Dear Reader,
We are happy to present the May 2012 issue of Spark themed, ‘Mélange’. True to the spirit of this theme, we have a variety of contributions this time touching upon different topics. We also have a special feature lined up for you. We speak to people who run some passionate initiatives that have a focus on regional culture.
Don’t miss our new section, ‘Social Lens’ – Spark’s conscious step to do its bit for social development. We have an interview with Padmini Swaminathan, noted feminist economist. And well, there’s ‘The Lounge’ too with some interesting selection of non-fiction—the perfect way to unwind. Click here to access the May 2012 issue on our e-reader, ISSUU, or to download it as a PDF.
India is a melange of many cultures – each with its own characteristics. Wouldn’t you think it is great to actually have some initiatives that help you sustain the connection with your culture, ones that take you closer to your roots? We, at Spark, looked around and found some very interesting ventures that are passionate about bringing regional culture to the fore with particular focus on Tamil culture.
“The art of reading faces is yet unknown to me but the adolescent frame with an elytrous lure has its own story to tell,” writes Gauri Trivedi, of a teenager she has seen. This is the story of that boy across the street.
Art by Swati Sengupta that captures perfectly our theme for May 2012 – Melange. It’s featured on the issue’s cover page.
Two lovers, on either side of a river, in two different situations. What really happened? Parth Pandya writes a poem that evokes the beauty of the night and touches upon the workings of the human heart.
Random, little somethings that each have a story to tell. Anjana Prabhu captures some such through her lens.
The second child is a mélange, an ambivalent mixture – one who wants to raise gooseflesh. Philip John writes a poem.
Mrs. Ramachandran lived a quiet, unassuming life until Judy Fleming from the UK came into make a difference. Find out what happened in this story by Vani Viswanathan.
And what happens the night before X’mas? A melange of toys wait to meet their new owner. Amrita Sarkar captures this through a colourful, grungy looking poster like painting.