Mulk Raj Anand’s words entered my life when I picked up a collection of his short stories in a bookshop in Mumbai. Anand’s tales displayed a gallery of human nature that resonated with the complexities of India that were steadily seeping into my consciousness. A novelist, playwright, philosopher, poet, essayist, critic, Anand was at heart [...]

Abdul Kalam

I have proposed this doctrine (of a World Knowledge Platform) to Government institutions, academy and industry in many countries that I have visited and also to the Indian and European Parliaments. The Republic of Korea in particular has taken it up for further action. This world knowledge platform will enable joint design, development, cost [...]

The Festival of Asian literature was hosted by Asia House in the middle of May, just when the weather was getting warmer and going out was a tempting thought. The focus was on Asian and non-Asian authors whose works were about Asia, written in English and published in the UK. This special festival was inaugurated [...]

LONDON BOOK FAIR 2009

Who was it who made the rash ill-advised statement that the age of the printed book was well and truly over? Not at all. The printed book persists and prevails. Deep in his grave Gutenberg must be rolling with delight. Books flourish as never before
Reginald Massey
This year’s London Book Fair focussed on [...]

So, as far as the importance of cultural diplomacy is concerned, India speaks today from a position of comprehensive national strength.
Monika Mohta
Monika Mohta has a solid foreign service background with some very high profile postings like, “Director, Pakistan” and “Director, Gulf” at the time of the last Iraq War. In complete contrast, her current [...]

This amazing book comes as a breath of fresh air to a critic like me who has spent decades studying subjects pertaining to Indian classical music and dance. Shastriye sangeet and Bharata Natyam have been my interest areas, but since the bhangra genre is part of Punjabi folk culture, I welcome this first book on British bhangra most heartily.