence (being away in the USA) I appreciate all that you have done. It would have been an arduous task to please so many persons at the same time. Vijaya and I wish to congratulate you on this. A great show... Best regards.
Kumarendra Mallick, Hyderabad kumar.muse@yahoo.com Jan 20 |
Rigour and passion in discussions
Indeed I enjoyed my participation in HLF, not just because I could see you all in person but also because this facilitated several discussions on great variety of literary issues with a rigour and passion that remained mostly absent on emails or Facebook. It's heartening when your opinions, be it on translation or poetry, hold quite some value to audience and fellow poets. I am quite grateful to you for making this possible for me.
Hemang Desai, Vallabh Vidyanagar hemangde@yahoo.com Jan 20, 2012 |
Thank you for your kind invitation to participate at the Hyderabad Literary Festival. It was certainly a remarkable experience. With best wishes
Vidya Rao, New Delhi vidyarao19@gmail.com Jan 20, 2012 |
It was a pleasure to be there at the Litfest. Warm regards,
Amish Tripathi, Mumbai amish.tripathi@gmail.com Jan 20, 2012
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Congratulations on a successful conference! I could meet a number of friends and colleagues at Taramani Baradari I thank you for invitiong me.
Prof E Nageswara Rao, Hyderabad eleswarapun@gmail.com Jan 20, 2012
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Books Arrived Very Late
Oh how sad they (books sent from the US to be available at HLF) came on the last day!! We had about 60 people in our reading and so many people were asking for my books-- well, next time I will have to bring them myself. Thank you so much for all the work on the festival, it was really a lovely experience.
Dr Kazim Ali kazim.ali@oberlin.edu Jan 20, 2012
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Mesmerising Performance by Ananda Shankar!
Million thanks for organizing such a beautiful event. Everything at HLF 2012 went off well. The venue Taramati Baradari was suitable for such an event though it was 'far from the maddening crowd'. Hope next year more number of buses can be arranged to attract more people. School, college and university students and teachers need to be encouraged through media, or any other suitable mode of communication, to be a part of such festival.
Personally I felt privileged to meet a large number of writers on a common platform. It is worth mentioning here that the steps taken by MUSE INDIA for preservation and promotion of regional literatures are highly commendable. Institution of various awards is definitely encouraging. The cultural event (Bharatanatyam dance) on Day 2 of the festival by Ananda Shankar was awesome and thrilling. Convey my special thanks to Ananda Shankar and her team for such a lively and wonderful performance! I was mesmerized by the performance.
May God bless you for all your future endeavours!
Pramod K Das, EFLU, Hyderabad pramodkdas11@gmail.com Jan 20, 2012
(Thanks Mr Das for your warm words, good wishes and suggestions. Your appreciation of Ananda Shankar’s performance has been conveyed to her. – Managing Editor) |
Congratulations on a successful conference! I could meet a number of friends and colleagues at Taramati Baradari. I thank you for inviting me.
Prof E Nageswara Rao, Hyderabad eleswarapun@gmail.com Jan 20, 2012 |
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A Remarkable Experience
Thank you also for your kind invitation to participate at the Hyderabad Literary Festival. It was certainly a remarkable experience. With best wishes.
Vidya Rao, New Delhi vidyarao19@gmail.com Jan 20, 2012 |
Rigour and passion in discussions at HLF
I enjoyed my participation in HLF. This facilitated several discussions on great variety of literary issues with a rigour and passion that remained mostly absent on emails or Facebook. It's heartening when your opinions, be it on translation or poetry, hold quite some value to audience and fellow poets. I am quite grateful to you for making this possible for me.
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Congratulations for yet another quality issue!
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Upload Awards Photos please
I am hearing a lot about MUSE INDIA AWARDS and about the ongoing Literary Festival at Hyderabad. For those who could not attend & witness the Awards presentation, would it be possible for you to upload photos & prize-winning (incl. consolation)of English poetry for distant viewers & enthusiasts?
(We will upload the news and photos in the News & Events column soon. - Managing Editor) |
Wishing a Humourful 2012!
Dear Editor, I felt elated to know that three of my creative pieces had been featured in the Humour Section of the latest issue of MI, but after a patient wait of a few months, I now feel deflated to observe that not one reader or member of this forum has taken time out to read the painstkingly compiled humour section by Ambikaji. It is really sad to note how we ignore humour in our daily lives and are so busy with our mundane living that we have no time or no inclination to smile ourselves or make others smile. I suggest a suitable Message be posted on YS section inviting readers' attention to this goldmine of humour, meant to make your life worth living. Wishing all the readers of MI a year full of humour and smiles ahead, ie 2012 .Keep smiling.
“Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keeps friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment.” Humor is the tendency to look at things from the mirthful or incongruous side. It is the quality that makes something laughable or amusing. Humor is the ability to perceive, enjoy, or express what is amusing or comical. It is the source of laughter and the catalyst of smiles. Humor is the spark that lights our eyes as well as the cause of tears that never grows old. Humor is a state of mind. Most of us have a tendency to regard a clever sense of humor as the distinction of a person who is good hearted and friendly, someone people feel at ease with. They are "life of the party" we always invite and the co-worker who always has a joke. Everyone has the jocular family member that they always look forward to seeing. We remember the kid in school that always made the class break into laughter. Humor is never forgotten when we reminisce and it is just as amusing as it was the first time. Humor can be used like a sniper's gun, picking people off when they least expect it. When we use humor to hurt, we abuse the fundamental essence of this wonderful gift. We must teach our children the difference between what is funny and what is cruel. A joke is never humorous if it is at the expense of another. Some people use humor to hide from their real emotions. Using humor to help get through the difficult times is a lot different than using humor to hide from them. Hiding behind humor can be a serious problem; it can not be the only way of expressing our emotions. Some of the greatest comedians have been secretly depressed. Using humor as a defense mechanism can be a serious mental health issue. Those who use humor to its best advantage teach others by example. Instead of getting angry when something goes wrong, we should try to look for the humor in the situation. It eases tensions and keeps things in perspective. Humor can energize us when a task has become tedious. Humor can make even the worst of situations tolerable. Humor has been the source of entertainment throughout history. Today humor is practiced in movies, plays, songs, television shows and radio. Humor has brought fame and fortune to those who have mastered its power. Humor is the universal language. Although it is true that different people find humor in different things, we all like to laugh. Humor should be a prerequisite to life's lessons. It helps keep us sane; keeps us from taking ourselves too seriously. It calms our apprehensions and puts life's imperfections into perspective. Humor is the diversion we need to get us through the trials and tribulations of our lives. Humor is the ability to laugh at ourselves and only to laugh with others. Humor is the defining characteristic between the pessimist and the optimist. Humor may be defined as sudden whim, but being whimsical is not all bad. HAPPY NEW YEAR ....
J S Broca, New Delhi jsbroca@yahoo.com Dec 28, 2011
(Thank you, Mr Broca, for another interesting piece on humour! It may not be correct to assume that no one has taken time off to read the feature on humour. It is another matter that none has sent a feedback. With good wishes for a humourful New Year to you too!! - Managing Editor) |
Telugu feast kindles a desire !
Thank you, dear Editors, for first providing a Telugu feast intended primarily for all the world, but also for Telugus! Thanks as well for forwarding my friend Sethu's recommendation that I read the exquisite piece on CiNaaRe by Atreya Sarma garu who has shown his own verse writing abilities while translating Reddy garu. The mere glimpse that we have of the great poet is enough to set us thirsting for more. For the non Telugus (like yours truly), though the sundara telungu cadence is hidden, not only is the beauty of the muse captured and displayed in English; the reader gets in addition a parable in every turn, a brilliant idea in every nook; there are nuts in every bite. Like the pen commiserating with its friend the paper torn and cast away because the writer was not satisfied with what he filled it with! Like the thesis on stable, constant, non-fleeting Time, watching the ephemeral human being performing and fading on its canvas! I am slowly chewing the entire issue and regretting that my many Telugu friends have allowed me to reach the ripe age of 75 without making me read and write the language. Perhaps I can make a start now. Please give me your good wishes. Warm regards.
Dr Partha Desikan, Coimbatore parthadesikan@yahoo.com Nov 25, 2011
(Dear Dr Desikan, we are happy the section on Telugu has appealed to you. Age is no bar to take up learning new languages. We wish you the best. - Managing Ed) |
Rightly said about Humour
Thank you so much. Ambika has rightly drawn attention to our having no time to laugh. Pity, indeed. Whoever has said, “The tragedy of life is not that man dies, but is rather what dies inside him while he lives”, has said just the right thing. All good wishes,
Sharad Chandra sharadchandra9@gmail.com Nov 24, 2011 |
Sanjukta Dasgupta Interview
Dear Prof Sanjukta Dasgupta, Just read your interview in Muse India current Issue (Sep-Oct 2011). Quite illuminating and inspiring for me. The last portion on web journal clears away some of the misconceptions regarding it. But I will quote, when possible, this sentence: "Web journals are the way to go, the untouchable e-journal touches more hearts and minds than the touchable journals that we were accustomed to." Regards
Tarun Tapas Mukherjee ttm1974@gmail.com Oct 21, 2011 |
I congratulate Muse India on carrying excellent information on Sindhi Literature in the current issue. I strongly endorsed Vimmi Sadarangani's statement, in a U.G.C. National Seminar conducted in Anand in September 2011, that more attention needs to be paid as regards Sindhi literature. Yes, we have discussed at length the trauma of partition and the sufferings of all those dislocated. Still, much more is to be done in particular about the dislocated Sindhis and the constructive role played subsequently by them after 1947. There lies true spirit of a democracy. Regards.
T.S.Chandra Mouli,Hyderabad tscmouli@hotmail.com Oct 12, 2011
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I really like the issues. Could I suggest that you include current marginal writings (also in translations)? We may go for a special issue on this soon. Regards,
Dr Jaydeep Sarangi, Kapgari, WB jaydeep_sarangi@rediffmail.com Oct 10, 2011
(Thanks Dr Sarangi for your suggestion. We will certainly consider it. - Mg Ed)
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Thank you Muse India for carrying Ambika Ananth's elegant review of my book of poems A Peace of India: Poems in Transit in the present issue. Yes, I have tried to 'versify the cadence of Indian places' even if I come across as a trifle daunting at times! 'Arsikere Junction,' featured in this volume, is another poem which may appeal as "poetry incarnate." It was written enroute to Bangalore where I dropped anchor at the majestic Ananth residence, on the heels of 2009. The gracious quality of being a host - both literally and poetically - is what is so endearing about Muse India. Thank you for listening to our fleeting voices.
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Guidelines for Submissions of Prose
With reference to your Guidelines for submissions of Prose, I would like to suggest the following in the light of Muse India's standing in the literary circles. Modern Language Association Format or MLA Format (Guidelines available at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/) is a widely recognized format for submission of research papers and citations. As far as the scope of the articles you expect in your journal is concerned, the guidelines are relatively simple to follow.
I guess you don't envisage MI as a Scholarly Journal (as of now) but the adoption of the format helps acceptance of your magazine in literary circles and also acts as an incentive and a testing ground for the budding writers and aspiring young academics for easy familiarization when they become Graduate students in US and other universities. In fact, Graduate Students in Literature from India find it a lot more difficult to publish their papers for two important reasons (i) Indian students are very unfamiliar with the concept of plagiarism. (ii) The format is altogether new, and even after having the best essay at hand, one has to requisition services (sometimes paid) of friends and others to conform it to the required format.
I had a tough time in refuting the accusation of plagiarism of my essay to my Professor and explaining our view of writing an essay. We in India give great credit if a student can quote a lot of text verbatim in the body of his essay, where as in US it will be dubbed as plagiarism outright. There you need give credit to all text quoted in an essay. They admire the way an opinion expressed is substantiated (no matter they may totally disagree with it) rather than an opinion simply parroted from a secondary source. I am sure your journal will help cultivate that habit of giving rational and responsible opinion by writers on a text quoted. This also cultivates a discipline of reading and distinguishing a responsible text from a purely opinionated one by the reader. That would ultimately enhance the value of your journal.
I would like to add that there is an empty space, in fact a great vacuum, between mundane journals and literary journals in our country. The mundane journals/ magazines are so opinionated that people are conditions to believe what was written on its face value. I have no complaint on this score because it is one's choice to be guided or keep his independence. However, the flip side of it that younger generations fail to grasp the import of such putting faith on the printed word. Their faculties of studied opinion need an outlet, just as evaluating the text on its merits. This breach can only be filled by a semi-literary journal like MI. With best regards,
NS Murty, Bangalore nsmurty4350@gmail.com Sep 13, 2011
(Dear Mr Murthy, thanks for your valuable observations. The guidelines issued by us are based on MLA standard and slightly adapted to meet the needs of a web-journal. We have also confined it to most relevant aspects. We may modify them based on experience. - Managing Editor) |
I thank Surya Rao and Ambika Ananth for uploading the new Guidelines for the submission of Literary Prose articles. I request all contributors to click "Submissions" and familiarise themselves with these and to adhere to them. This will go a long way in working out a standard format for this section and to give it an identity of its own. I may add that Submissions that do not follow these Guidelines will be sent back to the authors for revision. Seeking the co-operation of all Contributors in this endeavour.
Dr Charanjeet Kaur, Thane chiranje_et@yahoo.in Sep 10, 2011
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No Tipping Point Please!
The five stories presented this is month (MI Sept-Oct Issue) are a good fare… with the narrations largely revolving around the pit falls of neglecting home front in a high paid job in “The Accident”, how inadvertently one reaches the Tipping point of ‘depreciation’ from ‘growth’ when confidence is dent in the “Bottled Sky”, living a childhood dream of flying by air in the “Flight of Fantasy”, agony of adaptation to an alien soil reflected in the hypocrisy in the homeland in the “Homing Instinct” and predatory instincts of pickpockets (very much like our politicians olfactory skills of amassing wealth) in identifying soft targets in “The Predators”.
All the stories depict excellent narrative skills, ease of expression and a penchant for contemporary imagery. There are some avoidable tense structures but they are a result of present-tense narration. A story is normally presented in the past tense and I think there are one or two stories of Maugham / Maupassant (?) presented in the present tense … as an exception. That’s an unwritten convention, but it precludes the tense errors that inadvertently creep into the narration… for the simple reason, story is not a running commentary, but an ex post-facto analysis of an event reflected upon. Yet, there are people who experimented with a swapping of tenses in their skills of narration.
“The Accident” makes a presentation of mundane pervert emotions, with a seasoning of lovely observations / comments about life, like…. …“The solitude of the jungle has its own charm”; “evenings are bad times for a lone and poor tourist”; and “he’s certainly one of those big corporate bosses - manicured nails, a wiseacre smile and an unimaginative face” etc., The aberration of emotions depicted at the end of the story is, perhaps, true and the writer wanted to make a statement on current trends of youth’s liberty bordering on libertine. One need not be didactic about what one should do, yet, I would prefer (repeat, I would prefer) inveighing what new angle are we presenting than what is already in the public knowledge, in such presentations. It’s a moot point and there can’t be a final word on such intrigues. However, such content is usually a ‘matter’ of magazines of different ilk (ink, if you prefer).
“Flight of Fantasy” … takes everybody who travelled by air through their maiden voyage. The romance of travelling by air couldn’t have been better written… simple, easy flowing mischievously subjective but truly objective in content … including the struggle to remember the Wright Brothers through science books when the flight takes off into the air and the sudden seizure of fear when the aircraft experiences wobbling due to turbulence and electrical discharge in the cloud currents. I commend Gauri Sood for such a riveting story.
In the “Homing Instinct”, Jayaprakashan Ambali sums up well the essence of dilemmas at the cross-roads of decision making in life …. True. Life is (most) unpredictable and that is the charm of it. We vainly hanker after knowing our future beforehand as if we could redefine it, if it were to be different to our liking. There are two dimensions in the story… a hypocritical running away from the realities and a mature absorption into an alien setting. Except perhaps for the Para “My mum had to adjust ….. I see tremendous research opportunities here” … the writer did not come out of his narration to make his point. Such restraint adds color and impact to the point the writer wants to drive the reader to.
“Bottled Sky” … is perhaps the best of the lot for the metaphor and the message. The images are novel, right from the life and the language is seductively beautiful elegantly enticing. I am afraid that I might have to rewrite the story in quotes, so I refrain. Three cheers to Lata Vijaybaskar.
“The Predators” by Michaela Anchan is a timely warning for the cell-savvy who almost v-lock one of their hands to their ears. Women are soft targets… and the cell-locked call for no skills from the predator for the kill. A very good story.
I congratulate the editor and his team for the good work. Perhaps it helps the literary priorities, if it is not already done, along with editorial policies. Best wishes again,
NS Murty, Bangalore nsmurty4350@gmail.com Sep 9, 2011 |
Well crafted stories
Dear Surya and Atreya, Another wonderful issue! I especially liked the well crafted stories in the young adult section. It would be great to see this as a regular feature in Muse India. Once again, congratulations to all the editors and the contributors.
Rama Shivakumar, Bethesda, MD rama.shivakumar@gmail.com Sep 7, 2011
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Touching accounts of a rich heritage
I read the latest issue of MI, particularly the Editorial and the following article by Menka Shivdasani. Both of them are touching accounts of a rich heritage on the wane. We have appropriated the language of the British but not their spirit for it. They have assiduously collected information about their folklore, recorded the voices, made recordings on wax, created archives and even most celebrated poets were involved in this saga. Systematic dissection of forgery of McPherson (Ossian) and Chatterton by Charles O'Connor and Samuel Johnson with regard to Scottish Folklore apart, there was tremendous interest in searching for the original manuscripts, stories, recordings of their heritage which, in turn, triggered a parallel interest in all countries of Europe. Its influence of the poetic theory behind Lyrical Ballads published by Wordsworth and Coleridge in 1798 is quite remarkable.
We can still take a leaf out of them, and promote such awareness among the literati. With the technological advances, it is perhaps easier now but much of the valuable material might have been lost. We cannot procrastinate the beginning anymore. People should record the stories narrated by their grannies, lullabies, devotional songs, songs sung at marriage and other events etc. scan the books, manuscripts on palm and other leaves etc., scripts, sanctions and orders on copper sheets, calf or goat skin (still covetously) held by some families. This will be the corpus of that language on which people can work. Come together. Exchange stories. find parallels and differences. Correlate and converge to a common ancestry. Go to the roots of Roots.
I sincerely congratulate Shivdasani for the enormous and excellent effort in bringing out this edition.
NS Murty, Bangalore nsmurty4350@gmail.com Sep 7, 2011 |
Malsawmi Jacob has written to me that the photograph of Dr C S Lakshmi and and hers, included in the Conversation, has been taken by Priya D'Souza during the actual conduct of the Interview. Thanks, Priya.
(Credit has now been given under the photo. - Mng. Ed.) |
Conversation with Sanjukta Dasgupta
It is rather unexpected that Muse India 39 was late by few days. I always look forward to the Issue. Of course, there might have bene some unforseen problems. I just went through GSP Rao's excellent interview with our much respected and beloved teacher Prof Sanjukta Dasgupta. It was fascinating to read her comments on being a creative writer and issues relating to women in her work. The interview becomes so much interesting because of her usual sense of humour, especially while referring to the handsomeness of Tagore. I am yet to go through the other articles but of course I would do that as soon as possible.
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Kalamkari Art – A couple of questions
The feature on Kalamkari Art is illumining and it carries an unsaid message that we encourage this unique ancient indigenous art – by patronising their products. This Pen Craft “dates back to the pre-Christian era. The samples of these fabrics have been found in many excavations carried out at several parts of the world like Cairo, Greece, Central Asia and Arabia suggesting an overseas trade,” vide http://www.thechromaacademy.com/kalamkari.asp. That the art of making the fabric involves seventeen painstaking steps speaks of the labours and commitment of the artisans. It is also curious that the motifs have by and large remained Hindu despite the Machilipatnam style having been influenced by the Persian designs during the rule of the Mughals & the Golconda sultanate.
But one aspect has intrigued me: the colour in which some gods are depicted. Our epics and mythology specify that Siva is fair in complexion (karpura-kunda-dhavala = camphor & jasmine-white), only his throat is blue (Neelakantha); Vishnu along with his incarnations of Rama and Krishna is blue-skinned (Meghasyama); Surya is golden hued and effulgent (suvarna-sadrisa and tejaswi). But the Kalamkari gallery, just like many other artists, has shown Siva and Surya as dark; and Vishnu/Krishna as fair.
Next a question on the identity of “Vishnu with consorts.” Here Vishnu is portrayed as having a peacock feather in his crown. But this image is specific to Krishna, the incarnation of Vishnu. Or maybe, since Krishna figures in the 1.000 epithets of Vishnu, this is justified.
I would be glad if some connoisseur enlightens me on the above points.
U Atreya Sarma, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com Jul 28, 2011
(Dear Mr Sarma, though I am not an expert in art to respond to all your questions, I would like to react to just two points. Only certain basic colours are used in Kalamkari due to natural pigments they use. This restriction could be one of the reasons why certain colours have been used for Gods. Each art form has certain style and unique characteristics. As for the image of 'Vishnu with his consorts', we have reproduced it along with the caption as given in Hare Krsna website. As you say, here Krishna could be viewed as an avatar of Vishnu. - Managing Ed) |
Muse India's forays into lesser known literatures
The response, which Issue 38: Jul - Aug 2011 of Muse India, has elicited is very encouraging. The life blood of a journal is the feedback it receives. The fact that the fiction and the poetry sections have come in for appreciation is very heartening and I congratulate Atreya Sarma and Ambika Ananth for their work. To all the contributors to the Issue - nothing would have been possible without your regular submissions. Do keep the Submissions flowing.
I am also very grateful to Dr Dileep Jhaveri and Atreya Sarma for their comments on Menka's Interview, doing which has been an invigorating experience for me. The warmth of her personality and the thoroughness with which she gets down to the task at hand - both aspects have enriched me, and I am sure some of this will surely rub on to the readers. My thanks, to Menka, once again. I am looking forward to her special Issue on Sindhi Literature.
My very sincere appreciation for the Section on Indian Folk Literature and the Feature on Siraiki across India and Pakistan. Congratulations to Jaya Bhattacharji Rose and to the team of Anjali Gera Roy and Nukhbah Taj Langah. A truly cross continental endeavour! Both the sections are a Collector's item each. Incidentally, it was the foray's into the lesser known literatures across India by MI that had first attracted me to this ejournal. Today, I feel privileged to be a part of it.
Charanjeet Kaur, Thane chiranje_et@yahoo.in Jul 24, 2011 |
An excellent story
I am rather a new reader and a late comer to MI. I have been reading poems in the YS for quite sometime, and as I am also interested in short stories I chanced to visit this section and the editorial by Mr Atreya Sarma. I was tempted to read the story "I have also tried" first and I am greatly impressed by the way the story was handled with subtle humor. I know it's really hard to manage a serious subject with an under current of humor and Mr RK ( I take the same liberty as the lady in the story to address him) has acquitted himself well. More important to me, the message (If I got him right)... that obscenity lies in the looks (the way looked) and not in the subject. And I sincerely commend him for the way he came out a plausible reason behind naming of the nudes by MF.
We are victims of our age where bigotry is the mantra for occupying or retaining power. A writer has to think twice before giving a name to the antagonist of his story, for, any semblance of caste would invite the wrath of the community. People can submit to villainy in real life from their caste or community, but not in literature.
Once again, congrats to PK for an excellent story. I would like to know, as an extension, if it is an original or a translation from any language. With best regards,
NS Murty, Bangalore nsmurty4350@gmail.com Jul 23, 2011 |
Menka’s Interview and the Poetry section
The wide range of Menka’s activities becomes easily visible in the focused interview. It is incredible how at a very young age and with little recognition of her poetry she started ambitiously, ‘The Poetry Circle’. This group was to provide a platform for several upcoming poets and give them an opportunity to come face to face with internationally established poets. The slim girl Menka with abundant hair and warm smile was ready with searching questions to the established poets. She was always generous to the young poets, which liberated them from the uncertainties as beginners as well as perky rebelliousness. She also initiated multi-lingual dialogue of which I was also a part occasionally. After she went to Hong Kong, things did change at Poetry Circle but the foundation she laid provided opening to many, to be recognised in India and abroad. Even with merit this is not easy otherwise. Because of her non-assertiveness she has been able to come out with English translation of Sindhi Poetry on Partition that in turn got translated in Marathi and Gujarati. It is very significant that a dying language uprooted from origins and abandoned by its people has a hope to survive and be related to other languages. From the advantageous position of an English writing poet, she has used her resources to save Sindhi language and culture. When she talks about her growth and associations with others and their opinions on her work, an equilibrium could have been created if some of her poems had accompanied the interview. However knowing Menka, I congratulate Charanjeet Kaur for her patience and perseverance.
The poetry section offers a rich variety as promised by Ambika, who understands the challenge of the word that exists differently and separately within the reader. It also metamorphoses at every reading in a good poem and that is how poetry transcends time. In Ankur’s poems sarcasm of youth, compassion for helplessly attacked, derision of hypocrisy mix into surreal pictures of contemporary world reality. ‘Lizzy, My room-mate’ could easily afford a little more length.
In Anuradha’s first poem the act of making pancakes very effortlessly turns into a magic ritual. On one hand the secrets are rolled in and at the same time sweetness rolls out. A trifle brushing of the fingers in the end is the critical point where the poem expands to the origins of poetry-witchcraft, magic and universality. ‘Tramp’ is another good poem where stroke by stroke a painting is created and colours appear and fade. This movement of colours from copper to stained cotton and tactile associations of torn collar nestling in thin dignity of jacket that cannot stretch, lead to lips stretching in the smile of a king. The dance of the pauper king is preordained to be a hobble. An exquisite poem! In the poem ‘Flying back that summer’, 11th line reads ‘and the hills washed back’, could it be ‘watched back’?
Jennifer Anderson is another notable poet. What a powerful start the poem has with the image of ribs stretching across the skin becoming tiger stripes! The poem swings between strength and helplessness, death and birth while remaining committed to life, however rough it may be. ‘The Fever’ is a story in which detail after detail is added and the reader has to search for poetry in this crowding. The end gives the clue- ‘I brush my teeth with a bottle of mango juice.’ The poem has to be re-read from this point and the details fall into a kaleidoscopic pattern. In the 8th line from the last ‘I steel the medicine from her hands’ it should be ‘steal’ in stead.
Kameshwar makes interesting use of vernacular English in ‘ God takes rest’. Rinzu Rajan in ‘My August moon and....’ has excellent imagery with sharp anger. ‘The Nightie Seller’ of Shefali Trivedi Mehta would be a very good poem if trimmed down on the tread-mill of rewriting to eliminate a few details.
Those who anticipated the end of poetry after human cruelty of the wars never realised that new blades of grass will keep growing from the ashes to tell of joys and dreams and sorrows and nightmares again and again.
Dileep Jhaveri, Thane dileepjhaveri@aol.in Jul 22, 2011 |
Feedback on Short Fiction (SF) & Book Reviews (BR)
Ramakrishnan Dorai’s remark of 17th July on the absence of any reader feedback on short fiction is but natural and valid too. In my editorial note of May-June issue I made an appeal to the readers to “post your valuable comments on the stories concerned for a writer needs the oxygen of appreciation from the discerning readership.” As the editor of SF & BR, I personally come to like each and every piece carried in those sections. And my own appreciation is reflected not only in my editorial note but also in the leads that I give the stories. Though I desist from giving my personal feedback on the writes in my section through the ‘Feedback’ column as a matter of editorial etiquette, I have always been offering my comments on one or a few of the other sections to the extent possible.
As regards BR, we felt there was no need for any editorial observations.
Experience demonstrates that absence of feedback doesn’t necessarily amount to non-reading or non-appreciation – for in any paper/magazine/journal the number of responses on a given article/feature is miniscule compared to its circulation/subscribed readership. Also, the very fact that there is no negative feedback is in itself a vindication of the items in the section. Sometimes it also so happens that the items are read from the archives, and then the readers could think that their belated feedback would perhaps lose its sting. Anyways, I make my fervent appeal, once again – this time through this column – to all our readership (especially the senior writers and other members of the editorial team) to spare a little of their time and post their honest & positive feedback – more so as this is a literary journal – where expression, articulation and interaction are the essential lifeline – and in the larger interests of literary promotion.
Atreya Sarma U, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com Jul 17, 2011
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No Feedback!
I was hoping to see some feedback on the fiction writings in museindia, especially because my story "I ALSO TRIED" was published but i guess the members and others who browse the website do not read the these articles or probably have nothing to comment
Ramakrishnan Dorai, Bangalore donag51@gmail.com Jul 17, 2011 |
Indian Folk Literature
The article by GJV Prasad is thought provoking. After all, all of us are folks – with the elite amongst us having sophisticated and classical literature; and the not so educated or unlettered having another genre – called the folk literature. But the purpose, message, and values underlying both of them find a common thread. The European/British exploitative division of the Indians into different races and cultures, as mentioned by him, has, unfortunately, led to divisive theories and they have even gained parochial/inimical prominence. Let’s hope to transcend such tendentious and unfounded theories sooner than later – for a true sense of Indian unity.
Likewise, Nagamani Nanduri’s Gandhari and Kunti, has shown the emulable worth and merit of the doughty women characters in our epics. They were no passive and docile women. Kunti brought up her children without letting them feel even for a moment that they were fatherless. On one count, I am afraid, Nagamani has slipped up. While on Gandhari, she says that “The terrible Kurukshetra war took the lives of her husband and sons…,” whereas the fact is that Dhritarashtra outlived the Kurukshetra war for a long time. Then a few literals have crept in too. “Ghatokgatcha” would have been better spelt as “Ghatotkacha,” and Kunti’s words (I was not hurt… and insulted.) could have been punctuated with quotation marks. So also the sentence “Kunti replied to one of her strongest sons that it is not for kingdom or worldly pleasures; she inspired them to fight but because she did not wanted her sons to lead a life of shame and slavery,” jars with the typos.
Otherwise, the write-up is elucidatory and interesting. And to conclude, one should place on record the yeoman’s service rendered by the late Prof Biruduraju Rama Raju in research, documentation, and preservation of Telugu folk literature. He had extensively travelled every nook and cranny concerned, as a labour of love, to bring to light the richness of Telugu folk arts and literature.
Atreya Sarma U, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com Jul 12, 2011 |
Response to Atreya Sarma’s comments
Dear Atreya Sarmaji, thanks for your perceptive feedback on the poetry section. But I would like to clarify one thing - in my editorial note when I said "despite their varied cramping literary influences and complexity of understanding, readers will have no choice but to like the poems presented here", the word 'complexity of understanding' applies to the 'readers' not to the poems presented. Readers' understanding and other influences and impressions they have will have an indirect / direct influence on their understanding of the poems they read. Hence I said, 'despite their varied cramping literary influences and complexity of understanding, readers will have no choice but to like the poems presented here. "
Thanks and regards,
Ambika Ananth, Bangalore ambika.ananth@gmail.com Jul 10, 2011 |
An appeal to be Positive
Respected Sir:
This is Girish Gogia from Mumbai, India. Seeing the negativity in the world, I consider it my moral responsibility to share my life experiences and motivate people to believe in them and in the Power of Positive Thinking which is my prime motive behind writing this mail.
I have been neck downwards completely paralysed for the past 11 years, inspite of which I haven’t let my spirits dampened. My paralysis never refrained me from being positive and it is this Positive attitude which has lead me to my mission which is To Spread The Power Of Positive Thinking Across The Globe For World Peace.
I was bestowed upon with the prestigious opportunity to address the members of the Rotary Club of Bombay. Watch me deliver my first Motivational Speech Ever At The Taj thus crossing my first milestone in my mission. (The YouTube link of the video of which has been given below) It would fill my heart with eternal happiness if my example would touch a few lives and make a difference in the world.
Unable to move an inch on my own yet I do make a point to go places with the help of my support staff to share my real life experiences on the power of positive thinking with as many people as I can and try my level best to motivate and inspire as many lives as I can. I would appreciate the support of the media to spread the message far and wide. Media being the most powerful medium, it’s my humble request to join hands in my mission to spread the light around us. Now is the time for action, now is the time to light up lives. You are the change, you are the change maker. Regards,
Video of the Motivational Speech at The Taj: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_W5N3AGqIo
The Positive Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7CCaf9nuuk
Girish Gogia, Mumbai mrpositiveindian@gmail.com Jul 8, 2011
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Poetry: An enjoyable melange
The melange of poems poses a “complexity of understanding” (as Ambika suggests) and at the same time offers a variety fare that is enjoyable, again as she assures. While there’s some irresistible gracility, melody, and power - besides rich and evocative imagery - in the poems of Rinzu Rajan; interesting is Delhi as captured by Ankur Betageri in its many facets – a “City whose roads smell of urine and coke.” And amusing is his Lizzie, My Roommate. So also, worth mentioning – from my first phase of reading – are the tongue-in-cheek treatment in Dogs in the city and Girl eating melon (Anuradha Vijayakrishnan); the impishness in Water and Child and the mischievous distinction between fatherly and motherly approach in On Waking up (Jenitha Alphaeus); the keen sense of observation in A Man Takes A Clay Pot Toward the Water…, and the ‘special’ tea in Use the Village Kitchen Alone (Jennifer Anderson); and the wry humour in Stop News or The Hindu Sports Page, and the way the final turn takes in the monologue in When God takes rest (Kameshwar G). My second and final instalment on Poetry would come in a few days.
Atreya Sarma U, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com Jul 7, 2011 |
Remarkable content in Folk Literature feature
Dear Jaya ji, Thanks for sending me the link of this Issue on Indian Folk Literature. It has very remarkable content. I really liked the issue. I would like to contribute, if you plan something like this, in future too. Best wishes,
Dr Badri Narayan Tiwari, Allahabad bntiwari_gbpi@rediffmail.com Jul 5, 2011
(Dear Sir, You have no idea how it delights me to hear that you enjoyed the Issue. I am so very glad. Your article addressed a niche area of folk literature that is not usually heard about. I will certainly keep you posted if we plan further coverage on this theme. - Jaya Bhattacharji Rose) |
Dear Mr Rao, Mrs Ananth, I'm so thrilled and honoured to see my poems in your prestigious journal.
Shefali Tripathi Mehta, Bangalore shefalitripathimehta@gmail.com Jul 3, 2011 |
Dear Surya, Thank you for informing everyone about the regular appearance of Muse India. With best wishes,
Prof Dieter Riemenschneider, Germany tranzlit@iconz.co.nz Jul 3, 2011 |
Thanks for the mail and the info. Good to note that Muse India seems to be growing and flourishing. Oh yes, the rains are here. Wishes and do enjoy the rains.
Dr H Kalpana, Puducherry hkalp@yahoo.com Jul 3, 2011
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Muse India Awards
The National Literary Awards are a step in the right direction. I am equally excited about the Hyderabad Literary Festival scheduled in Jan 2012 and would make every effort to attend. Warm wishes!
Kulpreet Yadav, Ghaziabad kulpreetyadav@gmail.com Jul 3, 2011
(We’ll look forward to meeting you at the Festival. – Managing Editor) |
Sir, I congratulate Muse India for bringing out a wonderful issue on the Folk literature. This is really a nice way to take up this dim (sic) genre and highlight it. I wish all the success! Thanks for sending information about Hyderabad Literary Festival. Looking forward to the Festival.
I want to suggest that an Issue of Muse India should be dedicated to urban issues and literature. Warm regards
Bhavesh Kumar, Hyderabad bhaveshkumar11@gmail.com Jul 3, 2011
(Thanks, Mr Bhavesh Kumar for your suggestion. We'll give a serious thought to it. - Managing Editor)
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Age bar for MI Award is unfair
Dear Surya, I am very sorry to tell you that forgetting "old is gold", you have limited the age for the Muse India National (Young Writer) Literary Award. In future organise the competition open to all age groups. Thank you. Kind regards,
Kavi Akbardeen, Pandaravadai, TN kaviakbardeen@yahoo.co.in Jul 3, 2011
(Dear Mr Akbardeen, every award has a certain aim. The Young Writer award instituted by us seeks to spot and encourage exceptional talent among young writers. We will keep your suggestion in mind in case we introduce more awards. There are awards of other institutions where such age bar is not there. – Managing Editor) |
A Treat!
Dear Surya, I woke up this morning to see the final version of the feature on Siraiki and it was such a treat!
I appreciate your holding the issue in order to insert an appropriate picture and the song links to the legendary Pathanay Khan (not being able to listen to him would have been a real loss to readers) and for seeking permissions for photos. This painstaking work makes Muse very special.
In the hurried mail exchanges, I have not had the time to thank you properly for everything you have done to let this feature go in the July-August issue.
Dr Anjali Gera Roy, Germany anjali@hss.iitkgp.ernet.in Jul 3, 2011
(Thanks Dr Anjali. We greatly appreciate the effort you and Dr Nukhbah have put in the feature on Siraiki and the links to the memorable songs. – Managing Editor) |
Looks great!
The website is looking great. I am travelling and just managed to see it. I loved it! Many congratulations! I am feeling so pleased with the final version of Siraiki feature. Best wishes,
Dr Nukhbah T Langah, Lahore dr.n.lit@gmail.com Jul 3, 2011 |
Conversation with Menka Shivdasani – a sumptuous fare
Menka’s poetic journey underlines the need for enormous – even years-long patience – to come up with a settled version of a poem as well as the benefit of group interaction to aspiring poets.
That Menka’s poetry was even represented into a Kuchipudi dance is a reconfirmation of the symphonic unity between muse, music and dance. In Hyderabad we have a great artist, Kuchi, who while listening to a devotional song spontaneously translates it into an evocative picture and with a due flourish of colours too. By the time the song comes to a close, he will have given his last finishing touch with aplomb.
Menka’s unwillingness to come under labels of any kind, the distinction she makes between journalism and poetry, her concern for women, and her rebuttal of the various criticisms of her poetry will be well appreciated.
Regarding her claim that “…at 16, I knew everything there was to know about the world,” I opine that she could have perhaps qualified it as “at 16, I thought I knew everything…,” for she is speaking of her teenage perception, in retrospect.
The “cultural amnesia” – as a stratagem for “survival strategy” - that she alludes to, is, paradoxically, a boon to our rulers without farsightedness. In such a dismal scenario, the demand for inclusion of “Partition literature” as a compulsory reading in the educational curriculum would just remain a dream. It’s an excruciating revelation that the victimised Sindhi community has been permanently separated from their homeland unlike the Punjabis and the Bengalis who on both sides have their portion of homeland to live in.
Menka did well to ignore Dom Moraes’s (silly and circumscribed) advice that she “should never marry” if she “was serious about writing.”
By the way, interviewer Charanjeet’s “personal belief that for the artist the joy of creation far exceeds the pain of the experiences depicted” is an interesting observation. And if the pain of the experiences takes the lion’s share, then perhaps one would turn into a social activist.
Menka’s answers are engagingly and effectively comprehensive for a perspective of her creative life. And kudos to Charanjeet for having made it possible.
Atreya Sarma U, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com Jul 3, 2011 |
Kalamkari Art in focus
I just loved the art gallery focus on Kalamkari. Thats the feature I turned to when I opened the Muse India site. The reason being - on a visit to Sri Kalahasti many years ago, we searched out and found, after a lot of asking around, the small village where Kalamkari was being done. It was strange to see that most people were unaware of the art and the artists. We spoke to some of the artists and saw their work too. It is great that Muse India brings their contribution to the fore.
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A Collector's Piece
The July-August number is a collector's piece! How do you manage to collect so much of exquisite material and present it beautifully in one single issue? Editorial, focus on folk literature, Gallery featuring 'Kalamkari' are superb. I have yet to read the conversation and other material. Thank you.
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Muse India is enriching and rejuvenating
Reading just a single issue of Muse India one gets enriched in myriad ways. A kind of humility sets in when so many writers are operating at multiple and amazing levels. The editors also undertake their mission to bring in a variety while discovering the esssence within. I am writing at the end of the month before the new issue brings once more an occasion to keep exploring.
Charanjeet Kaur in her comments on Kavery Namibisan and Sukrita Paul reaches the essence. Nowhere she is presumptuous or assertive. As a good editor, instead of displaying her worth she reveals the worth of the contributor.
Sukrita Paul gives a mature and important response to the fundamental questions put to her by the sensitive and discerning interviwer. Clarity, directness and an absence of academic jargon are evident. Behind these is sincerity and commitment to human relationship and equality of gender. She has an extensive knowledge of Urdu writing in the subcontinent. She has a candid perception of poetic process with unambitious modesty in spite of several achievements. Her suggestion for more translations is to the point and should be implemented.
Kavery Namibisan is an interesting person to listen to. Her explicity is in the tradition of Thoreau and Gandhiji. The important thing she says is, 'I struggle to hit the right tone of voice.' Life has many voices and if she would read more writers than she has mentioned it will reveal how exacting are the demands Muse makes on the aspirant. The whole interview flows unobtrusively.
Reading all this makes the blood flow fast and the rusting brain is rejuvened.
With much happiness
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Thank you so much for emailing latest issues of museindia. I have not been keeping good health for several months now. That is the reason I was not able to send my poems, comments etc. I am okay now. I compliment you and your editorial team for bringing out excellent issues meant to enrich humanity. I will be glad to be of any help in your endeavours to unite literautre.
(Thank you, Mr Srivastava for your kind words. We are glad you are keeping good health now. - Managing Editor) |
Your Space in Muse India
Dear Chief Editor, More than a year back I had come across one American site where it was compulsory to read & comment on atleast two poems for every submission! They also encouraged reading of atleast one poem every week even if one did not post a poem! Of late some of us have noticed that there are more writers (in 'Your Space') than readers! I suggest that for better response to our site you may like to consider such an option for the future! I had posted around a dozen poems on that American site & also got good response! I left that site because some of our poems were being truncated and changed at random! When I complained, that youngster said that he financially supports that site & has been given a free hand by the owner, a Lady, who never posted anything herself ! With best wishes,
(The objective of starting 'Your Space' was to provide a platform for writers - particularly the young and uninitiated - to share their work and gain experience. It is good to see even senior writers participate in it. With increasing number of posting in YS now, we believe our objective is being served. Other sites may have their own agendas. While thanking you for your suggestions - which will certainly get our consideration - imposing conditions of the kind you mention could pose administrative difficulties. However, we will certainly feel happier if members take more interest in postings by others and have increased interaction. - Managing Editor) |
Food in Indian Literature
Shweta Rao holds out a much bigger reason to read all those who have ‘thought for food’ in Muse India : ‘The images of food scattered in literatures from India have different stories to tell about the subcontinent – of surpluses and of starvation, of the feeders, the eaters and the consumed.’ And I began reading interview of Esther David to satisfy my curiosity on what she has to tell about the ‘surpluses and of starvation’ in Gujarat, the land she has been living in all these years. But all I learnt is ‘the noted writer Esther David remarks that she uses food in her fiction to preserve Jewish heritage in India.’ And she admits, 'I was already known as Jewish writer after the publication of The Walled City.’ And not an Indian writer or a Gujarati writer writing in English !
Alas, It is left for the language writers like Pannalal Patel (‘Manavi ni bhawai’ ) to give a thought to the famine-stricken adiwasis of Gujarat! It was difficult to agree with you, Shweta, but you made a point to ponder : ‘... writing about food is definitely one of the most effective ways to comment on the sexual, social, ethnic or (trans)national identity of the author and to some extent of the corresponding community.‘
Neerav Patel, Ahmedabad neerav50@yahoo.co.in May 17, 2011 |
No Indian flavour in Mango Moons
The small write-up was indeed alluring and I particularly liked the following passage: ‘Mango is our national fruit and in Chennai where I grew up, we have mango trees almost in every house. May is the month when we see the most temptingly green mangoes, hanging from trees. On a full moon night, each hanging mango takes on a sheen and lushness that is beyond description. Each poem here is such a mango . . . to be enjoyed and relished.‘ And I did exactly as per her prescription to relish on those lush-green ‘mango moons’: ‘If you want to relish, savour the rasa of each poem chosen for you here, don’t rush through them in one sitting.’
But alas, I failed to connect with most. I did read and ponder, and indeed for many times. I failed to find any Indian flavor even in those few Indian versifiers represented here. Poetry is a serious medium and it shouldn’t be converted into a pastime of the English speaking elites.
‘Muse India’ is an Indian poetry journal and must live up to its name, first and foremost.
Neerav Patel, Ahmedabad neerav50@yahoo.co.in May 16, 2011
('Mango Moons' is a feature on Contemporary World Haiku presenting the works of several leading haikuists from different countries. You cannot expect an Indian flavour in international poetry. The editorial note only asked the readers to savour the rasa, irrespective of where the poetry came from. With its broad-based coverage on Indian regional literatures, Muse India has been showcasing Indian writings to a global audience. It will also endeavour to open a small window through which its readers would be able to get exposure to World literature. - Managing Editor) |
Rejoinder to Neerav Patel
To each his/her own ways of thinking! Neerav has the right to feel that way but I saw it totally differently - a cow is sacred in India and in any art form, to be able to ruminate is the work of a rasika. Thus, I correlated both these images and didn’t think it was bad at all. If I’d not liked it, I wouldn’t have ended my editorial comment on that note, surely?
Warm regards,
Kala Ramesh, Pune kalaramesh8@gmail.com May 13, 2011 |
Perceptive Review
Dear Ambika Ananth, Just went through your perceptive and engaging review of my book ' Bhog and other stories'. Thank you so very much!
Ankur Betageri, Asst. Editor, Indian Literature, Delhi ankurbetageri@gmail.com May 13, 2011 |
'mango moons' - what a poetic phrase Kala has coined to invite (or may i say entice) readers to taste the beauty of this bonsai genre of poetry! but doesn't it sound most prosaic (nay, most nauseating) to end her editorial comment with the advice to 'chew the cud the way a cow does'? to 'read and ponder' is certainly fine.
neerav patel, ahmedabad neerav50@yahoo.co.in May 12, 2011
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Dear Surya and Atreya, Congratulations on a wonderful issue. Loved the contemplative haiku, the sumptuous food feature and the fiction pieces. Thanks again for the opportunity.Best Regards,
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Very happy to view and keep in touch with Muse India site. It is very useful to read all articles and authors. Very nice.
Name, other details not given May 9, 2011
(If the person can send the details, we will update the same. - Managing Ed) |
Kala, The feature looks very good. I enjoyed reading everything. Muse is full of interesting articles. I yearn so much for good Indian food....
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Marvellous showcase
Kala, I am impressed with how muse india has virtually allowed you to publish a magazine of Japanese genre poetry under their huge, active and powerful umbrella. This is marvelous for you! and for our little niche of poetry. Thank you for all the work assembling such an array of works and do not be discouraged about the afterbirth pains. You will get it all straightened out and be ready to fly again! Thank you for including my work and for giving so many AHAers such a marvelous showcase. Blessed be!
Jane Reichhold, USA jane@ahapoetry.com May 2, 2011 |
Dear Kala, I much enjoyed "Mango Moons" and was glad to be part of it. I learned that India has many more fine haiku poets than I knew about. This pleases me greatly because India is my second home country. My wife is an Indian national from Kolkata. Her father was a Bengali poet (and businessman).
You did an excellent job of choosing the poems--and of formatting them. Congratulations!
William Hart, USA hartsarts@earthlink.net May 2, 2011
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Appealing layout
Hi Kala, This is a fabulous issue with some wonderful poetry throughout! I really like the layout very much. And, as many have mentioned, the link from name to bio is very handy. That is a great idea.
Congratulations! You should be very proud of Muse India, Mango Moons!
Don Baird, USA kungfuinfo@aol.com May 2, 2011 |
Thank you, Kala. The issue looks fabulous! I’m honored to be included.
Margaret Dornaus, USA mdornaus@centurytel.net May 2, 2011 |
Thanks Kala for all your hard work. This looks great!
Dawn Bruce, Australia May 2, 2011 |
Nicely done, Kala. I also liked the link from the authors' names to the bios...a great touch!
Lorin Ford, Australia May 2, 2011 |
Kala, Thanks for the announcement and for Mango Moons... I am honoured to be on board.
Andrea Cecon, Italy andrea.cecon@gmail.com May 2, 2011 |
Mango Moons impressive
I was genuinely impressed with Mango Moons. The haiku were of a very high standard and it was delightful to see many familiar names. On a design note, I really like the way you made the poets names below their poems an interactive link to view their profiles.
Excellent work Kala! The issue looks great, and I am genuinely impressed with a lot of the haiku. I am so proud to be a part of it, thank you. I'll be on the looking out for the next submission call!
John McManus, England john-and-gemma@hotmail.co.uk May 2, 2011 |
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Yet another milestone for MI
Browsing the current issue gave me pleasurable haiku moments more so for its enjoyable ‘short verse’ section, and well in the same breath, going through the contents of various other sections including the fiction that provided me with an experience akin to having a coveted coffee table book freely on the net. Kudos to the members, guest editors and contributors for setting new standards to Indian e-literature, and congrats to Surya and other esteemed editors for making it happen with clocklike precision.
Seshu Chamarty, Hyderabad seshu.chamarty@gmail.com May 2, 2011 |
Mouth-watering Issue
A mouth-watering issue! Never thought or paid attention to food as a metaphor or even as a character! Thanks for the insight. Anjali Gera Roy's 'Moongi di dhuli dal' sketches a poweful portrait of the Indian matriarch negotiating patriarchy in her own ingenious way. Congratulations for an innovative issue.
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Thank you for this new Issue of Muse India, always very interesting and very informative.
Elizabeth Chalier-Visuvalingam, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) May 1, 2011 |
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I always look forward to Issues of Muse India. Kudos on this issue!
Nabina Das, Delhi nabinamail@yahoo.com May 1, 2011 |
Mango Moons
Dear Surya, Mango Moons is looking simply beautiful. Everything is done to perfection! The haiku, tanka and haibun are looking impressive and the haiga page is excellent too. Congratulations!
Muse India is the first ever journal to give such an extensive coverage to Japanese poetry forms like haiku, tanka, senryu, haibun and haiga. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this . . .
a faint birdsong
in predawn’s silence . . .
I’m pulled inside out
Kala Ramesh, Pune kalaramesh8@gmail.com May 1, 2011
(Thanks, Kala, for compiling and presenting this delightful section. - Managing Editor) |
Dileep Jhaveri on Gujarati Poets instills special pride in minds of poetry lovers! About Female Poets in Gujarati language: I would like to make aspecial mention of Sujata Bhatt, for your kind perusal, who resides in Germany, if my memory does not fail me.
I humbly admit here, that I have joined the band wagon of belonging to "female Gujarati" poet, since a few years now. You may kindly find me on wordpress blog www.gaurangipatel.com. I must have been lacking somewhere, as my poem has yet not been featured here. This, I am modestly putting forth, in order to 'learn' & 'grow'! No other intentions, please!
Thanks for the commendable job towards literature!
(Thanks for your kind words about our work. Any feature can only be a representative sample of works of a language and cannot be a comprehensive coverage. Your work not getting included in no way reflects on the merits of your work. Warm wishes. - Managing Editor) |
Dileep Jhaveri's response
Who will not feel gratified with such appreciative feedback! But compliments make you feel humble also. And again, the task of presenting contemporary Gujarati poetry in Muse India and Indian Literature issue 255 would not have been possible without the valuable contributions of other worthy translators like Sachin Ketkar, Karamshi Pir, Sitanshu Yashashchandra, late Sanat Bhatt, Damayanti and Hemang Desai. I am grateful to all of them. I hope that more translations will be done, more will read Gujarati poetry and more Gujaratis will read what is written in other languages. It is sad that most Gujarati poets are ignorant of contemporary Indian writing which they can access from Muse India. Journals like Poetry International and the web will open up the world of yet more languages.
To me the biggest achievement of Muse India is not the presenting to the world of the contemporary Indian Literature as an explicit entity but as a part of the universality that is Art. When a Finnish poet or a Namibian painter or a Colombian photographer or a Vietnamese storyteller feels at home while visiting Muse India we will feel contented with our ancient ideal of the Oneness of the world.
(Whatever Muse India has been able to achieve so far has been mainly due to the invaluable contributions of all its Contribution Editors, and you have been an integral part of this team from the inception. Thank you. - Managing Editor) |
Commendable effort by Dileep Jhaveri
I as a lover of Gujarati language congratulate you for bringing out a seperate section on Gujarati poetry and short stories. The selections here are representative of what is being written for past almost two decades. Such a large section will give an almost in-depth experience to a non-Gujarati reader. The articles by Dileep Jhaveri and Rajendra Patel offer not only a panaromic view of Gujarati literature but also display effectively various and distinct styles explored by these writers.
It is needless to say how difficult and mammoth is the task of translation and poet Dileep Jhaveri deserves all the praise for accomplising it. His love for Gujarati literature in general and poetry in particular is commendable. I have no doubt that his efforts will generate more interest in Gujarati literature.
Kamal Vora, Mumbai kamal_vora@hotmail.com Apr 14, 2011 |
Jarring slips
It is by random selection, I came upon Rajesh Pandya's poem 'everything, for everyone'. I liked it for its subtle and nuanced statement-like poetry, but more particularly its rhyming lines that occur at the end of each stanza. like,
'you can digest everything you eat
you are endowed
with such sturdy stomach'
and
'you can enjoy anything and everything
you are gifted
with such powerful sight'
and
'you have the luxury
of keeping whatever you want'.
But the gem of a line is certainly :
'you can carry tools
or weapons'.
What is jarring, however, is some obvious slips in spellings and knowing well the translating caliber of Sachin Ketkar, I am sure that cannot be his contribution!
Neerav Patel, Ahmedabad neerav50@yahoo.co.in Mar 21, 2011
(Thank you for bringing these slips to our attention. We have now rectified them. - Managing Ed.) |
Dileep Jhaveri - engagingly erudite
Dileep Jhaveri’s editorial “Beckoning to the Woods” is engagingly erudite, insightful, and educative - serving as an interesting panorama of the variety and nuances in modern Gujarati poetry. The way he has captured and conveyed the representative beauties in it makes one get wistful and say, “Oh, how I wish I knew the Gujarati language!” This way, I feel, Dileep has commendably succeeded in his purpose. Kudos to him.
Atreya Sarma U, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com Mar 13, 2011 |
Enjoyable
I am yet to read 'gujarati poetry section' that represents a vast variety of poets but I did enjoy the introductory articles on poetry by Dileep Jhaveri and on short story by Rajendra Patel.
But I must admire profusely the editors who have selected the graphics for each section and each poet - they are so fascinating and so representative of gujarati-kutchhi-saurashtrian ethos !
Neerav Patel, Ahmedabad neerav1950@gmail.com Mar 9, 2011
(Thanks for your kind words. The images of Garba and Raas in 'Gallery' are also aimed at showing the the best of Gujarati culture. This way, we believe, we provide rich vignettes of the literature and culture of the region. - Managing Ed.) |
'Muse India' the e journal is very much useful for poets like me. I relished Mrs. Kala Ramesh's haiku, haibun, renka and other poetry. I wish every success for this literary e journal in the haiku world.
Kaa.Na.Kalyanasundaram, Chennai kalyan.ubi@gmail.com Mar 9, 2011
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Congratulations to Muse India and Dr Charanjeet Kaur for a painstakingly researched issue on women writers from the subcontinent. What holds all the diverse voices together is the richly written editorial. I was particularly happy to read the works of Mahesh Tarmale and Gurudarshan Singh. Women's voices need to be heard because they represent the voices of half of the whole of humanity and are as valid and relevant as those of men. With this issue certainly the bar is raised and we now have new benchmarks for creative and critical work. Congratulations once more!
(Thank you, Dr Minu Mehta for your appreciation and placing due weight to womens' voice - Editor) |
The issue on diasporic poetry, ed by Usha Akella, was amazing, particularly the interviews with Ralph Nazareth and Kazim Ali. A must read. Thank you, museindia!
Pramila Venkateswaran, Setauket, NY pramilav@optonline.net Mar 7, 2011 |
The editorial by Dr. Charanjeet Kaur is superb! Informed, informative, meticulous, excellently written and as Arya has rightly said, takes us to the 'wisdom' of literature. I enjoyed it, nay savored it, thoroughly. With her at the helm I am looking forward to reading the whole feature as time permits.
Congrats Muse India, for enriching an already great editorial team with the induction of three more, efficient editors.
(Thank you, Shernaz for your candid words - Editor) |
Congratulations on a wonderful feature by Dr Charanjeet Kaur on women's voices from the subcontinent. It was a pleasure to read Dr. Charanjeet Kaur's editorial. Keep the good work going.
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Impeccable endeavour
Dear Dr Charanjeet, Hearty congrats! First on your induction into MI editorial team. Next on the finesse with which the section on subcontinental writing has been shaped in the current issue. It's a fabulous treat to go through your editorial and data incorporated. It is, indeed, a top class, impeccable endeavour. Keep the great work going.
Dr T S Chandra Mouli, Hyderabad tscmouli@hotmail.com Mar 5, 2011
(Your appreciation is warm and generous. Thanks a lot. I am happy you liked the Feature and the Editorial. Doing this Feature was a very pleasant task for me since it got me back in contact with friends, previous students and colleagues with whom I had lost touch for some years now. It also gave me the opportunity to make friends with some of the contributors whom I did not know at all. All in all it has been a very enjoyable experience. – Charanjeet Kaur)
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Dear Ambika Ananth, It was a pleasant surprise for me to see the latest issue of your e-journal arriving "punctually like a star'. I shall browse through it at leisure. The contents provide me with a learning experience. The poems teach me about the emotional experiences of the elite of this generation and how artfully they try to express the same. By the way, I enjoyed reading a few recent and old articles by you in the English Daily of Bangalore - Deccan Herald. With best regards,
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Thank you Muse India for inspiring me to read great Indian writers, writers whom I consider so rebellious, so creative and above all so engaging. My favourite is without doubt the great Tagore!!
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Amazing editorial of Sub-Continental Voices
Aamazing editorial.... very expository.. poignantly exloring aspects of litertaure and life which we know and yet we don't... indeed sub-continental literature has myriad meanings n interpretations... yet for Indians its easy to understand if they have an identity as an 'Indian' or if the interpretation of the word could be done. This complexity is explored by Indian literature and by the new breed of writers. Yet, we are all lost 'coz we don't know we are reading what.. hence i liked best is the editorial as it's relevant n helps us go beyond the complications of literature n its knowledge to the wisdom of it.
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Superb Issue
Dear Surya, Beautiful to think that 'White Curtains' has found a home in 'Muse India'. It is an honor to me to be included in this eminent online journal. Thank you very much.
The current issue is superb. My warm congratulations! Your review of 'The Legends of Pensam' is haunting and luminous. We are to have showers tonight. This will make me think of 'the rain mother sitting on the treetops laughing in the mist'. Best regards,
Sandra Fowler, West Columbia, USA sandralynnfowler@hotmail.com Mar 4, 2011 |
Dear Surya: Congratulations for a splendid issue! One more collector's item! Congratulations to Dileep bhai (Jhaveri) and other contributors! Well done!
I was happy to see so many good articles and poems, including that of Bidyut Jena that we had cleared. Will get back to you after going through the whole issue.
Prof. Sachidananda Mohanty, Hyderabad sachimohanty@yahoo.co.in Mar 3, 2011 |
Thank you very much for including my story in the current issue of Muse India. Good to see readers and admirers increasing by the day for Muse India. What matters most in a literary journal is content, standard and style. In the on-line version it is all the more so.
You have these in abundance. Continue the good work. Hard work for a cause - that in itself is accomplishment, also grace.
Dr K Damodar Rao, Warangal damodarrao.k@gmail.com Mar 2, 2011
(Thanks for your kind words, Dr Damodar Rao. – Managing Ed.) |
My humble thanks
I thank the Muse India management – and more specifically Surya and Ambika – for having encouraged me to be of some help to the unique literary ezine – which has been wedded to promote literature among the veterans, scholars, and enthusiasts alike. My humble journey with MI began with my poem Kranti 2009 on Jan 7, 2009 (Your Space). Since then I have been enjoying reading, writing and interacting as often as I could. When Surya proposed to draft my services, I said, yes. And I was (demi-officially) editing fiction from Nov-Dec 2009 to Nov-Dec 2010. He also roped me (and at my instance, the ebullient Seshu) into the organising committee of HLF 2010. Now Surya has added one more responsibility and made me Editor (Fiction & Reviews). Though responsibilities like these leave me with little time for my own humble creative writing, yet I’ve agreed for I would have a rare opportunity of going through the creations of various learned writers – and the reward of that experience would be more than compensating, I consider. In spite of delegation, Surya is still saddled with a huge proportion of work – and whenever he calls for services from amongst anyone of us in the MI community – or outside, I hope they would readily consent – in the interests of the Muse. And it will be a pleasurable privilege to be working - and be associated with – Charanjeet Kaur and Seshu, besides of course, the veterans who’ve already been on the editorial panel.
Atreya Sarma U Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com Mar 2, 2011 |
Muse India inspires us for serious literary commitment. I always thanks the family of this familiar and encouraging online journal.
(Dear Writer, please give your name, place and mail ID. Thanks - Editor) |
A very happy 2011 to Muse India (Mr. Surya Rao and his wonderful team)! I'm sure this ejournal will continue to rise in popularity in the coming years.
Saikumar Menon Cochin saikumarmenon@gmail.com
(Thank you, Saikumar for your good words and greetings. Muse India wishes you a very happy poetic New Year - editor) |
I really consider Muse India as the destination for profound scholars, writers and Professors. We journey together!!! As an editor, critic and bilingual academic I understand the pressure and the load. Hats off! Regards,
Dr Jaydeep Sarangi, Kolkata sarangij@rediffmail.com Jan 07, 2011
(Thank you, Professor Sarangi for your kind words. Muse India wishes you a very happy New Year - editor) |
Enjoyed absolutely
Hi Surya, It's so wonderful to know that the HLF is going to become an annual affair. I want to thank you first for inviting me to be a part of the HLF, and secondly for the arrangements at the OUCIP. While I understand some people might have had cause to complain about minor necessities, I for one would like to say how much I absolutely enjoyed all the facilities provided. You were right when you said that the OUCIP might take as back to our college days, but you didn't mention the delicious prospect of being close to writers that until now I have only read, respected and admired without half as much knowing how they looked. Please thank your entire team for me, only all of you know the immense pains of having to put up and provide for poets for three whole days.
And congratulations on starting the New Year and the new decade with a big bang- a new issue of Muse India.
As you said Surya, you were looking for feedback. I have just started perusing this issue of Muse India, the editorial is upbeat but it is far too generic for someone who wishes to use Muse India as a starting point to excavate the mysterious waters of new Indian writing- especially in English. I hope you don't mind my forwardness considering my non-standing as a person of any literary merit.
May you have more strength to carry India's muse. Much warmth.
Dominic Franks, Bangalore dominic.franks@gmail.com Jan 4, 2011 |
Dear Surya, Thank you for the new year wishes. May you have a wonderful year and decade, filled with the best blessings. And may Muse India continue to flourish for many more decades to come. Warmest regards,
Malsawmi Jacob, Mumbai mesjay@gmail.com Jan 3, 2011 |
Dear Surya, Greetings for the New Year to you and your family-and a spectacular year for Muse India! Regards,
Bijoya Sawian, Delhi bijoyasawian@yahoo.com Jan 3, 2011 |
Misplaced expectation?
Dear Surya, Many thanks for presenting another bright issue. Does it seem that your expectation from the leadership of the country is too audacious, misplaced or too ambitious?
Let the New Year Sun rise over the head of all filthy political feuds to lead you through the glorious path of tomorrow.
Aju Mukhopadhyay, Pondicherry ajum24@yahoo.co.in Jan 3, 2011 |
The Gujarati short story 'the hyena' by Nazir Mansuri was simply wonderful and its translation by Sachin Ketkar was equally good. I only wish it had been recast into shorter paras! Congrats to both.
Neerav Patel, Ahmedabad neerav50@yahoo.co.in Jan 2, 2011 |
Not being able to make it to HLF is surely my single biggest regret of 2010. I was landlocked in Pondicherry.
Meena Kandasamy, Chennai meena84@gmail.com Jan 1, 2011
(Meena, do make it next year. - Surya) |
Dear Sri Rao garu,
I am very happy to inform that I have been a regular reader of your esteemed web magazine Muse India. The quality of contents and spread of the same, and its variety without compromising standards of literature, are very appealing to literature-lovers like me. In the 'Team', I found no Telugu literature personality. While there are many writers/poets of Telugu literature, there are other eminent personalities who are contributing to English literature with qualitative translations from Telugu to English, and of course into other languages. You may make efforts to add such literary personalities.
The feature of 'Links' also appeal to many including myself. We are running Telugu blog entitled www.teluguradham.blogspot.com for quite sometime and the blog is being given the shape of a magazine and soon it will have a fullfledged web periodical. In view of his, I request you to please add my blog address to your Links category for which I am thankful to you. Regards
K B S Sarma, Hyderabad Jan 1, 2011
(Thanks for your warm words, Mr Sarma. Ambika Ananth, our Editor, looks after Telugu literature, hence none is mentioned for Telugu in the 'Team.' In the links, we are not including blogs. However, when your blog takes the shape of a full fledged journal we will certainly consider including it in 'Links.' -Managing Editor) |
This is truly amazing: Amidst the hustle-bustle of organising the HLF, the MI team could come out with the Jan-Feb Issue well on time as a New Year gift for its readers. Settling down to a good reading of it... My congratulations!!
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A great job
Dear Surya, I am back in Delhi today after more than 3 weeks in Bulsar, Hyderabad and Mumbai. My train was cancelled--hail the Gujar agitation--and I went to Mumbai from Bulsar (Valsad) and took a flight. The whole operation cost me 7000/. That's how our system works.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Festival and meeting poets I have dealt with for years. This also refers to younger poets whose poems I have been reading for years and often editing. You did a great job. Regards,
Keki Daruwalla, Delhi kekikhurshid@gmail.com Dec 31, 2010 |
Dear Surya, It was a pleasure attending the Festival. The program on the first two days was engaging and refreshingly different from earlier Muse Meets, especially the panel discussion which threw light on the present day cultural situation in our state. I look forward to many such literary festivals from Muse India.
New Year wishes to you and Muse India team.
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I have warm memories of the whole event. Thank you for making it happen. Best wishes to Team HLF.
A Giridhar Rao, Hyderabad agiridhar.rao@gmail.com Dec 22, 2010
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Thanks so much for sharing the pix--brings back the vibrant event. I wanted to congratulate you & your team earlier but had a net connectivity problem.All the very Best.
Bala Kothandaraman, Hyderabad b_kothandaraman@yahoo.com Dec 22, 2010 |
Wonderful Event
Dear Surya,
Before anything else let me thank you for the wonderful event in your city. I really broke my vow not to travel out before year-end because I wanted to meet you! And I am happy that I did. It was a great time and all the ideas and viewpoints that came up were a good churning for us all.
I hope you will be resting up a bit now. For this I am sending all good wishes for a peaceful, joyous Xmas and a beautiful New Year 2011 ahead! With love,
Mamang Dai,, Itanagar mamangdai@hotmail.com Dec 18, 2010
(Thanks, Mamang for being with us. I am happy you had a nice time here. I too wish you a joyous Christmas and a wonderful New Year! - Surya) |
Dear Surya, Things went well. Small inconveniences are common when we organize big gatherings like this. However, I felt that there should be some time for interaction after each reading session. That too is not a shortcoming as this the first edition. All the best. Warmly,
T P Rajeevan, Kozhikode rthachompoyil@gmail.com Dec 18, 2010 |
Wonderful Experience
Dear Surya, This is to say that the Hyderabad Literary Festival was a wonderful experience. Thank you very much for inviting me. I am sorry I was not able to write earlier as I have been terribly ill since the third day of the fest and after my return to Pune. I am much better now and recovering. Warm wishes,
Maryam Ala Amjadi, Pune m_alaamjadi@yahoo.com Dec 18, 2010
(Change of weather here may have affected you. Get well soon. - Surya) |
Dear Surya, Atreya ji and Mallick ji, Thank you for inviting me and the fraternity of poets and conducting this festival. I am sorry I could not get back to you earlier. We are in the midst of the Prakriti Poetry Festival.
Sivakami Velliangiri, Chennai siva_ramanathan04@yahoo.co.in Dec 17, 2010 |
Dear Surya, Thank you for organising the festival. I know that it isn't easy organising an event, especially when it involves writers from different parts of the country. For me, it was great spending time with some writers I already knew and discovering a couple of fresh voices as well. Thank you once again. Warm regards,
Anupama Raju, Trivandrum raju.anupama@gmail.com Dec 17, 2010
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Dear Sir, The HLF had been an event where literature and literary people from various parts of this country got a chance to coalesce and the experience was wonderful. I feel fortunate to have been part of this unique event. I am so very grateful to you for enabling me to relish a gala literary festival. Thank you very much.
Mugaiyur Asadha, TN jaimedass@yahoo.com Dec 16, 2010 |
My dear Surya,
I felt the 'Hyderabad Literary Festival' went off quite well and I take this opportunity to congratulate you. Also kindly convey my warm greetings and congratulations to all the Team members of 'Muse India' - Ms.Ambika Ananth, Prof.Vijay Kumar, Ms.Sujatha, Dr. Mallick, Mr.Atreya Sarma and other gentlemen who were assisting during the inaugural event and on other days. Organising such an event calls for detailed planning, good coordination and proper execution as a team, and also overcoming some unexpected problems by timely action, which I think all the members of 'Muse India' team, on their part, did very efficiently and with cooperation. The efforts and pains taken by you and others for the past 6-8 months have not gone waste. Congrats once again. Also convey my good wishes to all members of 'Muse India' for "A VERY HAPPY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR".
G V Subba Rao, Puttaparthi sai_gauravaram@yahoo.co.in Dec 16. 2010
(Thanks for your kind words and wishes for the New Year. We heartily reciprocate the same. I also thank you for helping us during the event, particularly in handling Registrations counter on the inaugural day. – Surya) |
A Grand Programme
Dear Shri Surya Rao, Thank you very much for all the arrangements and a grand programme. It was really a pleasure to participate in HLF2010. I thank you for giving me an opportunity to be a part of the programme. With regards.
Vinita Sharma, Hyderabad devendra33_2000@yahoo.com Dec 16, 2010 |
Hello, Congratulations on a great job on the first HLF! Since you asked that we blog on this, as well as give you our input on the festival, I have done both on my blog. Regards.
Rasana Atreya, Hyderabad rasana.atreya@gmail.com Dec 15, 2010
(Thanks, Rasana. – Surya) |
A Swell Job
Dear Surya ji, Thanks for remembering us again. Well, you are too modest about yourself and the Muse India family. I think you have done a swell job. We do agree there are still avenues to improve, but that happens all the time. Thank you for having me and Janice (at the Fest). Warmly,
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Dear Mr Rao,
Namaskar. It was a wonderful event and great experience and we all must congratulate you and your team for not only imagining it on such a grand scale but also executing so successfully.
I have to specifically thank you for making a reference to my reading in your valedictory speech. I am moved with your kind gesture. heartily thank you again.
I feel honored to be one of the participants and am grateful to you and Dr Dileep Jhaveri. As you rightly mentioned, it was really a treat to listen to seniors and especially to Keki's recital. Many thanks for the opportunity. I am sure you will be able to organise more thoroughly the next year. With sincere regards
Neerav Patel, Ahmedabad neerav50@yahoo.co.in Dec 16, 2010 |
Thanks for doing all that you do, for Indian literature
Dear Surya:
Many many thanks for doing all that you do, for Indian literature, with such dedication and so competently. I think we all got a grand occasion to celebrate creativity in the most non-pretentious and modest manner that becomes authentic writing. Please do not hesitate to call upon me for any support for such ventures. Warmly,
Dr Sukrita Paul Kumar, Delhi sukrita.paulkumar@gmail.com Dec 15, 2010
(Thanks, Dr Sukrita for always being with us. We look forward to your continued help and support. – Surya) |
Dear Surya garu, I was pleasantly surprised at the efficiency with which you organised such a festival in the troubled political scenario and succeeded in doing so. I feel very happy to be associated with this group of friends and writers and feel grateful for the opportunity given to me .The souvenir came out very beautiful. Whoever designed it deserves great appreciation. Warm regards,
V Nagalakshmi varanasi.nagalakshmi@gmail.com Dec 14, 2010
(Thanks, Nagalakshmi garu, for your warm words. – Surya) |
Dear Surya, I should have written to you earlier to thank you warmly for your gracious support and encouragement to strugging writers like me. However, better late than never. A big thanks to you and your teammates for thinking of organizing HLF and making it a successful reality.
Get some rest after the hectic schedule and hard work. Best wishes and regards,
Priti Aisola, Hyderabad pritiaisola@hotmail.com Dec 14, 2010
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Dear Surya, A big thanks to you for organizing such a wonderful event. It did not feel like a first time event at all and it was great connecting with so many fellow writers. There are definitely many fond memories of HLF2010.
I'm sorry I couldn't thank you personally before leaving. Unfortunately I developed a fever on Saturday night and had to leave right after my reading since I wasn't feeling good at all. Dilip too enjoyed the event thoroughly.
When you have settled down do let me know when you might be interested in doing another Children's Literature feature. I'll be too happy to put it together. Warmly,
Deepa Agarwal, Delhi deepa.agarwal@gmail.com Dec 14, 2010
(Thanks Deepaji for your offer to do another feature on Childrens Literature. I will be in touch with you on that. – Surya) |
It was a wonderful event. Kudos to your team. If we can't put up with small difficulties, we should not be in literary and cultural fields. Regards,
(Thanks, Prof Singh for your reassuring words. - Surya) |
My dear Surya, It is not so simple and easy to conduct such a grand meet and as a Captain of the team, you have done a wonderful job. I have personally seen how you have been running here and there to see that we are comfortably handled through out our stay there as well as in the meeting halls. I pray Lord Krishna to bless you all with more strength and wisdom to shoulder more and more projects like this one in the years to come. Shortcomings do happen in such a great meet where large number of scholars assemble under one roof, but don’t worry. Everyone enjoyed the program, including the tasty food that was served. We were well taken care of by the Muse India Team and we owe our gratitude to the team for that. With best wishes,
Rajaram Ramachandran, Camp Vijayawada rajaram1931@gmail.com Dec 14, 2010
(Thanks for your good wishes and prayers. - Surya) |
Surya ji, thank you very much for organizing such a wonderful program for writers. Regards,
Mahe Jabeen, Hyderabad mahejabeen.writer@gmail.com Dec 14, 2010 |
Dear Surya, For me it was a learning experience to meet & listen to so many renowned & gifted poets/writers. The inconveniences were no match to the wonderful experience that I had. Thank you for introducing me to yourself & all other wonderful poets. Best regards,
Kalyani Kapur, Gurgaon kalyani.kapur@oracle.com Dec 14, 2010 |
Dear Surya Rao, Thank you very much for the hospitality you offered. I am sure you would be able to do lot more next time. The conference itself was meaningful. I enjoyed listening to so many poets and fiction writers from so many languages. Next time, perhaps, it will be better to have all the writers attending sessions together, instead of being divided by simultaneous sessions running. Dividing English from other languages is like perpetuating a wound which festers anyway. Best wishes,
Savita Singh, Delhi savita.singh6@gmail.com Dec 14, 2010
(Having parallel streams was to accommodate more writers and to bring focus on distinctive aspects of regional languages. Experiences gained this time will help us in future festivals. – Surya) |
Dear Surya Rao Garu, I really enjoyed being at HLF, I met many friends. I wish you all the success in your future programmes.
Volga, Hyderabad asmita.collective@gmail.com Dec 14, 2010
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A Wonderful Time
Dear Surya, I had a wonderful time and feel grateful to you and all who were with you, as well as privileged to have participated in the very first Hyderabad Literary Festival. The warmth and hospitality was without parallel. I was especially touched by the eggs for breakfast and chicken for lunch, because the OUCIP guesthouse provides vegetarian meals and this was an act of great generosity towards your non vegetarian guests. .. Organising and managing something like this - the HLF - is far from easy. And all of you were so wonderful; both Anupama and I felt sad as we sat in our room quietly for a few minutes before departing.
For the first time in my writerly life I felt part of a community. I felt like a professional. Mingling with diverse writers, senior, junior and middling was a heady, energetic and learning experience. I certainly look forward to more Hyderabad Literary Festivals organised by all of you at Muse India and Osmania University in future. And my wish for you is that may it grow into a movement, with its own unique character, unrivalled by any in India. I hope someday I become a writer of enough substance to contribute properly.
It was an honour to have met you all, especially you Surya, Dr. Chandramouli and Dr. Mallik, Professor Vijayasree, Professor Vijay Kumar, Ms Gopal, Mr Sarma and others, apart from all the wonderful poets and academics. And it was an experience that I will cherish for years to come. With much warmth and best regards,
Rumjhum Biswas, Chennai rumjhumkbiswas@gmail.com Dec 14, 2010
(Thanks for your warm words, Rumjhum. - Surya) |
Dear Surya,
This is just a brief message to say how much I enjoyed being part of the Hyderabad Literary Festival. So many thanks for hosting it and for thinking of me. It was a rather special gathering with so many poets from all over India.
It was a lot of work for you and others at Muse India and it was greatly appreciated - I think you have launched something special and it will take off in the years to come.
I wish you every success in future years, and hope you will invite me to read another time. Hope you have recovered somewhat from the elation and joy of having successfully hosted the festival. All good wishes,
Dr Shanta Acharya shantaacharya@btinternet.com Dec 14, 2010
(Thanks, Dr Shanta Acharya for your very warm words and for the good wishes. We too look forward your continued association with future editions of HLF. - Surya)
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Dear HLF friends,
Congrats, and thanks, for a great debut event. My laptop is kaput and I just got into Pune, but I would like to do my bit for HLF and try and put together a short article -- Open magazine has asked me to do so for them.
Please email me whatever links, press, anecdotes, notes, photos you may have and I will try to come up with something cool. Thank you,
Dr Vamsee Juluri, at Pune juluri@usfca.edu Dec 14, 2010
(We'll send you all relevant details, Dr Vamsee. Thanks. - Surya) |
Dear Surya, Just wanted to thank you and all your colleagues for the really memorable literary festival in Hyderabad. It must have been really difficult seeing to the needs of so many guests. I look forward to attending more such events in the future. Warmly,
Menka Shivdasani, Navi Mumbai menka.shivdasani@gmail.com Dec 14, 2010 |
Surya Rao Sir, I am really thankful to you for Hyderabad Literary Festival 2010. HLF is a great programme. You arranged it very well. I can’t forget those moments. Thanks again.
Dr Prithviraj Taur, Nanded, Maharashtra prithviraj_taur@rediffmail.com Dec 14, 2010 |
Dear Surya,
I was just about to write to you thanking you when I saw your mail. Let me thank you for the happy days there. The evening at Qutub Shahi was great. Yes, people seemed to have liked the Creativity discussion, several told me of that.
On the whole as a first edition the festival was successful. I have only four suggestions: 1. Be a little more careful while choosing the participants. Some sessions, esp the English ones, were very uneven. I don't like to name poets. 2. You need not necessarily have so many in each panel, you can limit the number and focus on quality and give at least 20-30 minutes to each poet. 3. The readings can be punctuated by panel discussions on diverse aspects of poetry by the poets and if necessary academics/critics. A way may be found to involve the audience: either giving them chances to ask questions to the poets or asking to comment on/ ask questions after the panel discussions. 4. You can mix English poets and language poets in the panels. Any way the medium is English, so that would not matter. It will give an opportunity to both groups to hear each other.And also bridge the unfortunate and unfounded divide that seems to be developing between the two groups.
I am sure with this success you will be able to rope in some industrialists/ organisations who can sponsor events.
Satchidanandan, Delhi satchida@gmail.com Dec 14, 2010
(Dear Prof Satchidanandan, thanks for your kind words and very valuable suggestions. We will bear them in mind in future editions of HLF. - Surya) |
Hello Sujatha Madam, It was a pleasure to meet you in Hyderabad Literary Festival 2010. I am glad to say that the the amount of energy and effort spent by you for the success of this program is really commendable. I have seen all the organizing committee members working till the end of the programme, especially you were so particular of all the things to be done perfectly. I wish HLF all success in the coming years. Best regards
Pramod K Das, Hyderabad Dec 13, 2010 |
Dear Surya, The Governor's secretariat is very happy to see our Souvenir. Principal Secretary at the Raj Bhavan said he was happy to read the widely covered news in the Press about the grand success of the event and the wonderful hospitality reflected in the statements by visitors. This is for your info. Regards,
Seshu Chamarty, Hyderabad seshu.chamarty@gmail.com Dec 13, 2010
(Thanks for your efforts at the Raj Bhavan end, Seshu. – Surya) |
Hello Sir, It was indeed a great pleasure to meet you and spend some time with you in the Hyderabad Literary Festival 2010. The announcement of Meenakshi Mukheerjee Memorial Prize is in fact a welcome step that I appreciate greatly. The amount of work and investment of time and energy by you and your entire team is really appreciable. To be honest, Hyderabd was in need of such a wonderful event. It became a reality with all your efforts. All the programmes went off smoothly till the end. It is said All is well that ends well. Overall it was a very very special event where writers from all over the country came to a common platform and shared their creative works. Hope next year HLF will spread its wings with more energy. With best regards,
Pramod Kumar Das, Hyderabad pramodkdas11@gmail.com Dec 13, 2010 |
Dear Surya, About 15 of us, who were transfixed at Kala's haiku workshop, and didn't have an inkling (or weren't conscious) of the Valedictory, missed the finale. Now I feel elated that the assemblage felicitated you - which you richly deserve - for your vision, meticulous planning (providing for exigencies too), overseeing, follow-up, coordination, and execution. There is no gainsaying there were, naturally, many others involved as members of the team; yet it is perfectly understandable that the captain deserves kudos. And the members too automatically share that credit, though unsaid. And you treated your forces so well and amiably. Above all, your dedication and commitment were total - you even commandeered your family & relations to work for the Fest. My only note of sadness is, I missed the Valedictory. While I would like to mention the names of all the members individually who joined forces with you, I would like to offer my special admiration & gratitude to Vijayasree and Vijay Kumar.
May this bonhomie, euphoria and success place us in a more effective position for the next event. My warmest regards to you and your family, including the extension.
Atreya Sarma, Hyderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com Dec 13, 2010
(Atreya, I feel humbled by such laudatory words from you. I am happy we succeeded as a team. We need to build on the experiences gained. Thanks for shouldering a lot of work on the publications front. - Surya) |
Dear Surya, Congrats on conducting HLF in a decent and dignified way. It has taught us to learn lessons from our experiences. Also emphasised the need to function as a cohesive unit. We did it for you and your loving ways only. Nothing else. Thanks for providing an opportunity. Best,
T S Chandramouli, Hyderabad tscmouli@hotmail.com Dec 13, 2010
(Thanks for your sentiments. It was a team effort. I greatly appreciate the efforts you put. – Surya) |
Dear Surya, Thanks for giving me a wonderful opportunity of serving the literary community in my small way. But the big thing happened to me was observing at close quarters how deftly you organized the whole event that was, in fact, executed ahead mostly in your head, having an eye for each detail as things expected to happen. Your dexterous handling with aplomb had to be seen to be believed and it gives our coaches some insights to enrich our guidebooks. On the expected lines HLF 2010 ended in a resounding and deserving success. Kudos to you and the rest of our team. Regards,
Seshu Chamarty, Hyderabad seshu.chamarty@gmail.com Dec 13, 2010
(Seshu, that is high praise indeed and I wonder whether I deserve them fully. There were a number of aspects where we could have done better. We’ll learn from the experience gained. All of you were wonderful team-mates. Thanks.. – Surya) |
It seemed more of a Poetry Festival
Dear Mr. Surya Rao,
I trust this finds you well after all the activity of the last few days. May I take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to you and the Muse India team for the wonderful event organised from the 10th to the 12th. I specially wish to thank you for giving me the opportunity to be present at such an august gathering of talented writers and also to display my book amongst the other publications there.
On the flip side, and as you requested us to give you our feedback, I was slightly disappointed at the lack of prose representation. I had been given to understand that it was a literary festival, but it seemed more of a poetry fest. In fact, given the presentations that were made, I decided to include one of my poems together with my prose reading of an extract from my book. At the time that I submitted the first extract I intended to read, I was told it was too long. I therefore submitted a much shorter one, only to discover that each poet present read out a minimum of 5-6 poems, both long and short and took a far longer time than I eventually did when I read both one poem and one extract! Therefore I would like to suggest that the same rules apply to all, and the same amount of time be allotted to each reader at future gatherings.
Another sad fact that I encountered was the lack of respect that writers had for each other. The sessions on the last day were poorly attended and as the group had been fragmented, with more emphasis being placed on the readings of the regional writers and the haiku workshop, a mere smattering of an audience was what we received on day 3. It didn't feel good that after the "Musings" when the hall was full, it rapidly emptied out for our reading session. Towards the end there were people who I was given to understand were attending a 'refresher course' at the ASRC, who were talking and laughing at the back while some of the participants were reading their poetry. I personally felt that since I had given the sessions that I attended my full attention and appreciation, it would have been nice to have had the same in return. I was particularly disappointed that many of the writers whom I wished had been present at our reading session, didn't attend because (as they told me later) they had been asked to attend the regional writers session. I therefore suggest that if possible, the group is not fragmented, The haiku workshop seemed irrelevant at such a meet. And honestly, given a translation, I would have been happy to listen to regional writers if their readings had been included with the English writers, as happened at our session when one of the poets read in Hindi. Fragmenting a group of a couple of thousand strong makes no difference, but when it's a mere 50 or so, many of whom did not attend all the sessions, then it seems like a panel of writers reading to each other!
The above are merely my humble observations and suggestions that I am expressing only because at the Valedictory Session you requested all of us for our feedback.
Many thanks once again for including me as a participant at HLF and I wish you all the best. Regards,
Ruth Khanna, Hyderabad ruthkhanna@yahoo.co.uk Dec 13, 2010
(Dear Ms Ruth Khanna, thanks for sharing your thoughts. We will go by experiences of the first edition of HLF to fine tune the programme and schedules in the coming years. In fact HLF had started off as a poetry festival! We will include more literary genres and other creative fields next time and keep the needs of each in mind. All the participants were allotted same amount of time. Some of the chairpersons could have been more effective in time management. The programme also got a bit crowded. It is common to have multiple parallel streams in such festivals, including workshops. This gives a wider choice to the audience and allows participation of more writers. No one was asked to attend any particular session, everyone was free to attend what s/he liked. As I said, we'll learn from the experiences gained this time. - Surya) |
Dear Surya, The way things shaped up, we never felt that we were doing this for the first time. Though there are lessons we all learnt, apart from what we gained so well these days, they will be a source of strength in the years to come. All the positive outcomes from this are mainly because of the love and respect everyone had for
you, which you richly deserve. Warm Regards,
Mukunda Ramarao, Hyderabad ymramarao@gmail.com Dec 13, 2010
(It was a combined effort of all of us. Thanks for sharing the work and working together. - Surya) |
Hi Surya, All the good wishes worked. We had a memorable HLF 2010, with promises of many more to come. Hearty congrats!
Elizabeth Kurian 'Mona', Hyderabad monaliza.hyd@gmail.com Dec 13, 2010 |
Make HLF an annual event
Great event. Want it annually with one or two smaller gatherings in between. (As for the memento) call it Saraswati/ Shaayar/ Nazm/ Kavita/ Vaak .. anything but Oscar, Vijay.
One suggestion: Local language sessions should be better scheduled.
Readings must be recorded and the good ones made into CD/DVDs. If Videographed probably even better. Can be sold as keepsakes.
But you have more ideas than I can supply in a lifetime. So go ahead and make HLF an annual destination for Indian and International. writers. All the Best.
G K Subbarayudu, Hyderabad subbarayudu@gmail.com Dec 12, 2010
(Thanks for your suggestions. - Surya) |
Dear Surya garu, All good things come to an end marking new beginnings. HLF was a success - it wouldn't have been possible without your perseverance. The family of museindia salutes you. The attachment has a poem penned by Chandramouliji which was to be read at the valedictory, but I couldn't due to the constraints of time. Please accept our thanks. Regards,
Sujatha Gopal, Hyderabad sujathathudiyil@gmail.com Dec 12, 2010
(Sujatha, it was a pleasure working along with all of you. Together we have been able to put up a decent show. Thanks. - Surya) |
Hyderabad Literary Festival – A Great start
Hyderabad got its own literary festival thanks to the efforts of Muse India and the OUCIP (the Osmania University Centre for International Programs, formerly known as ASRC) and it got off to a great start today at the Green Park Hotel in Ameerpet. The multi lingual event is spread over 3 days, 10-12 December, which is a great time to visit Hyderabad, so all of you you who wish to participate next year, do set this event on your itinerary. The event was attended by many heavyweight writers and poets - the keynote address was by Keki Daruwala, poems read by the doyen of Indian poetry Padmabhushan Shiv K. Kumar, Prof Udaya Narayana Singh, Prof. K. Satchidanandan, Ms. Mamang Dai and several other distinguished names, as well as a host of young writers and poets. Participants converged from across the country with writers from Assamese, Bengali, Gujrati, Hindi, Maithili, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil, Telgu, Urdu and English.
It was by sheer luck that I got to attend the festival, which I wanted to very much anyway. I had somehow missed the fact that today was the 10th, the day the festival started, so when I got a call from Mohana Krishna, who was a panel member to speak about 'Celebrating Creativity' along with author Vamsi Juluri and dancer and choreographer Padmashri Ananda Shankar Jayant, to be present during the panel discussion I instantly jumped at the offer. I went to Green Park well in time for the panel discussion and met Mohan, Sagar, Srinivas Avasarala , the actor and a highly promising screenplay writer, and Rasana Athreya, a writer and editor who did a great job on my second novel 'If You Love Someone'. The panel discussion was moderated by the Chairperson, Prof. K. Satchitanandan, Malayalam poet and former Secretary of Sahitya Academy, and raised several interesting points. Mohan, while speaking of creativity in the medium of cinema mentioned that three of his movies were based on books - the first 'Grahanam' was an adaptation of Chalam's short story 'Doshagunam', 'Ashta Chamma' the runaway hit was loosely adapted from 'The Importance of being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde and now 'Golconda High School' is based on my novel 'The Men Within'. Of course he also mentioned that I was present so it called for a bow from me, which I took.
But what I was not prepared for was when one of the organizers, Prof. T. Vijay Kumar, Jt. Director, OUCIP, and a cricketer who had played for Nizam College in his younger days, while concluding the panel discussion, spoke warmly about me and my book. He mentioned that it was an unusual genre to write, a sports novel, and that it was now being made into a movie titled 'Golconda High School'. It was only later when we met did he say that the late Mrs. Meenakshi Mukherjee had given him a copy of 'The Men Within' which he enjoyed, just as his daughter and son did. I was particularly happy when he said that his son, who was eight when he read the book, read it cover to cover, despite not being a great reader of books. And when he said that his son still reads a few pages of the book every now and then, it did make all my effort seem worthwhile. Eight, is the youngest ever reader far as I know, for this book, and I would like to meet him sometime.
Other than the fun and banter with Srinivas Avasarala who is hilarious, and Sagar and Mohan, who were their usual jovial selves, I met Vamsi Juluri, who teaches Media Studies in San Francisco now, and is also the author of the recently released 'Mythologist'. He was very generous and gave me a signed copy of the book which I shall read and review soon. I met several others, including T.P. Rajeevan, who writes a column in the New Indian Express as well. Others I saw or met briefly were Shiv K. Kumar, Anand Vishwanatha, Rama Rao garu from Vizianagaram, and Sridala Swamy the Hyderabad based poetess and writer.
I do hope I get time to go back to the Festival tomorrow or the day after because I really enjoyed being there. It had a nice mood, interesting people and more importantly a warm vibe. I missed my friend Vinod Ekbote of course, who was busy with his job. He would have really loved this Festival. It would have been even more fun with him around. But as I see it, this Festival has all the makings of growing into something really big. Hyderabad is centrally located, the weather in December is absolutely fabulous, there is great talent in this part of the country, much to see and do here, and I see no reason why it should not become the best Literary Festival in the country. I congratulate Muse India and OUCIP on this endeavour and wish them great success in the future as well. I for one, am going to attend it every year.
Harimohan Paruvu in his blog on Dec 10, 2010 (shared with Muse India) |
Hyderabad Literary Festival 2010
Dear Surya, Don't know how you do it, but it was a wonderful inaugural session. Congratulations! Thanks a ton for the invitation. Unfortunately, didn't have the energy to stay longer. This time round, seems to take looonger to get back to normal.
Prof Lakshmi Chandra, Hyderabad lakshmirc@rediffmail.com Dec 10, 2010 |
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Dear Ambika Ananth, thank you so much for your review of 'Annamayya Pada Mandakini' in Muse India. Book review is excellent and your article on Annamayya is impressive. Best Regards,
Shankar Rao shankargandham@gmail.com Nov 10, 2010 |
Feast for the eyes and the soul
Dear Surya, Your latest issue is a real feast for the eyes and the soul. What one likes most is the ring of sheer professionalism that surrounds the hallowed portal of Muse India. Every issue sees the light of day exactly on the date that the reader expects it to. Any query from the audience is handled promptly, and with great expertise, both in terms of subject-matter and language, Muse India is on a roll!
Swapan K Banerjee, Hooghly momobanerjee@yahoo.co.in Nov 6, 2010
(Thanks for your generous words. - Managing Editor) |
Dear Editors, It gave me immense pleasure when I saw my paper on Tapaswini published in Muse India. I am thankful to you. With best regards,
Mahendra Kumar Mishra Chief Editor, Lokaratna (a folklore e - journal ) |
Dear Sir, Very much delighted to read 'Muse India', Issue-34 (Nov.-Dec. 2010) that highlights various facets of Oriya literature and Orissan cultural heritage. Here an article on my Book 'Tapasvini of Gangadhara Meher' appears in the section of Literary Criticism. For this I am thankful to the contributor Dr. Mahendra Kumar Mishra. Also I express my hearty gratitude to the Chief Editor Madam Ambika Ananth, Managing Editor Mr. GSP Rao and Section-Editor Prof. Sachidananda Mohanty. Feature on 'Bhakti Literature' also deserves appreciation. All other sections are well-embellished with valuable articles of several established and eminent writers. An excellent anthology of Indian literary writings, the Journal is a gladdening and inspiring volume for the connoisseurs and lovers of literature all over the world.
'Muse India' conspicuously conveys an aesthetic appeal with a noble sense of literary dignity in all its aspects. Congratulations to the contributors and editors.
Best Wishes to you all for HAPPY DEEPAVALI, The Holy Festival of Lights. With regards,
(Thank you for your warm words. We too wish you and your family a Happy Diwali! - Managing Editor) |
Happy Diwali !
Happy Diwali to everyone at Muse India and congratulations to the editors for producing an excellent issue of the journal !
Amit Shankar Saha, Kolkata saha.amitshankar@gmail.com Nov 4, 2010
(Thanks. Muse India team too wishes all its members and readers joyous celebrations during Diwali!! - Managing Editor)
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I really like Muse India's new look - very classy! Congrats to the team guiding the ejournal from strength to strength!
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Kudos from a distinguished writer
Dear Mr. Rao, Congratulations on the latest issue of Muse India with special section on Oriya Literature. Your support of Oriya literature throughout has been commendable for which Oriya writers should be grateful.
Please convey my congratulations to Sachidananda Mohanty who edited the Oriya Section. With regards,
J.P.Das, New Delhi prathampurush@gmail.com Nov 3, 2010
(Thanks, Mr Das, for your kind words. – Managing Editor) |
Dear Mr Rao, the new get up is very very nice and classy, along with the contents. A lot of new interesting reads. Thank you. Happy Diwali to you and the team!
Sreelata Menon, Bangalore sreelata0@yahoo.co.in Nov 2, 2010 |
The spark of the ancient land
We wish to thank Gopa and Mukunda Ramarao for their support to Muse India. The present issue, it appears to me, is devoted to Bhakti poems - the one ably edited by Ambika and the other focusing Oriya literature by Prof Sachidanand Mohanty. Orissa, Sri Jagannath, Odissi dance, the blue sea, the rolling hills on the west and myriad rivers criss-crossing Orissa's heart are what make the people of the state simple, literary conscious, lovers of arts and culture and imaginative. This aspect has been brought out by showcasing a 'mudra' of the well known Odissi dancer late Sanjukta Panigrahi, several enchanting Odissi actions or poses in photo gallery and excellent 'patachitra' of Lord Jagannath. The essays, review articles, stories and poems have a wide range- mixing medieval and the modern, divine and passionate, imaginative to real world. To be frank I must say this puzzle piece fits into the mosaic of Indian culture transcending time and space. It was a great pleasure to feel the spirit and see the spark of an ancient land.
GSP Rao, Ambika and Prof Sachidananda Mohanty have taken great care to edit this issue. Hearty congratulations to all of them.
Kumarendra Mallick kumar.muse@yahoo.com Hyderabad Nov 02, 2010 |
Wish you had included Sufi movement
Thanks so much! And congratulations! The issue on Bhakti movement came as a redeemer at a particularly dark time politically, culturally and personally. I feel liberated as a woman reading about women Bhakts.
Wish you had included an in-depth coverage of Sufi movement also, and women sufis in particular--since so little has been written about women sufis of the sub-continent, and since its a such a fine example of cultural syncretism in S Asia.
Nighat Majid, Allahabad nighatm2002@yahoo.com Nov 2, 2010
(As Ambika Ananth commented in her editorial, it was not possible to do justice to such a vast area of literature as the Bhakti literature, in a single issue. We'll plan a sequel to it to cover more aspects such as Sufi movement. We are happy the feature has helped you. Regards. - Managing Editor) |
Dear Sachi, Warmest congratulations to you on your edition of contemporary Oriya literature in Muse India, which I greatly appreciated. I’ve long been a fan of Manoj Das’s work incidentally and this is a finely atmospheric story that you’ve selected. The others voices were mostly new to me but equally enjoyable.
A very happy Diwali to you from Satya and me as well.
Daniel Roberts, Queens University Belfast d.s.roberts@qub.ac.uk Nov 2, 2010 |
Excellent collection
Dear Surya Rao, Excellent collection and great format. Regards,
B P Acharya, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, GOAP, Hyderabad bp_acharya@rediffmail.com Nov 2, 2010
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Accolades for New Issue
This month’s issue, as usual, has lived up to its standard it has set all along.
Mukunda Rama Rao, Hyderabad ymramarao@gmail.com Nov 2, 2010
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Dear Mr Rao, Congratulations! Hearty thanks for bringing out such an illustrious issue on Oriya Literature. Prof Mohanty deserves a shower of commendation. The issue is very readable, soothing to eyes because of the pictures and overall a very well edited and well produced piece. Regards.
Paramita Satpathy paramita_345@yahoo.co.in Nov 2, 2010
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Thank you Mr Rao. Muse India reflects your vision and literary efforts. Grateful for including two of my poems via Dr Mohanty (in Contemporary Oriya Literature’).
Wishing you continuing success and happy Diwali to you and your family members.
Amarendra Khatua amarendrakhatua@hotmail.com Nov 2, 2010 |
Dear Sachi babu, I just checked up the site and found it very rich in content. How long did it take for you to give it such a beautiful shape? I will go through each article and come back later.
I'm thankful to you for introducing me to Muse India as well as the galaxy of established writers. I feel humble being with all of you having a lot of literary achievements! Regards
Hrushikesha Mohanty, Prof, Computer Science, HCU hmcs_hcu@yahoo.com Nov 1, 2010
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Comprehensive coverage of Oriya literature
Dear Sachi, Congrats on the editorial venture in Muse India. It is a very comprehensive section. Enjoyed reading several articles in it just now. I am in the US lecturing on Tagore 150 and will return in mid-Nov. Happy Diwali wishes.
Somdatta Mandal, Professor & Head, Dept of E&OMEL, Visva-Bharati somdattam@gmail.com Nov 1, 2010
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Muse India provokes thoughts
Muse India poems provoke thoughts,
Ideas wriggle and torture the minds,
So strange are the images
So novel. Prickles and pains,
I dream and dream the melodies
repeat and get thrilled.
Thank you poets.
U K Atiyodi, Kandangali, Payyanur, uatiyodi@gmail.com Oct 11, 2010
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The mast tells all : 'MUSE INDIA - the literary ejournal' and yet I venture to suggest it must publish its hard copy. Whenever I go through the past issues, the sheer richness of its content - literary and graphic - I feel I must have MI in a book-form both to read them at my convenience as also a keepsake for my library. One can suggest i can easily get it printed. but a bound book is a altogether a differnt joy!
Neerav Patel, Ahmedabad neerav59@yahoo.co.in Oct 2, 2010
(Thank you for your kind words. Publishing and distributing high-quality print journal has its own economies of operation. There have been several suggestions in the past that we should have a print version too. We are in discussion with someone who is willing to seriously consider this. We hope something will materialise soon. We will keep our members and well-wishers posted on further dcevelopments. - Managing Ed) |
It is very kind of Dr Dileep Jhaveri to take note of dalit poetry as a vibrant voice in contemporary gujarati literature. His comment "Poetry of protest is obviously the reign of Dalits and poets of commitment. Shrillness is there but absent is the incisiveness of those who suffered discrimination or alienation" is worth pondering.
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Congrats for a very inspiring latest issue. It makes a very engrossing and interesting read with innumerable points to ponder upon. Great issue!
Geeta Sahai, New Delhi geetasahai@gmail.com Sep 9, 2010
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Rama Shivakumar's story
Excellent issue. I am particularly impressed by the short story, 'The Wedding Present' by Rama Shivakumar. She is a young person but her skills match high level experienced writers. Congratulations to her.
S Abburi, Bangalore asethu1357@yahoo.com Sep 8, 2010
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Dear Amrit, Congratulations!! I really enjoyed this issue of Muse India. Best,
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Very wide spectrum of coverage
Dear Dr. Amrit Sen,
I have received Muse India's Special Issue on Rabindra Nath Tagore. Its spectrum is so very wide. Going through articles dealing with different facets of Gurudev's extraordinary genius will prove immensely useful. So far I have gone through only two of them, one by Dr. Uday Narain Singh and the second on the paintings of Tagore. I have found both profoundly illuminating.
I regret not having sent my article on Amrita Shergil's Critique of Tagore, which I had promised. My engagement with the project at hand did not let me devote time for writing it in time.
I appreciate very much the labour and time you have invested in bringing out this issue. It impels me all the more to prepare my article, definitely after my return from USA before the end of the year.
Wishing you the best,
Prof Tejwant Singh Gill, USA tejwant_gill@yahoo.com Sep 5, 2010
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(Latest Issue) is really good and helpful to all... I love it...
Abu Saleh, M Phil student, HCU, Hyderabad abusalehenglish@gmail.com Sep 2, 2010 |
On 'Streer Patra'
Dear Professor Sanjukta Dasgupta,
Thank you for the beautiful article ` “Streer Patra” - A Feminist Text?' published in Muse India. Really enjoyed it. I thought I recently read somewhere about Tagore's reading of foreign lit. and in that connection, some mention of Ibsen---but I am drawing a blank on it now. I had thought about this before, but reading again in your article the stress on the initial address (Shricharankamaleshu..) and the final sign-off (..charantolashroychhinna..) in the story, I wonder if the name Mrinal of the protagonist has been chosen to resonate particularly with the latter.
With deep regards,
Samir Bhattacharya, Editor, Parabaas, New Jersey bhattacharyasamir@gmail.com Sep 2, 2010 |
Dear Prof. Amrit Sen, My hearty congratulations for your compiling, editing and publishing such a wonderful, voluminous special issue on Tagore, the sole charismatic link between the East and the West! In this world of multiculturalism, Tagore’s views, expressed through his literature, are quite relevant. Thanks for publishing my article and the review of my book.
Dr. K V Dominic, Editor, Indian Journal of Postcolonial Literatures, Kerala, India prof.kvdominic@gmail.com Sep 2, 2010
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Dear Amrit,
Just browsed through the special Tagore issue. I found Muse India sporting a new look. Congratulations to you since you have devoted much of your valuable time to this Issue. Wish you success for similar ventures in future.
Naina Dey, Kolkata naina.dey@gmail.com Sep 1, 2010 |
Outstanding Issue
Dear Dr. Amrit,
This certainly is an outstanding issue on Tagore. Best wishes,
Aju Mukhopadhyay, Pondicherry ajum24@yahoo.co.in Sep 1, 2010 |
Hi Amrit, Seen the Issue, great stuff.. Will read all the papers in detail. By the way, from one Tagore fan to another - have you seen my poem "Teaching Tagore to 10 AS". Not being vain - but this poem is widely anthologised. Best wishes
Usha Kishore, UK vajra@manx.net Sep 1, 2010 |
Editorial of Tagore section
Dear Sir (Amrit Sen),
Your editorial truly states that quality in Tagore which we generally associate with Sri Ramkrishna - that of being able to sieve milk from water, and yet he was so authentically engaged to the causes of his time, which, as you have stated, was a time of flux in history.
"Concepts as diverse as multiculturalism, globalization and cosmopolitanism, ecology, issues of gender and caste, models of rural reconstruction and co-operatives, theories of travel and exchange. The sophistication and nuances of his logic remain points of entry into such debates within the perimeter of aesthetic pleasure" - is perhaps the nutshell of what we have understood of Tagore to some extent, so far.
But vast eternities of the "worker" Tagore still remain to be explored. Some groundbreaking research on this aspect of Tagore has been done by the late Prashanta Kr. Pal. It will be a path-building effort if these could be brought to light in the form of excerpts or which ever form you think suitable.
For the efforts of your group and yourself, let me state, you have silently and without much fanfare, done something that generations to come will find to be: "A lifelong fountain of innocent and exalted pleasure; a source of animation to friends when they meet; and able to sweeten solitude itself with best society, -- with the companionship of the wise and the good."
If it teaches those indifferent to Tagore to love him, and those who love him to love him more, the aim and the desire entertained in framing this will be fully accomplished.
Regards, Suchintya Majumder, Mumbai ryansuchintya@gmail.com Sep 1, 2010 |
Amrit Da,
Great Work! Muse India Sep-Oct, 2010 Issue is a fascinating one. Congrats!
Dr Jaydeep Sarangi, Kapgari, WB jaydeep_sarangi@rediffmail.com Sep1, 2010 |
I have just finished seeing your latest issue--an exquisite collection of art and literature on Tagore. Each click was an enriching experience. I read some poems, the editorial and a couple of reviews. Thank you for carrying my poems. My collection is also about to come out. Most warmly,
Sharad Chandra, NOIDA sharadchandra9@gmail.com Sep 1, 2010
(Thanks for your kind words. We are glad you are enjoying the Issue. – Managing Ed) |
Thanks for publishing my short story in the latest Muse India. The issue is simply superb. Looking forward to the Literary Festival.
Krishna Kumari Poduri kkpoduri@gmail.com Sep 1, 2010 |
The Issue is very tastefully designed.
Sudeshna Majumdar, Birbhum, WB soomaz2@gmail.com Sep 1, 2010 |
Nice and attractive
Muse India, Sep.-Oct. 2010 Special Tagore 150 Commemorative Issue is really very nice and attractive with very good articles. Commendable are the sincere endeavours of editors and contributors. Congratulations and best wishes to all. Happy Janmashtami.
(Thanks. WE wish you a happy Krishna Janmastami too! - Managing Ed)
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I am very honoured to be a part of this issue of Muse India. This is an excellent literary journal, with quality editors giving us all a wonderful opportunity to be a part of this community.
Rama Shivakumar, Bethesda, US rama.shivakumar@gmail.com Aug 31, 2010 |
Tagore 150 Commemorative Issue
Congratulations to you all for gifting a wonderful issue on Tagore in the 150th year. Regards,
Prof Udaya Narayana Singh, Pro-VC & Director, Rabindra Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan unsciil@yahoo.com Aug 31, 2010 |
My sincere thanks to the Editor Mr Rao for carrying out the amendments of those four lines , which got corrupted in my poem -"Journey to the Khyber Pass" !
Raj Nandy , New Delhi , rajnandy21@yhoo.in Aug 19, 2010 |
Dear Sir, My poem on "Journey to the Kyber Pass" has been spoilt by the moderator at your end! The rhyming pattern have been changed, the capital letters have been made small and the lat line repeated in a twisted form !!
This did not happen whe I had posted the same poem on two other sites ! Could you kindly withdraw this poem and post the correct version I had submitted ? Thanking you , - Raj Nandy New Delhi
My e-mail : rajnandy21@yahoo.in - is presently not opening due to some problem at yahoo.com !Kindly concact through your message box.
(Your e-mail has been hacked. You can't open it. As regards your poem, it is kept in tact, except some changes like the numbers are written in words, lines have been wraped to keep the text inside the screen, the sub-headings are highlighted which you did not do and like that. Please read the poem once again, you shall find that nothing has been in essence altered - K. Mallick) |
Having published my works on various sites prior to posting in 'Museindia.com', I would like to thank the Editor for making "Your Space" site so easily accessible to the members - each time we log in ! In other sites, despite the registration, you have to fill-up details each time you want to access the site ! Thank you !
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Substantive and Fine-looking
Dear Editors, I meant to tell you this earlier, but hopefully late is better than never: I love the new layout. It's a pleasure to have poems in a journal that is both substantive and so fine-looking. Thanks,
Robert Bohm, USA rebsalerno@comcast.net
(Thank you for your very warm words, Mr Bohm. Appreciation is always welcome, irrespective of when it comes! - Managing Editor) |
Muse India, a sincere effort
While browsing the net for a site which promotes sensible literature, I found your site and am very happy to inform you that the first thing I felt reading it for sometime was, "Well, here is one sincere effort".
I thank you and appreciate you for bringing such wonderful content to the fore. Being a literature lover, it’s a feast to see your site. I have instantly enrolled as a member of Muse India.
(Thanks for your kind words. We hope Muse India will continue to please your literary taste. - Managing Ed.) |
The new Muse India website is amazing. It looks fantastic and the new issue with all the sumptuous contents is absolutely fabulous. I am proud to be a part of this great magazine.
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Srinivas Sistla – Interaction with GSP Rao
The interview of Srinivas Sistla, the first translator of Sri Krishna Deva Raya’s Amuktamalyada into English, by GSP Rao, himself a biographer of the emperor-poet is interesting and illumining. The adage “blessing in disguise” has proved true with Srinivas’s two-month bed-ridden hospital experience but for which it would have taken a much longer time for him to study the sources concerned. It’s providential that he had exuberantly come out of it, to our fortune – and for further accomplishments in future, including his proposed translation of Manucharitra. It’s also providential that he could launch his book during the quincentenary celebrations. It is hoped that the next edition of Amuktamalyada would be complemented with visuals from places like Madurai, Srirangam, Srivelliputtur, and Tirukurungudi. And I am sure that the waves and ripples created by this book would touch the shores of leading publishing houses.
U Atreya Sarma, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com Aug 2, 2010 |
Dear Sir, when we submit a poem or comment on poems of other members, why does that take more than one full hour to show up? On other poetry sites it comes up almost instantaneously! Also how do we have access to collective poems of individual members? Thanking you.
Raj Nandy, New Delhi rajnandy21@yahoo.in Aug 2, 2010
(Muse India is run on voluntary work of its editors and doesn't have full-time staff to attend to postings being submitted in Your Space. Editors do the postings a few times a day, so submissions may appear on the site after a few hours. We need to screen all submissions to eliminate junk/spam or even undesirable postings. This too takes time. Policies and facilities at other sites could be different. On this site, we don't have a facility to access collective poems of an individual. We retain only the postings of the last couple of months or so. Every month the older postings are dropped. -Managing Ed.) |
This is new format is better than the previous one. Let's hope, it would enthuse our members. Regards,
Ashish Dimri, New Delhi ashishdimri1@gmail.com Jul 29, 2010
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Feedback note in a different format
I feel it would look better if the Feedback note is set in a different format, font, and colour – showing it conspicuously apart from the feedbacks received. Please consider.
U Atreya Sarma, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com Jul 24, 2010
(This is a good suggestion. We'll implement it. - Managing Ed) |
The new format of Muse India is very reader- friendly. Thank you for the same. I noticed that in the Authors Index, in my account, you missed mentioning one of my stories: AMALA, published in Issue-29. Kindly include it. Maybe the system failed to recognize it because I signed it as Vasundhara Devi and not as Ratakonda. Sorry for the trouble given.
Vasundhara Ratakonda, Madanapalle vratakonda@yahoo.com Jul 23, 2010
(We will look into this. We are in the process of thoroughly going over all the past Issues, now converted into the new format, to ensure that all items are duly credited to the authors in the Index. - Managing Ed.)
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I would like to extend my hearty congratulations for revamping the website of Muse India. The new look is very contemporary and classy.
Supriya Choudary, Hyderabad supriya_scholar@yahoo.com Jul 19, 2010
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A suggestion: Everytime I have to type three items (1) Name: Rajaram Ramachandran, (2) Place: Juhu, Mumbai, (3) Email: rajaram1931@gmail.com before sumitting my poem or opinion or fiction or comments on others' postings. If these items are stored in the memory, they will come automatically once I type the first one or two letters. Is there any possibility for introducing this procedure please? Thanks.
Rajaram Ramachandran, Mumbai rajaram1931@gmail.com Jul 18, 2010
(It is a good suggestion and we have been thinking on these lines. We will consult our technical team and see what best can be done. - Managing Ed) |
Wonderful being here
Muse India is a wonderful site with several like-minded people, who are from diverse backgrounds. It is a wonderful feeling being there.
Hema Ravi, Chennai hemravi@sify.com Jul 17, 2010
(Thanks. We are glad, like many others you find being in the site interesting and motivating. – Managing Ed) |
The new format of museindia is definitely appealing, organised and has an international look. I am reminded of Marcus Aurelius' quotation, "Keep constantly in mind in how many things you yourself have witnessed changes already. The universe is change, life is understanding." Surya and the entire team deserves to be praised for this laudable effort.
Sujatha Gopal, Hyderabad sujathathudiyil@gmail.com Jul 16, 2010 |
Lessons from Amuktamalyada
Prema Nandakumar’s masterly review of Sistla Srinivas’s Amuktamalyada stimulates many to own a copy of the book. Her words that this “translation is not going to be the last” are prophetic, what with her intense love of Telugu literature. And congratulations to Srinivas on his pioneering work – brought out at a most opportune time.
Yamunacharya’s advice to his son on the management of temple funds deserves to be displayed at every temple, at every endowments office including the Minister’s. How interesting it is that even during the medieval times there was always the danger of the temple funds being diverted and appropriated by the State! But they were consciously thinking of safeguards to be put in place. Our present day democratic rulers are, however, unparalleled in the embezzling skills. Even to celebrate the quincentenary celebrations of SKD’s coronation, the AP government has contributed (that too very reluctantly) just a pittance of Rs1 crore, as against squeezing Rs4 crores that it made the TTD to cough up, as if it is a religious event.
And Prema Nandakumar’s concern over the lack of English translations of Telugu classics should serve as an eye-opener and challenge to the litterateurs.
U Atreya Sarma Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com Jul 14, 2010 |
I marvel at your speed in collecting contributions, putting them in place and releasing Muse India numbers well in advance … and without compromising on quality. It's a matter of pride for the Telugus that you are running an e-literary journal of such repute and standing in which every promising and established writer in the country would like to e-publish his/her work. The number of poems in 'your space' bears testimony to this. At a time when print journals are faced with fund crunches, want of quality contributions, erratic frequency, your ejournal has opened a portal of hope for creative writers and critics alike. Kudos to your team for their spirited enthusiasm, and enduring perseverance. Having brought out so many numbers, I know you would keep up the excellent work you have been rendering.
K Damodar Rao, Associate Professor of English, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal damodarrao_k@yahoo.com Jul 13, 2010
(This is high praise indeed, coming from a scholar like you. We are grateful for such motivating words. The credit for timely release of our Issues goes to all our Contributing / Guest Editors as well as writers, who all send the material in time. We are thankful for their support. – Managing Ed) |
Dear Mr. GSP Rao and Ms Ambika Ananth, Congrats first of all for the spectacular design of the journal. Beyond any doubt Muse India is number one e-journal in India, content-wise and beauty-wise. Sorry for being late in appreciation as I was drowned in sorrow with the horrible tragedy of my friend and colleague, Prof. T. J. Joseph.
K V Dominic, Editor, IJPCL, Thodupuzha, Kerala prof.kvdominic@gmail.com Jul 11, 2010
(Thanks for your warm words.
We are sorry to hear about Prof Joseph being seriously injured in an attack by terrorists. We offer our sympathies and wish him early recovery. We also apologise for inadvertantly mentioning earlier about his passing away. We pray for his long life. - Managing Ed) |
The new Issue is very elegantly brought out. All features are well-dressed up. Congratulations to the editorial team for such a pleasant treat.
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A perceptive review
Dear Ambika Ananth, Let me thank you very sincerely for the excellent review you have done of my book "Talks and Articles" for your prestigious journal, "Muse India". The review is as comprehensive as it is perceptive; it is as generous as it is brilliant. I am really very deeply touched by the compliments you have paid me in such pleasingly fluent English. I can understand how deeply and thoroughly you have read the book for the review. I very much respect your commitment to the job. Good wishes to your wonderful team. With regards
C.Subbarao subbaraochepuru@gmail.com Jul 10, 2010
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The web site looks gorgeous. Change is for good. I am pretty impressed by the towering title. All the best for muse and its community.
J Srinivas jagirdar.srinivas@gmail.com Jul 8, 2010
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I have gone through the current issue of Muse India and I must say it is very impressive and certainly deserves a lot of kudos.
Pallavi Jayakar pallavijayakar@yahoo.com Jul 7, 2010 (On FaceBook) |
Diversified writings of India
As usual, it is brilliant---the current issue of Muse India. Good selection and fine editing. A wonderful read for those interested in finding true India via its diversified writings. Thanks for the treat.
Sunil Sharma, Mumbai drsharma.sunil@gmail.com Jul 6, 2010 (On FaceBook) |
Your widely read, esteemed literary e-journal is truly well revamped: superb layout, fab design, high-quality page make-up, and very interesting write-ups-- they all bear the unmistakable stamp of your brilliant editorship.
Swapan K Banerjee, Serampur, Hooghly, WB momobanerjee@yahoo.co.in Jul 7, 2010
(Thank you for the high praise. We believe it is the result of our team work. - Managing Ed) |
Gorgeous!
The new site of Muse India looks gorgeous!
Aruni Kashyap, Guwahati arunikashyap@gmail.com Jul 7, 2010
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Muse India looks more impressive now. The latest issue is as engrossing as ever. Feature on 'Prakriti' is excellent.Regards.
T.S.Chandra Mouli, Hyderabad tscmouli@hotmail.com Jul 7, 2010
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Appreciation of Artists of NE
Dear Mr.Rao,
The new Issue featuring works of artists from North-East India along with the poetic works is amazing.
I appreciate the meticulous efforts taken by the editorial team at Muse India. Being associated with Muse India is a memorable moment. I hope we would collaborate in the future.
Warm regards and best wishes for your future endeavours.
Anutosh Deb, Guwahati anutosh64@hotmail.com Jul 7, 2010
(Thanks for your warm words. We thank all the artists once again and will look forward to opportunities to collaborate with you in future. Regards. - Managing Ed) |
Muse India's new look is cool and refreshing.
Annie George, Kottayam, Kerala anniegeorg@gmail.com Jul 6, 2010 |
More organised
Just had a quick glance. Looks good and more organized.
Sukrita Paul Kumar, New Delhi sukrita.paulkumar@gmail.com Jul 6, 2010 |
Thank you for publishing my short story "Scents of Marigold". I like the new profile of Muse India along with its new set up.
Ashoka Sen, UK ashokasen@hotmail.co.uk Jul 6, 2010 |
No Contributing Editors for Telugu and Sanskrit
While the list of Contributing Editors reflects the variety of regional literatures of India, it’s a bit disconcerting that Telugu and Sanskrit literatures are not represented though they are very rich. I hope this gap will be bridged at the earliest.
U Atreya Sarma, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com Jul 6, 2010
(Telugu literature was being looked after by Late Dr Bhargavi Rao, one of our founder editors, and now it is being overseen by Ambika Ananth with the help of Guest editors. As such we have not mentioned a Contributing Editor for Telugu. We will certainly have one when it becomes necessary. Sanskrit is a classical language and, unlike in our regional languages, no significant new work is being done in it. As and when we take up a special feature on Sanskrit literature, we will avail of services of an expert in that language. - Managing Ed) |
Issue Number missed out
What a pleasant and elegant look! Thanks to the redesign of Muse India site. The overall mix of the features and the writings within promise a delectable and sumptuous fare, it so appears even from a cursory look. Though Muse India was prompt and among the first to highlight and cover the Sri Krishna Devaraya quincentenary (Jul-Aug 2009 issue), the ripples continue even now – even after one year - what with the AP government having pitched in though belatedly. In that background, Prema Nandakumar’s review of Amuktamalyada by Sri Krishna Deva Raya is still timely and welcome.
There are a few suggestions though, which I am unable to resist putting forth for your consideration:
1. The frequency and the date of the issue are not shown. It could be shown in the red band at the other end of the ISSN reference, I feel.
2. There could be a ‘Home’ link for easy navigation back to the main page.
3. Nothing more is known about Mohan Humnabadkar, the sponsor – whom I profusely thank for his gesture – for his name doesn’t figure in the Authors Index, and we don’t have a bank of the members’ profiles.
4. The entries in ‘Your Space’ from July 2 onwards got deleted. So also when the last issue (May-June) was being uploaded, the March section got prematurely deleted in addition to some of the latest postings of April. Could some precaution be taken to save the vulnerable sections before taking up any redesign, reconstruction, reformatting, or uploading so that the data is not lost?
U Atreya Sarma, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com Jul 6, 2010
(Thanks for your warm words and also for pointing out the lapse on Issue No. and period. It is being set right now. 'Home' icon is already there, on top of all screens, to be used to go back to the homepage. May be you did not notice it. Mr Mohan Humnabadkar, sponsor of the Issue, did not want any details about him to be publicised. He just wanted to support our work. We have honoured his wishes. The problems you mention about 'Your Space' were due to server problems with the ISP who were hosting Muse India site earlier. Due to such recurrent problems only we had to switch over to another ISP. We hope similar mishaps will not happen again. - Managing Ed) |
Many thanks for your mail. The new Issue is handsomely produced. Congrats! I'm really happy to see the Northeast English poetry supplement.
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New Look is pleasing
Many thanks for publishing my poems in the current issue of Muse India. The new look of the journal is colourful and pleasing.
Saroja Ganapathy, Mumbai sagacherub@gmail.com Jul 5, 2010 |
Oh! Thank you to all those who worked hard for bringing out an Issue to reach our hearts, as an eye feast. Such a beautiful e-mag, exactly to international standards.
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Thanks for your mail. Your plan is certainly timely and laudable. Best wishes,
Aju Mukhopadhyay, Pondicherry ajum24@yahoo.co.in Jun 10, 2010
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What a superb idea... museindia is really something wonderful :)
Usha Akella, USA usha.akella@gmail.com Jun 10, 2010 |
Thank you for taking the initiative. Looking forward to reading it.
Niharika Shah nshah@glenviewpl.org Jun 10, 2010 |
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Good venture. Like it. (About planned feature on Tagore literature in Sep-Oct, 2010 Issue.)
M K Devburman mkdburman@gmail.com Jun 10, 2010 |
I had been facing difficulty accessing museindia site the last few days. I had requested the internet/cable operators several times and they were kind enough to restore the museindia connection today (1-6-2010). I am glad that I am with you all once again. My thanks are due to the editors, Surya and Kumarendra Mallick for their good support to me during this black out from museindia.
(We are happy after your difficulties with Internet service provider, you are now able to access our site. We are also glad you are back with us, particularly in the Your Space forum. - Managing Ed)
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Unable to access Muse India
For the last one week I am unable to open the website museindia.com, as it had happened earlier. I am daily reminding the cable operator, who says that I am connected to Tata Server, which has blocked the portal that contains both good and bad websites. If they block bad websites under one portal, the good webistes also get blocked along with the bad ones. This explanation, however, I am unable to digest myself. They are trying to fool me, I think. Yet, they say they are trying their best to restore this site. I personally went to their office to complain, and they say that they are sincerely trying to help me. It is my misfortune that things like this should happen, particularly in my computer. I am gettting all other websites, excepting museindia. I am informing you about this problem I am now facing. I checked up with other places, where they are not connected to Tata Server and they are able to get museindia in their computers. To my bad luck, I am served by Tata server. With best wishes,
(We are sorry to note the difficulty you are facing. It is surprising that an ISP like Tata Server should be the cause of this. Instead of dealing with your Cable Operator, who sounds helpless, may be you could try to reach someone responsible in Tata Server and see what exactly is their problem. Alternatively, try to avail of services of some other Cable Operator who does not depend on Tata Server. None of our other members from Mumbai has reported this problem to us. - Managing Ed) |
Sant Singh Sekhon
I would like to know the where abouts of Sant Singh Sekhon, his children and his grand son, who was interested to come to USA. Any information will be appreciated. I was very close to the family. I have been in USA for the last 50 years and am a retired university adminstrator.
Pritpal Singh Gill, USA pritpal3@aol.com May 23, 2010
(Sant Singh Sekhon passed away in 1997. May be Prof Tejwant Singh Gill, our Contributing Editor for Punjabi literature, knows something about his children. We'll forward your enquiry to him. His email - tejwant_gill@yahoo.com. - Managing Editor) |
A work of art
The current issue is a work of art. It is a rich, warm blend of cultures that is pleasing to the aesthetic senses and stirring to the reader's soul. I first became acquainted with, 'Muse India' via Sukrita Paul Kumar's conversation with Dr. Wazir Agha. I have been an admirer ever since.
I was mesmerized by the story of the exceptional painter, K Suguna Rao. His triumph over his physical disability is truly inspiring. My salute to him. I congratulate you and all the editors for a unique and beautiful creative effort. Warm regards,
Sandra Fowler, West Virginia sandrafowler7@hotmail.com May 17, 2010
(Thanks, Ms Sandra Fowler for your warm words. - Managing Editor) |
Conscientious work
While offering my congratulations to the conscientious Editors for the Issue of MI (Issue 31, May-June 2010) that truly combines the local with the global and the ethnic with the cosmopolitan, there are some conceptual issues regarding literature and poetry that I would like to touch upon. I also would like to express my appreciation for the strong visual impact of the Issue and the vast range that it covers.
The sections on Karbi literature and the Nicaragua poetry festival are enriching for different reasons, and form the main attractions of the Issue. The poems from the festival selected by Usha Akella and her graphic impressions of it are a pleasure to read, and reiterate the faith that ‘the poetry of the earth is never dead.’ It is significant that the best poetry in the section comes from countries which have faced social and political turmoil (Israel, Slovakia/Hungary, Romania) and by poets who move beyond personal concerns in search of a larger truth or reality (Lina Zeron, Mexico, Tsead Bruinja, The Netherlands. Sigurdar Palsson, Iceland); the debate of whether literature is meant for intellectual elites or for the common man goes back to the famous debate on the topic by William Wordswoth in his “Preface to the Lyrical Ballads” and Samuel T Coleridge’s rejoinder to it in “Biographia Litereria”. In the 20th century, Modernists and Postmodernists have taken stands on both sides of the divide. What makes this section important, apart from the fact that it has made such good poems available to the readers of MI, is that all the poems featured exemplify that good poetry moves beyond a mere subjective expression of the poet’s feelings and emotions, has its own framework of art, craftsmanship and aesthetics and functions on multiple layers of meaning and complexity. This is what is posited by Indian aesthetics too, especially by the Dhvani theory, according to which the capacity of literature to work through suggestion rather than statement is what makes the multiple layers of meaning in it possible. Broaden this framework and it becomes the basis for the experience of all good literature, short stories included.
A very special mention of the efforts of Uddipana Goswami in putting together the Section of Karbi Literature and including three major forms of writing – poetry, short story and novel, apart from interesting insights into Karbi life in the other write ups - is in place. It draws attention to (a) the dynamism of a literature that is still trying to find its feet and evolve its script, (b) the urgent need for the richness of the oral traditions in literature to be documented, (c) the social and political realities that inhere in the lives of a group of marginalised people, and (d) the significance of translations in bringing the richness of this kind of literature within our reach.
On a personal note, I would like to add that our academia which actively promotes the studies of ethnic literatures of other nations (which have attained high visibility due to political and academic patronage in the shape of travel grants, scholarships etc), is hardly aware of indigenous traditions and literatures which voice equally important concerns. Good funding/Fellowships/Associateships for Projects dealing with Indian literatures and cultures are available from the University Grants Commission and other academic institutes like The Indian Institute of Advanced Study and Indian Council for Historical Research for scholars wishing to undertake such work, especially in hitherto uncharted areas, and young scholars must come forward to avail themselves of these facilities.
The Regular features are a mixed buffet of the good and the not-so-good, with a healthy blend of short stories, reviews, poetry and interviews. The interviews could have been more exhaustive, though. And, isn’t it a bit late in the day to review a book (“The Argumentative Indian”) in 2010, when it has been published in 2005, and when Amartya Sen has published, at least, a couple of much-discussed books subsequently – “Identity and Violence: The illusion of Destiny” (2006) and the voluminous “The Idea of Justice” (2009)? Perhaps that review could have been expanded into an independent critique and feature.
Ambika Ananth and Surya Rao – thanks to both of you and your team, for the innovativeness of the concept that could bring two such divergent currents in culture and literature together on one canvas.
Charanjeet Kaur, Thane charanje_et@yahoo.co.in May 16, 2010
(We greatly appreciate the interest you have taken to send a comprehensive feedback on the Issue and your comments on whether literature is meant for intellectual elites or for the common man. - Managing Editor) |
New Voices – Debate
Wise are the words of the Managing Editor, and I agree with him. The debate could have been a little more sober, but then the heat was like that – maybe due to the present blazing summer! I’m ready to bury the hatchet – though the debate is just academic - and I do respect the standing and erudition of Dr Raghupathi.
U Atreya Sarma, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com May 15, 2010 |
Sometimes things go out of hand. I have an essay on reviewing written by L.E.Sissman who wrote it for the Atlantic Monthly. Indian Book Chronicle carried it long ago in 1976 and on my suggestion carried it again in 2001. I would be delighted to send it at this juncture when new reviewers may emerge. Let us always try to improve ourselves with constant striving.
(Thanks, Dr Rama Rao, Please forward the piece. We are sure it will be helpful to many. - Managing Editor)
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Reply to Dr Raghupathi’s rejoinder – New Voices
Let me, at the outset, assure everyone that I don’t have any claims to authority of scholarship, much less an audacious one.
After all, poetry is written for the readers, including the lay ones, and not for the delight of the reviewers or critics. Hence whatever I felt as a layman on the basis of my own understanding of things, I had so responded. I don’t think, once an issue has come up for public debate, there is any hierarchical protocol for reaction. And can anyone vouchsafe that unanimity exists on matters like this even among the savants of same hierarchical level of erudition?
The comment (“I am not a salesman, or a hired reviewer”) is uncalled for, for the reason that anyone who likes a work need not be a salesman or a hired reviewer. Conversely, couldn’t it be argued that a reviewer has been pungently critical for having not received any gratification?
If what I express from what I have learnt from my teachers, books, friends, and experience is “simply parroting” I don’t mind it. And I don’t think anyone could be self-taught in an insular atmosphere – in matters of scholarship. By the way, has the reviewer made any fresh discovery in his review in order to sound “new”?
I don’t deny the importance or felicity of writing in one’s mother tongue, but then felicity and aptitude are relative. In fact, I do feel that mother tongue has to be a compulsory subject at all levels, and whatever the course of study. I don’t deny Dr Raghupathi’s impression that the appeal of “commuter” writers lies mostly with the Western readership. But then don’t we have poets like Toru Dutt and Sarojini Naidu who wrote in English? Is not Aurobindo’s Savitri rated superior even to Milton’s Paradise Lost by some critics? Hasn’t the Aurobindian scholar Prof Srinivas Iyengar introduced the subject of “Indian writing in English” in the university education? If no Indian is supposed to write in English, then journals like Muse India have to pack up.
My take is that, if an anthology is not worth reading, won’t it be better to ignore it, rather than give it a negative publicity? The purpose of a review, in my opinion, is to draw readers to it, not to repel them away from it. And I don’t mean, a review has to be panegyrical.
In fact, in the present context, a big word like ‘poetics’ need not have been used, for after all, the poets in question have simply given their own approach and philosophy of their own poetry writing. Much of what Aristotle had originally postulated has drastically changed over the time. And I don’t suppose that creativity can ever be imprisoned in a strait-jacket – which is why – whether one likes it or not, poets have broken out of the rules of prosody in favour of free verse and similar innovations.
I do agree that a scholar of Dr Raghupathi’s eminence has nothing to learn from a student like me, but I am willing to learn from anyone including a teenager even with lesser qualifications. I am perplexed that Dr Raghupathi has got so offended as to feel that I have “downgraded” him. There is no scope for any “petty prejudice” at all since I don’t know anything about either Dr Raghupathi or the poets under review nor am I shackled to any particulars school of thought. Only now I may begin to know of them by browsing the Internet. Anyway, none has been / is above criticism, - and not even Rama, Krishna or Gandhi, - that’s the Zeitgeist.
I was only being forceful in what I had said, but didn’t mean any disrespect to Dr Raghupathi, who rightly said that he need not be apologetic. Far from it, I have utmost respect for the learned, especially the teaching community. If he still feels that I had hurt him, I do apologise to him.
U Atreya Sarma, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com May 14, 2010
(We regret to see the tone and tenor of exchanges between Dr Raghupathi and Mr Atreya Sarma, both highly learned persons. We have refrained from editing their responses to allow their feelings to come through. Both have their valid points of view, but we feel the same can be, and should be, shared in a more sober manner, appropriate to their scholarship. It will be nice to see them bury the hatchet and not take anything personally. - Managing Editor) |
Rejoinder to Sarma’s Feedback – New Voices
The feedback of my review of “NEW VOICES” given by Sarma amply testifies, it seems so, that he must have over read my observations. I haven’t made any serious or otherwise outrageous observations in my review that should have prompted Sarma to come out in defense of the editor and the poets included in the anthology. First of all I am bit surprised, if not shocked, why he should overreact to my observations which I find sensible and objective for which I need not be apologetic when this, I expect, should have come from the desk of the editor of the anthology. However I would like to clarify certain remarks he has made in his feedback since the tone shows his audacious claim of authority of scholarship.
First, Sarma should know that review doesn’t mean only appreciation; and reviewers are not salesmen to promote the books which they review. I am not a salesman, or a hired reviewer, a much worse job that I can do so in my life.
Second, there is nothing new in Sarma’s claim that English as a medium of art has been a settled issue. He is simply parroting what others have said in the past. I do not however dispute with this fact in its global sense. But what I contend is that its serious limitation as having failed itself to adapt the nativity of different cultures, much of the Indian one as I confine myself to it in the present context. The nuances of the native culture are best expressed in their fineness, delicacy and excellence only in native languages howsoever one may claim the superiority of English. Even if the so called urban-polished writers have been successful at international markets and claim themselves to be the masters of English, their manner of using it as a medium to transport and transmit the nativity is a cry far from reality. Most of these writers are commuters, shuttling between the Indian capital cities and western capital cities and writing about cross cultural and Diaspora issues. Their comfortability in English is still questionable. They may have succeeded in pleasing the western audience but have failed to prove the ability of English or its malleability to express itself in the nativity. Even Rushdie’s chutnefication of English (he couldn’t have done more than that) is only a last experiment. Most of these writers have failed to live in native sensibilities, though have succeeded peripherally. A native writer writing in one’s own vernacular language is more comfortable than an Indian writer writing in English. That Indian mind is still colonized in reference to accepting the controvertible statement that English as a medium of art in Indian context is a settled issue. The feeling of enormity of English, simply because of its colonial character and now because of its global character is predominant in the ‘collective unconsciousness” of Indians, to use Carl Jung’s phrase, much more in the case of Indian writers writing in English. This cannot be erased so easily; and perhaps Sarma is talking from this anvil. If he feels he is comfortable, let him be so.
Third, Sarma should know that editing anthologies requires skill, experience and knowledge. It has emerged as a new genre of writing in the recent days. Maturity is an important element which is unfortunately not taken into account while editing. These days it has become a fashion with most poets writing in English in India who seem to have wedded to the philosophy of “get-quick-exposure/fame” and who have given little credence to these elements. Many of these anthologies are not worth reading, not to speak of their fitness to be placed on the racks in libraries. To review such anthologies and poetry collections one need not have the scholarship and vision of Dr. Johnson and other English critics as Sarma claims. It is enough if the reviewer has the finer sensibilities and a sense of objectivity.
Fourth, Sarma has also commented on my observations on the poetics. It is true poetics is a matter of subjectivity. But he should know that it has emerged as a science, its origin being traced to Aristotle. Writing poetry is immediate, while writing poetics is a product of maturity, experience and knowledge. Even the successful erstwhile poets of the post Independence period have talked less of it because of the uncertainty character of their poetry. Only Sri Aurobindo has done it with remarkable distinction, his background, knowledge and experience being different, and his poetics has come to be recognized as part of the continuity of Indian poetic tradition.
With all these pitfalls I have pointed out in less harsh tone only with an intention to educate not only the poets and editor of the anthology (perhaps they may come out with a new anthology with a difference) but also others who seem to be less ignorant, I have nevertheless carefully brought out the merit in a few pieces which I cited as examples. I feel I have done a balanced act in reviewing the book, and I don’t think I should have to learn lessons from Sarma as to how I should review books. Further, I don’t think the pitfalls I have pointed out should become the potential cause for Sarma to downgrade me or much less should become a source of discouragement to the poets. The only thing I suggest is that they may ponder and take my rightful comments, though may seem to be unpalatable, in right spirit. Let us be catholic in our outlook and not be swept by petty prejudices. Let our minds be not shut to the criticism with which we are most uncomfortable and be open to the praise with which we are most comfortable. I do not understand why the learned go jittery when criticism is made. K V Raghupathi, Kadapa raghupathi9_2007@yahoo.co.in May 13, 2010 |
Training programme in Book Publishing
National Book Trust is conducting a 2-week Training Course in Book Publishing at Vijayawada and New Delhi. Course fee is Rs. 5000/- for the New Delhi program and Rs. 1000/- for the Vijayawada program. Lodging and other expenses need to be borne by the participant.
This is ideally suited for young graduates keen on getting into the publishing industry in various roles. Details are given in website of NBT http://www.nbtindia.org.in/index.aspx. In their homepage itself there is a link to the Training Course.
I am very happy to share that one of Muse India’s members, an accomplished poet herself, Dr Nikhila Naik, has generously offered to bear the course fee of one candidate, if selected for the course. Those interested need to rush their application to NBT. They may contact Nikhila at nikhila_naik@yahoo.com.
G S P Rao, Hyderabad chiefeditor@museindia.com May 13, 2010 |
VI International Festival of Poetry of Granada, Nicaragua
The potpourri of poems provided in the section is exotic coming as they do from across the globe – on a multiplicity of themes and in their distinct styles. Gahston Saint-Fleur of Haiti has potently portrayed the extreme paradoxes of human civilization on a wide and sweeping canvas. What title he gave to his poem, I am just curious.
Usha Akella is to be wowed for her panoramic presentation of the event as well as the sights, sounds, and smells redolent in this largest Central American Republic. The insertion of the idyllic pictures of Granada has lent the necessary ethnic touch. Her description of the ambient international bonhomie by way of “handshakes of uneven fingers in one clasp” is evocative. It would have warmed the cockles of our hearts had she given the names of the poets from India that attended and included at least one of their poems – taking Usha as an American. One more aspect I couldn’t make out is, in which languages the poems were presented.
U Atreya Sarma, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com May 13, 2010 |
Thank you U Atreya Sarma for your generous and insightful feedback and good wishes. I think that your feedback adds to the content of the journal and enriches it further. One of the observations Sunetra Gupta made regarding her choice of profession was that she could be a scientist and still pursue writing whereas sadly it could not have been the other way round.
This also reminds me that John Keats in the early part of his short life studied medicine for some time to become an apothecary but he did not discard his medical books when he decided to become a poet because as he said, "Every department of knowledge we see is excellent and calculated towards a great whole." I am happy and thankful that Muse India has published my interview with Sunetra Gupta.
Amit Shankar Saha, Kolkata saha.amitshankar@gmail.com May 13, 2010 |
Focus on Karbi literature and culture as well as feature on poetry festival in Nicaragua are outstanding. All the poems and fiction in the current issue are enchanting. Thanks for providing enough engrossing material to keep us cool and comfortable at home, during this blistering summer. Best regards.
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Review of New Voices
The review of the anthology New Voices by Dr KV Raghupathi is unduly harsh and prefaced with avoidable generalities spread over two lengthy paragraphs wherein he even questioned about the merit of English as a medium of literary art for Indians though it has already been a settled matter.
His obiter dicta on the “limited exposure,” and “limited output” of the poets – and hence his “serious limitation to pass any verdict” sound extraneous. Is the size of the output a main criterion for literary criticism? Doesn’t Ben Jonson say:
“In small proportions we just beauties see;
And in short measures life may perfect be.”?
To evaluate and appreciate the current output, how will the earlier oeuvre have to be a pre-requisite, I fail to understand. To see and enjoy a movie do we need to go back to the earlier repertoire, if any, of its director.
The reviewer remarks: “Annie George is simple and less pompous” - thereby implying that the immediately foregoing poet Shyamala Nair is pompous, but without having shown any pompousness in the latter’s work. So also he faults Naushad’s poetic concept of “perfection” and rules that perfection is a myth, though the idea of perfection is relative to an individual.
The most shocking comment is that Sandhya in her confessional and reflective aspects has fallen short of renowned poets like Kamala Das, Sylvia Plath and Emily Dickinson! If an aspiring poet ought to have the calibre of famous poets, doesn’t it follow that a critic also ought to have the competence of a Dr Samuel Johnson, an AC Bradley, or a Matthew Arnold? Can’t we enjoy a work objectively rather than prescriptively?
So also the critic’s cavilling about the poetics enunciated by the poets is uncharitable, for the reason that poetics is a matter of subjectivity; and it’s not a science to fit into an iron-cast definition or prescription.
Only towards the end, the reviewer relents a bit and approves of the attempt of joint anthologies as bold and encouraging. But then the undue harshness in the rest of the article on the budding poets only serves to discourage and scare them away. After all, one is not supposed to assess the composition of a Tenth Class student on the yardsticks of an M Phil programme.
U Atreya Sarma, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com May 11, 2010 |
Review of The Argumentative Indian
While it is interesting that the book by an economist has been reviewed by a lecturer in English, it’s not fair or correct to brand those who have different views on the nature of Indian identity as “bigots” (Para 8: “In his critical essay ‘The Indian Identity’ Amartya Sen compares his idea of Indian identity with the concept of Indian identity touted by bigots.”). While “bigot” is an attribute that is liberally foisted on others, one’s claim to being “liberal” is amusing, for “liberal” is a self-styled appellation in the Indian political lingo.
The book, it appears from the review, is an elaborate exercise in argumentativeness and polemics, if not sophistry. While some perceive the national or racial or religious identity as a colour in the spectrum of weltanschauung, some are given to self-abnegation in the name of rationality and supercilious modernism. Anyway, the complexity of globalisation and the travails of indigenous socioeconomic lives have landed vast number of people in a welter of weltschmerz. A much more ginormous and a larger scale synergic effort on the solid foundations of human praxis and hard realities is required – far more than Utopian shibboleths – to see smiles on the faces of people across the board.
U Atreya Sarma, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com May 11, 2010 |
Sunetra Gupta – In Conversation with Amit Shankar Saha
My impression that more creative writings have emerged from people of non-literature background has been once again confirmed in Sunetra Gupta, an epidemiologist who has produced prize-winning general literature. Her observation that “cultures should co-exist and enrich each other – but it is also important that they should not serve as permanent impermeable membranes,” is interesting and significant with increased trans-territorial and trans-cultural intercourses. And she is competent to say so, living as she does in the UK away from her country of birth.
The change of her stance on nostalgia and structured dreaming is a testimony to the vibrant and evolving life of a dynamic litterateur. And her observation that she is not after spotlight but is contented with the space to write is a healthy personal and professional trait. That her daughters when they grow up could have perceptions of their own that could be hugely different from her is an honest and pragmatic admission, and anyway no parent wants their children to be their clones.
And people like me will be eagerly waiting for Sunetra’s proposed book on the relationship between the languages of science and literature.
Godpseed to Sunetra! And kudos and good luck to Amit Shankar who has brought out interesting vignettes out of the interview!
U Atreya Sarma, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com May 11, 2010 |
Window with Multiple Panes
It’s a magic mansion
With multiple windows
The horizon goes expanding
The panes are uncountable
And unbelievably diverse
Each pane presents a person different
Revealing experience and expression
It’s all human – to our brothers and similars
The Muses are daughters of Zeus (King of Greek Gods) and Mnemosyne (Goddess of Memory). They are nine in number, each a presiding deity over a discipline or branch of literature and arts. But we in Bharat have one goddess of learning and expression. Ultimately all believe in the one and the same Supreme Being. Muse India has been doing wonderful work: it is a publishing house that takes immense pleasure in presenting creativity in all its multitudinous variety. This issue carries a bunch of fourteen poems from our international brethren, which were read in a festival in Nicaragua.
It is assuring and surprising that the preoccupations of poets all over are just the same or at least uniquely similar - the cries of anguish, dissatisfaction, aspirations and hopes, dreams and disappointment, poignant awareness of the tears in the nature of things and the presentation of the human condition. The best of the bunch is the assertion ‘My Country, My Great Country’ from Mexico echoing our vibrant asseveration Mera Bharat Mahaan! The poem from Netherlands, last but not the least, is without a title, which we appreciate: a title necessarily limits for it can never tell all.
We record our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the poet Usha Akella for presenting the feature.
V V B Rama Rao, NOIDA vadapalli.ramarao@gmail.com May 11, 2010 |
Thank you so much for the sweet memoirs of our grandfather (Mr P S Narayana). Blessed are we to be part of the dynasty he created.
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Dear Ms Ambika Ananth,
I must say that in a short time of your taking over as the Chief Editor, results are showing. My congratulations to you and all the team members of Museindia; earlier, now and in future. Museindia is destined to go places!
Wishing you all that is best,
Prof. Dr.P.S.N.Rao, New Delhi May 6, 2010 |
THE FUTURE OF RAJA RAO'S ARCHIVE IS THREATENED
Murli Melwani, Dallas, Texas, USA (teawala@hotmail.com) has forwarded the following mail.
Dear esteemed colleagues,
The rationale behind this email is my concern over a current threatening situation with regard to the future of Raja Rao's archive. Recent developments have meant the repossession of Rao's rented property of thirty years in Austin, Texas, where Rao's fragile papers have been kept for many years.
I am attaching an article I have written on the current circumstances regarding Rao's legacy and archives and which I would like to publish in a leading newspaper. So far, the editors I have contacted (from The Guardian, The Hindu and The New York Times), have not shown any interest in the publication and diffusion of the article. This appears to be incongruous with the great attention given to other prominent Indian authors such as Salman Rushdie, whose recent archive sale to Emory University has been widely publicised.
Unfortunately, the past attempts towards the funding of the Raja Rao Publication Project through the NEH have been unsuccessful. We aim to submit another application in October 2010. In the meantime, we are still continuing work on the Project and our core structure is currently working on the cataloguing and editing projects even without funding.
I would be grateful if you could thus spread the word about this current situation among the contacts that you deem would be interested in helping the Raja Rao Project, either academically or, if possible, financially. I strongly believe that spreading the news about what is happening to Rao's works and legacy will not only help to raise awareness about the Project generally, but will also influence and hopefully make it possible to reorganise the future of Rao's archives.
I look forward to your replies and the queries you might have with regard to the Project.
Best wishes,
Dr. Letizia Alterno
Editor-in-Chief of The Raja Rao Publication Project
http://www.therajaraoendowment.org/project.html |
Thanks for the info regarding the new issue. I am sure summer will be more bearable with all that delicious reading to do. Have a great month.
H. Kalpana, Pondicherry hkalp@yahoo.com May 3, 2010 |
The new issue of MI is impressive and informative. I have read most of the poems, and specially the section on Karbi. From my IIT Kharagpur days (1960-64) I have been very fond of NE, for I had many excellent friends from Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland. People in NE are simple, friendly, I should say very friendly, and in fact, if our post-independent administrators could have opened their eyes, a Switzerland could have been created in this region. As an earth scientist I am intimately connected with this region rich with natural resources like hydrocarbon (earlist discovery in Digboi) and a stage for earthquakes, the 1897 Shillong earthquake being one of the biggest in the world.
I feel deeply wounded that with ulterior motives the wily politicians have fractured a lovely land and its equally lovely and peaceful people. All the seven states are, in essence, one. In one of our Scientific seminars in 2001 we had conducted an essay competition for school children covering all the seven states. I had an opportunity to read through more than hundred essays to feel the young hearts of our north eastern states.
Today I see NE from another rich angle.
Kumarendra Mallick Hyderabad kumar.muse@yahoo.com May 03, 2010 |
I owe my debt to Muse India. I never thought of writing in English. But Muse India showed me a new horizon for my writings. My regards to Dr Kumarendra Mallick.
Puttu Kulkarni, Karnataka puttuputtuk@yahoo.co.in May 2, 2010 |
Delighted, as always, to see a fabulous Muse India issue. May Day greetings to you too.
Nabina Das, US nabinamail@yahoo.com May 2, 2010 |
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Thanks for another interesting issue. Some of the fiction pieces especially "The Neighbour with the dog" and "Vishnu and the two glasses of milk" were enjoyable. With kind regards,
Ahana Lakshmi, Chennai ahana@arm-c.com May 2, 2010
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Dear Muse Team,
Firstly, since this is my first feedback here, I need to appreciate the great work you are doing in promoting poetry and literature. It is indeed a great delight to see innumerable talented poets find a place in Your Space (courtesy You!).
Secondly, I wish to thank Ambikaji for mentioning me and my poem among her selected few. I was surprised to find my poem up there!
Finally, the new venture of contests is great! It would be a nice incentive for writers to submit more of their poems and it will also give Muse India some more quality stuff .
Wishing Muse India all the best in the coming years. Regards,
(Thanks for your kind words. - Managing Editor) |
I read museindia literary e-journal and I am very happy with it. Well known poet Brammarajan is the right person for the Tamil literature section. Thiruppaavai and Thiruvembai translation work is worthy. (Editorial) on current Tamil literature world is also good. The photographs used in the section taken by Selvan are fantastic. Keep up the good work.
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Manu Das' tribute to Dilip lit my memories of UR, Nirmal Verma and Sartre. Incidentally I read Dilip's poem Bhopal only yesterday in Pratilipi. There wasn't a trace of personal anguish in the poem. It has the poet's revulsion to the first world export of chemicals of mass destruction to our country. Thanks Manu!
Raja Jaikrishan (email not given) Mar 13, 2010 |
Thanks for the letter and the latest issue of Muse India. I feel so honoured to be in touch with you and your team. I shall try to translate some of my poems dealing with nature (fitrat in Urdu). It is really good you are paying attention to the nefa poets and literature. They are usually not in our collective consiousness. With regards,
Arman Najmi armannajmi@gmail.com Mar 9, 2010
(Thanks, Najmi Saheb. Please send your fitrat poems in translation. – Managing Editor) |
Congratulations on the success of Muse India! I have been following many of your online issues and found them different and interesting. I work with Nagaland Board of School Education and have done a great deal of work in changing the English language teaching curriculum based on inputs from practicing teachers. I have just redone the 9th standard text book and am, at the moment, working on the 10th standard text book. I found it extremely difficult to get relevant material, contexually appropriate and thematically relevant. Since your Issue seems to focus on NE this fortnight (actually the Jul-Aug 2010 Issue – Mng.Ed.), I would be grateful if we could look at the short stories, poems or plays from the angle of using them as teaching texts in our book if found suitable? Thanks and regards.
Jayshri Kannan, Faridabad, Haryana jayshrik@gmail.com Mar 6, 2010
(Thanks. You seem to be doing interesting work. We have forwarded your mail to Mr Robin Ngangom who will be editing the special section on NE poetry. – Managing Editor) |
The March-April 2010 issue of Muse India is well presented. The usual features and special items are aesthetically given. We thank the Muse India team for the treat.
Varanasi Ramabrahmam, Pondicherry rbvaranasi@gmail.com Mar 6, 2010
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The editorial by Ambika Ananth is panoramic touching upon a mosaic of things. Every creative writer and habitual reader would agree with her quote that “writing and reading is therapeutic.” Conversely, one can say that the dry and unwelcome spells of cessation from writing and reading could be pathogenic. If we weigh Ambika’s words and thoughts a bit keenly, one would consent that it foretells of a more professional touch to Muse India - true to a quality and respectable literary journal.
The editors are to be thanked for having introduced to Muse India readership yet another skilled artist Suvarchala Vissa. The gallery of this self-taught artist is refreshing, serene as well as scintillating. They are certainly a good poetry - in a pictorial form. They are almost life-like, and I liked two of them best: Hibernation and Submerged.
The contents list indicates that the current journal is a cornucopia of varied and interesting topics. Well … it takes time to be able to go through it all … and I am sure it would be worth its while … and we’ve nearly two months of time to feast on the fare.
So...well done, Muse India!
U Atreya Sarma, Secunderabad atreyasarma@gmail.com March 05, 2010 |
I feel it a must to register a few impressions of mine regarding your Special Issue on Tamil Literature. Though 'glimpses', yet it should have been more comprehensive and inclusive. Women writing poetry in Tamil are probing deep into the mysteries, complexities and politics of life but Ms.Thara Ganesan's article deals with the usual, conventional Theme of Loneliness, more or less in the conventional manner. Where is the need to call Leena Manimekalai's poems 'confessional'? True, there is a certain percentage of confession in all poems, but no poem is mere confession. While introducing Tamil Literary trends and works to the discerning readers of the other parts of India as well as the world it is really sad and unfortunate that the Editor of the Special section has not even a single positive observation to make. I sincerely feel that the situation is not all that dismal here. And, I have six poem-collections and more than twenty works of translation to my credit and I do translate literary works too from Tamil to English. This I say by way of correcting my brief profile given in the said Special Issue. Regards
Latha Ramakrishnan ramakrishnanlatha@yahoo.com Mar 5, 2010
(A comprehensive and inclusive coverage is difficult in just a ‘section’ of a journal, that too for such an evolved literature like Tamil. It is for this reason that we had called the section mere ‘glimpses.’ We have suggested to our Contributing Editors to work on specific themes, within a language literature, for a more effective coverage. The section editor will be in a better position to respond to the other points you raise. As for your profile, it is same as that which has existed on museindia site for some time now, created based on inputs from you earlier. If you send us updates to your profile – and that is the only way we get to know of developments in your literary work - we will bring it up to date. – Managing Editor) |
Dear Ambika,
Thank you for a lovely review of my book. You write with such feeling and are always very kind as a reviewer. It is encouraging for a writer to get such a warm response. Many thanks. I must congratulate you for Chief Editorship. I am very confident Muse India will get better and better. I read your Editorial and was impressed.
Ranu Uniyal Pant ranu_uniyal@rediffmail.com Mar 5, 2010
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My tribute to you and all your staff and participants! It's a soulful job (done)!
I have deep north-east connections. So, I would very much appreciate your inclusion of Seven Sisters' living material for research, and highlight (it). North-east is unexplored area. It's still not a privileged (literature). Why not mesmerise the readers with north-east gems?
Muse India is literature's flag of honor! Best regards,
(Thanks for your warm words. NE literature has been getting recognition. We have covered some aspects of it in our past Issues. We hope our coverage in May-Jun 2010 Issue will bring to light new talent. If you have specific suggestions, do write to us. - Managing Editor) |
Latest issue of Muse India, as usual, offers a rich variety in genres and content. The obituary-cum-memoir of Dilip Chitre by Manu Dash has truly brought out the greatness of the man and the poet. I also remember how he used to address "Dear All," implying those who are on the same wavelength.
The article on Manju Kapur's novel presented a lucid, critical analysis of the text. I haven't read, as yet, the other articles (and will be doing so soon).
K Damodar Rao, Warangal damodarrao_k@yahoo.com Mar 4, 2010 |
After going through the poems and some articles selected from Tamil literature I am deeply overwhelmed by the treasures India has. I wish our authors take a look at our riches.
The present Mar-Apr 2010 Spring issue of Museindia is of special significance to me for it carries, besides two of my poems selected from Your Space, an excellent review of my book of verses by Ambika Ananth. The review leaves me speechless.
I wish to thank Ambika, Surya and all my fellow authors for their inspiring words and emotional support encouraging me to do what I never dreamt of doing even two years back.
Kumarendra Mallick Hyderabad kumar.muse@yahoo.com Mar 04, 2010 |
Thanks a lot for sending another brilliant issue of Muse India. Article by Manu Dash on the late Dilip Chitre is excellent. Prof John Oliver Perry in his email exchanges with me has talked about Mr Jayanta Mahapatra and Mr Dilip Chitre. You may consider requesting Prof Perry to write an article on these two giants. Other articles are praiseworthy and arrest attention. I thank Madam Ambika Ananth for her selecting my poem in selections from Your Space.
You and your team have been doing a peerless service to humanity.
Dr K K Srivastava kksrivastava_ran@yahoo.com Mar 3, 2010
(Thanks Dr Srivastava for your kind words and suggestion. We'll follow up on it. - Managing Editor) |
Thanks again for the recent issue Muse India which continues to inspire the reading public. Regards,
Baskaran Gavarappan rgbaskaran@gmail.com Mar 3, 2010 |
Congratulations to you and Ambika for another glorious issue of MuseIndia.
Brian Mendonca, New Delhi brianlibra@gmail.com Mar 3, 2010 |
Waiting for the Karbi issue (May-Jun 2010). May be this would be the first on a lesser known tribe of North-east.
M K Devburman mkdburman@gmail.com Mar 3, 2010
(We had briefly covered about Karbi, Bodo, Rabha and Nepali literatures in our Issue on Assamese Literatures, Jan-Feb 2008. - Managing Editor) |
Congratulations to Ambika Ananth ! The first issue of Muse India under her Chief Editorship is just wonderful. I read her editorial - it is great, and I only could give the remaining portions a brief glance. One thing about Muse India is that one can never read it all in one go - one needs to read and read several times to really savour the ingredients of this lovely e-journal. It is indeed a treat for the person who appreciates the finer sensibilities in life. I am sure that Ambika Ananth's able stewardship and the dedicated work of her team will carry it forward to greater heights. I wish Muse India all success.
Prof. Dr. PSN Rao, New Delhi drpsnrao@hotmail.com Mar 3, 2010 |
Congratulations to all Muse-icians for this wonderful issue! Greatly enjoyed reading Ambika's editorial. Took me straight to the Tamizh traslations... Hema's translations of some verses of Tiruppavai and Tiruvempavai was very nice - brought across the mood of the original so well. As was Usha Rajagopalan's translation of Bharati's poems. yet to dive into the others - but thought I should put in a quick feedback reg the richness of what I have already savored. Best Wishes.
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Hats off to Ambika Ananth for publishing such a scintillating issue! Suvarchala Vissa's paintings are colourful and captivating. The poems are thought-provoking and attractive. Tribute to Dilip Chitre is relevant and worth publishing. Thanks to Atreya Sarma for selecting my story. I like the other stories also.
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I was posting my English poems all these days. Some were also published but I have more of Indian language poems (Hindi). Can you please tell me where and how I can post them. Thanking you.
(kritya.com is a bilingual web journal, which carries Hindi poetry. There are a couple of other Hindi websites. You could do a Google search on Hindi journals and web-journals to gather more information. Then you may contact them. - Managing Editor) |
I am working in the rural area of coastal belt of Karnatak. The Hindu (6th Dec 2009) enlightened me about "museindia". Within one and half month tenure, it helped me to publish 20+ poems and participate in Museindia meet 2010 at NGRI Hyderbad on 10th Jan 2010.
Indian English writing is creating a new horizon in language world. While Sanskrit was the communication language during past, southern India had helped lot to protect Sanskrit language. Now also, the same geographical area is attending to shape the new comunication language for modern India.
Feb 14, 2010
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I wish Muse India a successfull and creative 2010!
Thara D'Souza (other details not given) Jan 16, 2010
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Invitation from Central Univ of Kerala - Programme on Jan 22, 2010
The Dept of Comparative Literature, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, is pleased to announce the launch of its PUBLIC INTERFACE PROGRAMME (CUK-PIP) with the inauguration of the KATHA series of lectures and public events based on the theme of 'Narrative'. The one day programme celebrates the vital role of story in moulding cultures, and brings together various narratives - oratory, poetry, photography, docu-film and puppetry.
Prof. Jancy James, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, will inaugurate the programme at 10.00 am on 22 Jan 2010 at Hotel Highway Castle, Kasaragod.
Please do inform us of your attendance in advance, and give us your suggestions. Participation certificates will be issued on demand.
Thank you
Yours,
Dr. Rizio B Yohannan (Co-ordinator)
Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature
School of Languages & Comparative Literature
Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod,
Vidyanagar PO, 671 123, Kerala, India,
Phone: 9496192947
email - rizioraj@gmail.com |
Wows and bows to Varalakshmi Jonnalagadda for her humanitarian movement of “Charity through Art”. While she rightly commemorates her departed mother, “Omu” herself is now being a mother of thousands of differently enabled persons and children. May God bless her in her philanthropy. May others too from artistic community emulate her. I congratulate Muse India on having introduced a humane artist like Varalakshmi.
U Atreya Sarma, Lincoln (Nebraska) atreyasarma@gmail.com Jan 7, 2010
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