Varthamanappusthakam: More Than The First Travelogue
byThe Varthamanapustakam narrates the journey of two priests from Malabar to Rome. Often, it is misrepresented as a travelogue. But its much more than that.
Books & Films
The Light of Asia: A Poem That Inspired Movements For Social Equality
byDeeply philosophical, The Light of Asia invites the reader to engage with the Buddha’s life. Delving into philosophy, it pushes the reader to think about the human condition.
The Anatomy Of Rejection
byEditorial rejections may not be statements on the writer’s literary merits. They may be the result of commercial considerations or ideological loyalties.
Don’t Look Up
byDon’t Look Up is fun to watch. But it also pushes us to reflect on how we, as a people, are responding to climate change issues.
Piranesi Captures The Essence Of Humanity
bySusanna Clarke’s book Piranesi leaves us feeling that in her words are captured the essence of humanity.
Science As Literature: A Roseate Apotheosis
byScience books aren’t dull. They are endowed with a fascinating literary compass, or radar—in other words, a captivating gleam.
Religions Must Abandon The Idea Of God & Articulate A New Moral Philosophy
byAlbert Einstein, the greatest prophet of science, had no qualms in finding common ground between the material and the mystical.
A Quest For Purpose
byThere exists in each of us a symbol of the higher self—one that represents our true destiny.
Unfinished: Literary Masterpieces That Never Saw Closure
byUnfinished manuscripts are charming as they are intriguing; there is a sense of mystery around them, making us want to read more.
Film Review: The Mauritanian
byKevin McDonald’s film shows the flip side to the land of liberty & democracy.
The World Is Falling Apart & Coming Together
byAlmost twenty-five years ago, Benjamin Barber wrote a book about terrorism’s challenge to democracy. It’s relevant even today.
How Sangam Literature Influences Tamil Film Songs
byThe writing style of two-thousand-year-old Tamil love poems continues to influence Tamil film songs. Here’s how.
Why The Smell Of Apples, A Novel Published 25 Years Ago, Is Relevant Today
byMark Behr’s debut novel, published 25 years ago, is a surgical indictment of apartheid’s sham logic. It holds a lesson for new, emerging ‘apartheid’ regimes elsewhere.
Karunanidhi: ‘Political India’s Senior-most Statesman’
byExcerpted with permission from Penguin Random House India.
Why Delhi Diary, Gandhi’s Book Of Prayer Speeches, Is Relevant Today
byA reading of the Delhi Diary makes one question if India can ever free itself from the shackles of religion, caste & creed.