Nilesh J. Bhange captures the colours, moods and spirit of an Indian Mela through his lens.
Dear Reader, The culture of India no doubt is the nation’s pride in many ways. Spark’s October 2011 issue explores the Indian culture from various aspects—performing arts, architecture, archaeology, mythology, literature and traditions. Apart from our usual dose of fiction, non-fiction, art, photography and poetry, we are proud to feature some wonderful interviews and special columns this month. Click here to read the issue on our e-reader, ISSUU, or to download the issue as a PDF.
In paying a tribute to the culture of India, we bring three wonderful interviews this month. Varsha Sreenivasan talks to renowned mythologist, Dr.Devdutt Pattanaik on Indian culture, Hindu Mythology and western mythic thinking. In yet another interview, Anupama Krishnakumar listens in as Vijayendra Mohanty, co-author of Ravanayan, a 10-issue comic book series based on the story of king Ravana of Lanka, talks on Ravanayan and the the experience of writing a comic series, including the feedback and challenges. Last but not the least, we have a must-read interview with Sivasankari Chandrasekaran, renowned Tamil writer and activist. Vani Viswanathan speaks to her on the writer’s very interesting and highly relevant literature project, ‘Knit India Through Literature’. Catch all the interviews here.
Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik is trained in medicine but is currently the Chief Belief Officer at Future Group. But that is not what most believe is his trump card. He has not only chosen a rare hobby but has also devoted his career to his hobby for the last 15 years. Meet Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik, Mythologist. In an interview to Varsha Sreenivasan, he talks about Indian culture, Hindu Mythology and Western mythic thinking.
Temples are brilliant representations of Indian culture. In a special column for Spark, popular travel writer and blogger, Lakshmi Sharath, brings to life, some of the most important temples in South India through her words. One that vividly discusses the architecture, legend and history behind these temples, this column is definitely an eye-opener and a must-read!
It served eager students of the 5th and 6th centuries as the most advanced centre for learning of its time. But most importantly, it also served as the nurturing grounds for a rich culturally diverse population of students and scholars. It’s been a long time since then and Nalanda University is trying to shake off the centuries-worth of ashes and dust to reach out to humankind all over again. Dear readers, meet the spunky phoenix – Nalanda. Varsha Sreenivasan writes.
Maheswaran Sathiamoorthy captures the beauty of the Tanjore temple through a charcoal sketch.
Subadhra turns to classical music to chase away the monotony that has gripped her life. In the process, she brings meaning to the lives of people close to her. Here’s a story by Anupama Krishnakumar that is sure to leave you savouring the musical ambience that it brings.
