Asavadi Prakasa Rao performed his first Avadhanam at the age of 19 in 1963. He was an Ashta-Avadhani—one who successfully accepts the challenge of 8 poets/scholars and answers them through extempore poetry in a single session, and that poetic feat is called Ashta-Avadhanam. From then on, he left an indelible mark in the history of Andhra/Telugu literature. The only Dalit Avadhani in the entire country, he mesmerized the audiences with his extraordinary memory and inexplicable magical power. (Sudhama Vamsi Asavadi, ‘Asavadi—A versatile exponent’, FEATURE)



 

Despite his birth in an SC community, Dr Asavadi overcame hurdles in his life and led a harmonious life—with a spirit of poignant & questioning empathy for the marginalised, social harmony & patriotism. At a young age, he turned into an Avadhani, an impromptu poetic acrobat. “…Avadhani is like a human computer, like a player of blindfold simultaneous chess.” Avadhanam stimulates & edifies the erudite, the cognoscenti, and the dilettanti equally well. (Atreya Sarma U: “‘Padma Shri’ Dr Asavadi Prakasa Rao, and the unique art of Avadhana”, FEATURE)

“When characters on stage deal with their crises, whether they be through dialogue, actions, or symbolism, they provide a representation of the human experience that aligns with the audience/spectators. This representation becomes a shared space for empathy, understanding, and communal healing.” (Mitali Bhattacharya – ‘Navigating Crisis through Karuna Rasa: An Exploration of Modern Indian Dramatic Works’   LITERARY SECTION)

“My poetry often focuses on women, particularly the challenges they face—violence, exploitation, and discrimination. While I highlight the struggles of Adivasi women, I also speak for the experiences of women in the broader Hindi-speaking regions. The central focus of my work is women and their struggles whether they belong to the tribal or non-tribal communities.”
(Nirmala Putul – In Conversation with Shivnath Kumar Sharma.  LITERARY SECTION)

The loss of a child can be devastating for a mother. Asima Sarker’s story, My daughter died, is an elucidation of the agony the mother undergoes. Readers need to discern the state of mind of the protagonist – is it real suffering or a haunting past or… (FICTION) 
 

Sugar triggers sweetness in a person but the very same sugar can become toxic and fatal. If the bereaved is old and loved dearly, then the pain of guilt will be immeasurable. Noopur Vedajna Das’s story Misri exhibits the bitter-sweet nature of sugar. (FICTION)
 

In Bilal Moin’s poetry, each meticulous detail is a testament to the poet’s profound engagement with the essence of existence. Through a refined lens, he navigates the complexities of life and the human experience, revealing the intricate tapestry that binds us all to the world. (POETRY)
 

Rema T Das unveils the subtle yet potent voice emerging from Jharkhand, illuminating the nuanced interplay of identity and place. Her work strips away the veneer to expose the intricate layers that constitute a locale and its inhabitants. (POETRY)
 

Kawshik Ray writes that Paul Sharrad’s A Short History of Australian Literature provides a comprehensive and sweeping narrative of Australia’s literary evolution, 232 years from colonial explorations to contemporary diverse voices. (BOOK REVIEWS)
 

Madhulika Ghose, in her review of The Girl with the Seven Lives – A Novel by Vikas Swarup applauds it as a gripping novel about Devi, a resilient young woman who assumes multiple identities and navigates poverty, exploitation, and survival in modern India. (BOOK REVIEWS)