-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.
