Prof B N Goswamy: “Indian paintings have been variously described: as layered objects in which one thing, or thought, is gently laid upon another; like schist rocks, foliated and iridescent; like a couplet in Persian or a doha in Hindi, terse but meaningful; like a great floral carpet that lies rolled up but can be spread out endlessly, revealing new things with each mellow unfurling.” (Feature: Writing on Art)

“There is obviously a creative imaginary at work in constructing and reconstructing a nation through various historical times. And, it is certainly in the interest of the nation to uphold the most marketable aspects of its cultural heritage as well as conserve its sources of creativity. Given its constant need for creativity to feed its nation-building agenda, the state must consider the creative artist its greatest ally,” avers Rizio B Yohannan, CEO of MARG. (Feature: Writing on Art)

On the Art of Ajanta, Gulam Mohammed Sheikh writes, “Ajanta frescoes were on every surface of the caves excepting the floor. During Satavahana period, under the influence of Hinayana, Buddha was not painted in human form and was represented symbolically by Stupa, Bodhivriksha or footprints. Later, under the Vakataka and Chalukya periods, Mahayana dominated, and human Buddha was painted.” (Feature: Writing on Art)

R W Watkins, Ghazal poet in English from Canada is engaged in conversation on ghazal poetry and related matters by connoisseurs Mir Murtuza Ali & S M Shahed.  (Literary Section)

Sharad Chandra, a specialist on Albert Camus and translator of his works into Hindi presents his view of art, literature, contemporary political scenario, and sense of responsibility as a writer. (Literary Section)

The story ‘Mother & Her Music’ by Nikita Biswal is not only about a home but the one that resides within. The definition of a home is constantly broken down as the protagonist moves from one memory to another – dealing not only with a sense of loss but also rediscovering herself in that process. (Fiction)

Shameek Ghosh’s story ‘The Bose Brothers’ looks at relationship between siblings in a light hearted manner but that is just the exterior. The silences that can threaten to create gaps can also be the ones that fill them up and the story beautifully deals with these gaps and crevices. (Fiction)

Senior poet D C Chambial raises in his poems – existential questions, reflects on the man-made human divide and the lack of humanitarian values in the society. (Poetry)

The essence of Rajkumar Panthoiren’s poems is essentially nostalgic and goes beyond the mundane, perhaps bordering on the extremities of grappling with the dichotomy between the present and the out-of-reach past. (Poetry)

Betty Oldmeadow reviews UNIVERSAL ONENESS - an anthology of ‘Magnum Opus Poems from around the World’ with ‘360 poems by 360 poets from 60 countries.’ And you have reviews of 4 more poetry works and 5 books across novel/ short fiction/ history/Yoga & stress management.   (Book Reviews)

A highly practical work Yoga & Stress Management (Acharya Yatendra) is reviewed by Revathi Raj Iyer, a writer on Yoga herself. Also find reviews of 2 novels…one of short fiction…one of literary history… and 5 books of poetry.  (Book Reviews)