-Melanie P. Kumar
A subject like politics and the ballot-box is guaranteed to attract attention and this is evident from the crowd thronging, “Samskara,” to hear four heavy-weight journalists, including the Moderator, Madhu Trehan. The audience keeps lapping up every …
-Melanie P. Kumar
The Moderator, for this session is T.M. Veeraraghav from the “Hindu,” who at some point places a disclaimer that he is here in his personal capacity. This is because of the topic and the presence of forthright …
There are millions and billions of stories to be told, and in the maelstrom of identities and thoughts, finding your voice is the most liberating thing you can do to your writing. Being Aboriginal is not about the color of our skin-identity is socially constructed. Despite generations of trauma and a predominantly oral tradition of storytelling, writing has liberated Aboriginal voice, keeping their culture alive generation after generation.
The crowd roared with laughter throughout this session. In addition to one-liners and jokes only a panel of such talent could pull off, they also discussed how humour can be used to address social issues.
A woman deeply rooted to her beginnings, another: an amalgamation of different cultural legacies; an Indian expert on everything Chinese, and India’s ambassador to China himself get together to ponder the confluence of cultures in the vast terrain of South East Asia. What transpires is a deeply personal, honest, and amusing session. One that leaves you smiling and shaking your head in awe.
The general consensus among the panelists is that love, as a feeling, is experienced differently by men and women. Romantic love is too intense to last forever. Intimate love is far more enduring. While offering tips on marriage, relationships (including the risks of extra-marital ones), trust, intimacy and equality figured as the important factors for maintaining a healthy marriage.
Kannada is one of the oldest languages of India. It has constantly evolved and re-invented itself throughout the course of its 2000-odd years of existence. Bangalore plays host to the most number of highly educated migrants. By improving facilities to learn and interact in Kannada and increasing the pride of speaking the language, it is possible for Kannada to continue to expand its reach and influence.
Madhu Trehan focused Shourie's attention to two recent events: Modi's visit to the US and the outcome of the Jayalalitha case. Through attention to these topics, everything from China to Pakistan, reservations, and Hindutva politics were covered.
In his self-written obituary, Khushwanth Singh states, “Here lies one who spared neither man nor god. Waste not your tears on him, he was a sod. Writing nasty things he regarded as great fun. Thank the Lord he is dead, this son of a gun.” Tisca and Humra remember fondly the wisdom he imparted upon them.
Interspersed with dance performances, excerpts from her autobiography, and tales narrated by her daughter Madhu Nataraj and Tara Kini - Hindustani classical music maestro, Dr. Maya Rao’s legacy was brought to life on a balmy Saturday afternoon. It was for the first time at the Bangalore Literature Festival that a book on dance had been featured. There couldn't have been a better choice for this hallmark event than Maya Rao: A Lifetime in Choreography.
Far more than technology, the biggest threat to Kannada is its poor adoption, especially among youth. With Kannada currently not being taught in quite a number of schools and colleges, the panelists felt Kannada might as well be declared a minority language. It faces a serious threat of extinction from within.
Almost anything a woman does today, whether intentional or not, becomes political. One cannot separate politics from a woman’s life. Women have a choice in terms of the garb they wear: that of a victim, a ninja or warrior, or they can play a game of pretense. Women’s freedoms are being curtailed and their voices stifled but there is hope for a Post Gender Generation where everyone, whether woman or man, will be at an equal standing
People translate works which fit their ideological requirements. Translation is a creative activity, although culture-specific details may be compromised. Every language is a nation in itself.
How authors incorporate gender into writing, especially when its not shared with their characters.
Nayantara Sahgal, born into the first family of Indian politics charts her personal and political evolution, accompanied by insightful commentary from Ritu Menon. Known best for her vehement opposition to cousin sister Indira Gandhi's Emergency, Nayantara reflects on the current start of country and finds comfort in the strong foundation laid by our forefathers. All hope is not lost with the unshakable promise of democracy.
Arthi Anand's tales took the audience from Meghalaya to Arunachal Pradesh, and were interwoven with the geography, terrain and languages of the North East. Her book is said to be the first one about the Mishmi in the country.
Venita Coelho is very angry. Do you know why? Tigers all over are being captured and killed because almost every part of the Tiger’s body is useful, ornamental, and above all extremely valuable in the market. Can you beat the kids at the Tiger Quiz - a test of lesser-known facts about the Tiger’s characteristics?
An up close and ever-evolving interaction between the storyteller and his audience, as they craft together both story and theatre.
Namita Gokhale reviews her journey from a controversial first novel to her Kitabnama days with Doordarshan, and attributes the darkness in the Book of Shadows to a particularly difficult time in her personal life. Comfortable navigating the psychic and the mythic, Gokhale inspires on a range of topics in conversation with Mita Kapur.
Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh, Leila Seth, proved children can engage with "heavy" issues likes liberty, ethics, innovation, and justice. That is, if we dare to give them a chance.
