Central News Hub

Category: Arts & Culture

  • Star-Studded Line-up for KLF 2024

    Star-Studded Line-up for KLF 2024

    The list also includes Kailash Sathyarthi (Nobel Peace Laureate), Charu Nivedita (author), T.M. Krishna (vocalist, activist, and author), Suraj Yengde (columnist and author), and K.K. Shailaja (Kerala MLA)…reports Asian Lite News

    The Kerala Literature Festival (KLF 2024) has announced its line-up of speakers for the seventh edition scheduled to be held from January 11 to 14, 2024, on the beaches of Kozhikode. Notable attendees include Raghuram Rajan (economist), William Dalrymple (historian), Palanivel Thiagarajan (Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Information Technology), T. H. Vinayakram (Indian percussionist), Resul Pookutty (film sound designer and Academy Award winner), Gurcharan Das (author), Devika Rege (Novelist), Saras Manickam (Malaysian author), Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan (author and translator), Mani Shankar Aiyar (politician), Barkha Dutt (journalist), Prakash Raj (actor and politician), Kanan Gill (stand-up comedian and actor), Bachi Karkaria (journalist and columnist), Preeti Shenoy (author and Blogger), Mugdha Sinha (Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Culture), Prahlad Kakkar (advertisement professional), Durjoy Datta (novelist and screenwriter), Shashi Tharoor (politician), Anita Nair (author), Abraham Verghese (American physician and author), and Francesc Miralles (author), among others.

    The list also includes Kailash Sathyarthi (Nobel Peace Laureate), Charu Nivedita (author), T.M. Krishna (vocalist, activist, and author), Suraj Yengde (columnist and author), and K.K. Shailaja (Kerala MLA). Turkey will be celebrating its 100 years of the republic at KLF 2024 and will be represented through music, dance, food, and various art forms. The UK, Wales, Japan, USA, Malaysia, Spain, and France will be the other participating countries. The festival will feature 400+ global speakers.

    KLF will also witness the performance of Sufi dancers from Konya, the home of Rumi.

    ALSO READ- A Fall Feast of Literature

     

  • Mayuri Upadhya’s Approach to Dance Curation

    Mayuri Upadhya’s Approach to Dance Curation

    Upadhya, who curated the dance segment for the recently concluded Serendipity Arts Festival-2023 held in Goa opines that it is important that both repertories and those who head them be nurtured…writes Sukant Deepak

    Stressing that it is paramount for governments to think afresh and take radical measures to usher in a revolution in the arts sector, dancer and choreographer Mayuri Upadhya feels that the best way to do that would be to identify key change makers in arts in the country and back them fully. “When empowered, these individuals can take instrumental measures that will push the envelope in every way. Being experienced and specialists in their fields, they would know what is lacking where,” she tells.

    Upadhya, who curated the dance segment for the recently concluded Serendipity Arts Festival-2023 held in Goa opines that it is important that both repertories and those who head them be nurtured. “A corpus funds can be created and companies can be adopted for at least five years. Participation of governments and the corporate sector, and a synergy between them can play an important role,” she says.

    Pleased with how the dance segment at Serendipity turned out, the dancer, who several years back came to participate in the festival and later came aboard as one of the dance curators (with Geeta Chandran) feels there has been a genuine effort to bring the best from the art form. “There was immense freedom — I could commission three or 10 acts. There was much scope for play in identifying acts. Precisely why you could witness ‘Mehfil’ and dance performances by those who participated in reality shows at the same festival. I wanted to maintain a fine balance between seniors and youngsters, and could do that. The festival was not about playing safe, and I am so happy about that,” says this winner of the International Choreography Award, Seoul, Uday Shankar Awards for Choreography, and a Manav Ratna for her contribution to Indian arts and culture.

    Upadhya, who entered her domain at the age of six, says that for most when they look at a dancer, it is only as a dancer and the grammar of it. However, the kind of opportunities she has encountered have led her to explore several more realms of the art form. “From performing, and choreographing to running a dance company has given me a peculiar perspective. Designing creative education syllabus for schools, and curating dance segments for major festivals… The shifting perspectives and drawing a circle around the dots have led me to view dance from all angles. And not to forget — dance is like a mold of
    clay that can constantly change shapes — ones I want to play with, break, and recreate,” she says.

    Adding that creative education for children must be taken more seriously, the artiste feels that the same is not just about teaching them steps but also making them realize how the physical moves engage with the soul. “The movement of their bodies makes them travel inwards,” she concludes, adding that  creating original productions with more socio-political significance is next for her.

    ALSO READ-Pakistani dancer ‘ejected’ from UK mission for pro-Palestine slogan

    READ MORE-Mayuri Upadhya born to ‘create’ and she will continue to do that

  • A Fusion of Art and Tradition

    A Fusion of Art and Tradition

    There are artisans coming from 22 states, including 65 national and state awardees and there will be 45 demonstrations…reports Asian Lite News

    As Dastkari Haat Samiti enters its 38th year of dedicated work towards the preservation of India’s crafts heritage and sustaining the livelihoods of crafts people. It offers a new theme to the public at Dastkari Haat Samiti’s annual crafts bazaar at Dilli Haat this year from 1 st -15 th January, 2024.

    Dastkari Haat Samiti has conducted over 150 bazaars over the years, created major interventions like conceptualising Dilli Haat and working for its continued service as a market for craftspeople. It has reintroduced calligraphy into crafts and created major online documentation of 52 crafts all over India for the Google Arts & Culture platform. Its’ artistic crafts maps of all the states of India are iconic as are its many publications on crafts practices and projects. A special feature at its Dilli Haat annual bazaar has been craft exchange workshops with Craftspeople from abroad. This has not been possible due to Covid uncertainties and travel restrictions.

    To greet you,  170 stalls with a large range of weaves, hand block prints, embroideries, Lehariya, crafts in grass, bamboo, metal, wood and other plant material, leheriya, Jewellery, stationery, ceramic and terracotta, and traditional art from tribal Gond to Kalighat, Phads, Pattachitra. Brass from Orissa, West Bengal, Terracotta from Rajasthan, Ceramic from UP, Maharashtra and Delhi, Block Prints from AP and Rajasthan, Ikat from AP, Ajrak Printing from Gujarat, Weaving from UP and Gujarat,

    There are artisans coming from 22 states, including 65 national and state awardees and there will be 45 demonstrations.

    Some unique crafts from different states are:

    Leaf Printing on textiles from Gujarat, Lehariya from Rajasthan, Jute products from Maharashtra, Cane and bamboo from Assam, Handcrafted mura from West Bengal, Bamboo leaf from Madhya Pradesh, Mud work and mirror from Gujarat, Leather work from Gujarat, Recycled products from Delhi, fine Soof embroidery from Kutch, Natural grass baskets from Orissa, Sholapith Flowers from West Bengal, Dry flower from Jharkhand and Phad painting, Rajasthan. The annual bazaar will also showcase stationery made of handmade paper in the most organic of raw materials including Elephant Poo from Jaipur.

    While visiting the annual crafts bazaar be on the look out for these skills creating art including Sanjhi Craft from Uttar Pradesh, Terracotta from Rajasthan and Delhi, Madhubani Painting from Bihar, Pattachitra Painting from Orissa, and West Bengal, Gond Painting from Madhya Pradesh Miniature Painting from Rajasthan, Glass objects and jewellery from Firozabad, Pichwai painting from Rajasthan, Worli painting from Maharashtra and Basket making from Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.

    Dastkari Haat Craft Bazar at Dilli Haat is known for its vivacious selection of cultural performances. This time you can find Rajasthani’s folk music and Kalbelia dance from Barmer, Rajasthan and Chaau Dancers, group of Bhiwani Kalindi from West Bengal. First time ever workshop combining concepts of Graphic Design with Traditional Art Forms is being conducted. This collaborative workshop will seamlessly intertwine the artistic finesse of graphic design with the skilled craftsmanship of artisans, fostering a dynamic synergy where structured creativity meets hands-on expertise. Participating craftspeople will delve into the world of visual storytelling, while also immersing themselves in practical techniques. The aim is to create a unique fusion of contemporary visual design pedagogy with tangible craftsmanship. This experiment is conceptualized and will be conducted by Dr. Dimple Bahl in collaboration with Dastkari Haat Samiti

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  • Paresh Maity Paints the Soul of Benaras

    Paresh Maity Paints the Soul of Benaras

    Stressing that his art has always derived from what he observes socially and that is where his subjects emerge from, Maity is all for collaborations between different art forms…writes Sukant Deepak

    A part of him is answering questions, and another one is constantly working on the painting. On the banks of the Ganga, a canvas is coming alive with ancient temples, a soothing river, and the many boats navigating newer courses. He is using only black, the absence of colour is stalk, but then that is how artist Paresh Maity thinks of the world’s oldest city.

    Reimagining the physical Benaras and asserting a newer dimension to a city that can open new chasms inside, the artist tells , “You cannot trap Benaras in history, it is beyond that. It has layers that refuse to end. There will always be hidden aspects that lend magic to this place.”

    In Varanasi during the recently concluded Mahindra Kabira Festival produced by Teamwork Arts, Maity, recipient of the Padma Shri honour, whose long brush strokes are bringing alive the city which is called the womb of civilisation amid an eclectic mix of music and discussions, says that currently, he is a frame of mind that is pushing him to produce large works.

    “It is all about large paintings, installations, and sculptures. It is tough to pinpoint the ‘reason’ for doing that but there are times that an artist wants a change,” says the artist, who has painted the longest painting in India, which stretches up to more than 850 feet.

    For someone who has worked extensively in Benaras and making regular trips here since 1984, there was no question of refusing the invitation by the organisers to come as it is always effortless for an artist to get inspired by what this city offers.

    “There is nothing superficial about this space. Wherever one looks, a certain rootedness astonishes you. Every time I come here, I see art and it sees me. A volley of ideas hit me,” says the artist, who has held more than 80 solo exhibitions in 40 years of his career.

    Known for working with multiple mediums, Maity, who gradually moved from atmospheric scenery to representations of the human form, is known for working with multiple mediums.

    He says he is not the one to decide which one to work with.

    “Mediums and subjects haunt me — what they say is what I do. They invite me to paint. Also, I must experiment to ensure that I do not get stuck in one medium.”

    Stressing that his art has always derived from what he observes socially and that is where his subjects emerge from, Maity is all for collaborations between different art forms.

    “Yes, it is always a wonderful experience to collaborate with other artists, observe each others’ processes, and look at points of intersections and it’s something I do enjoy. I do a lot of black and white photography as it offers multiple tones.”

    Looking forward to making more public art, the artist says it is always fascinating when people get to witness the process of art making.

    “While art is mostly associated with working in a shell when done amid people, it offers a peculiar charm.”

    With multiple art foundations and private museums coming up, Maity is optimistic that the trend will benefit the art community, especially youngsters.

    “It is a great sign that many people are converting even their houses into art spaces. However, artists must not depend on anyone to create.”

    ALSO READ-NCPA gears up for annual Marathi Theatre Festival

  • WAGNERISM in the 21st Century, A Book Review by Dilip Roy

    WAGNERISM in the 21st Century, A Book Review by Dilip Roy

    Wagner’s colossal creations such as The Ring Cycle, Tristan and Isolde, Lohengrin and Parsifal were models of formal daring, mythmaking, erotic freedom and mysticism…writes Dilip Roy

    Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and now Wagnerism a 19th-century icon has gone on to achieve a phenomenal cult status in the 21st century.

    WAGNERISM: “Art and Politics in the Shadow of Music” is written by an American music scholar Alex Ross and was published in 2021. Ross sudied music at Harvard and writes regularly for The New Yorker magazine, is also a Pulitzer Prize Nominee. This 769 page book reads like an encyclopedia although an encyclopedia on Wagner was published in the bicentenary year 2013 with contributions by various Wagnerian pundits but this book written on an epic scale, superceeds all the previous books written on Wagner.

    Ross cleverly disects everry aspects of Wagner’s work his involvment in Art, Politics, Music and Philosophy and clarifies some of the myths associated with Wagner that he was the most antisemite person but according to Ross he was  most liberal of all the artists of the time as a matter of fact Bayreuth’s first conductor was Jewish. Today Wagner is recognized as the most widely influential figure in the history of music today he is the most popular icon the world over including Southeast Asia except India where Western classical music did not make a great deal of impact except the works of Beethoven and Mozart but that too in a Parsee comunity who took European classical music seriously and the product was Mehli Mehta and his now world famous son Zubin Mehta is also a Wagerian. However, Satyajit Ray in his adult life became serious admirer of Western classical music thanks to his Parsee doctor friend who had a wide collection of Western classical music and Ray would be invited regularly at his residence.

    Wagner’s colossal creations such as The Ring Cycle, Tristan and Isolde, Lohengrin and Parsifal were models of formal daring, mythmaking, erotic freedom and mysticism. In Wagnerism Ross restores the the magnificent confusion of what it means to be a Wagnerian and his amirers included artists, intellectuals, philosophers and Nobel Laureates. Wagner’s many sided legacy will remain for a long time to come in my parsonal opinion forever. Wagner will be remembered as the Shakespear of music.

    (A Fellow of Royal Asiatic Society Dilip Roy is a Wagner Aficionado)

    ALSO READ-New Book Exposes Complex Web of Terror Financing in Kashmir

  • PROFILE: Dr Abhinav Pandya

    PROFILE: Dr Abhinav Pandya

    Asian Lite profiles Dr Abhinav Pandya, the author of new book Terror Financing in Kashmir which exposes the complex web of terror financing in Kashmir

    Dr. Abhinav Pandya is a distinguished policy analyst with a robust background in counterterrorism, Indian foreign policy, and Afghanistan-Pakistan geopolitics. He holds a Doctoral degree from the Jindal School of International Affairs (OP Jindal Global University) and is a graduate of Cornell University in public affairs, with a bachelor’s degree from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.

    As the founder, Director, and CEO of Usanas Foundation, a prominent India-based security and foreign policy think tank, Dr. Pandya has been at the forefront of shaping discourse on international security. In his capacity as CEO, he curated two impactful international security and foreign policy conferences titled Maharana Pratap Annual Geopolitics Dialogue in 2022 and 2023.

    Dr. Pandya’s influence extends globally, as evidenced by his extensive contributions to esteemed publications such as the National Interest (USA), Vivekananda International Foundation, Observer Research Foundation, Haaretz (Israel), and many others. His insightful articles have also found space in peer-reviewed journals like Perspectives on Terrorism, CLAWS Journal, and Strategic Analysis.

    A prolific author, Dr. Pandya has penned the authoritative work “Radicalization in India: An Exploration” (Pentagon, 2019), offering a comprehensive examination of extremist undercurrents in the Indian Islamic landscape. The book delves into specific cases, including an in-depth analysis of the ecosystem of extremism and terrorism in Kashmir and the rise of homegrown suicide attackers. Dr. Pandya’s work has proven prescient, indirectly forecasting events such as Pulwama-styled suicide attacks.

    Dr. Pandya’s commitment to knowledge dissemination extends beyond the written word. He has delivered lectures on geopolitics and security issues to diverse audiences, including NATO officers, US Congressional Staff members, and various institutions in India and globally. His expertise has been sought by renowned organizations like the Central Reserve Police Force, the Indian Army, and the Jerusalem Institute of Strategic Studies.

    In times of critical importance, Dr. Pandya has played advisory roles, notably offering insights on security issues during the revocation of Kashmir’s special status (Article 370) and contributing to the International Labor Organisation, UN, as a member of the national-level specialist team on MGNREGS. His rich experience encompasses a deep understanding of conflict situations and intelligence dynamics in Kashmir.

    Dr. Pandya’s latest contribution, “Terror Financing in Kashmir” (Routledge, Taylor and Francis 2023), promises to be a seminal work. This book meticulously analyzes the intricate web of terror financing in Kashmir, shedding light on the multifaceted financial system involving various actors. Drawing on interviews with confidential sources within terror networks and inputs from security agencies, the book provides a foundation for a robust counter-terrorism strategy in Kashmir.

    Dr. Abhinav Pandya

    With a remarkable track record of research, publication, and advisory roles, Dr. Abhinav Pandya stands as a thought leader in the fields of security studies, military and strategic studies, politics, and international relations. His work is invaluable for professionals and researchers seeking deeper insights into complex geopolitical issues, particularly those concerning South Asia.

  • New Book Exposes Complex Web of Terror Financing in Kashmir

    New Book Exposes Complex Web of Terror Financing in Kashmir

    The author conducted interviews with experts, internal stakeholders, intelligence officials, police and administrative officers, academics and journalists…reports Asian Lite News

    As the Indian Army and agencies work hard to end the scourge of terrorism from Kashmir, the book, ‘Terror Financing in Kashmir’ authored by Abhinav Pandya released recently delves deep into the intricacies of how terror funds are generated by the terror organisation and used against India.

    Abhinav Pandya completed his PhD on terrorism and counterterrorism in Jammu and Kashmir from OP Jindal Global University.
    The book analyses the layered and complex web of terror financing in Kashmir and examines the role of multiple actors, including formal and informal, state and non-state, profit and non-profit, and local and international, to delineate the various strands of an intricate financial system.

    It explains how, over time, these sophisticated networks have largely remained elusive to Indian counter-terrorism agencies and the need for a specialised and focused effort to understand it.In the book, which is written with the gathered data from interviews with confidential sources within terror networks as well as input and intelligence from security agencies on the ground, the author lays the groundwork for a robust counter-terrorism strategy in Kashmir.

    The author conducted interviews with experts, internal stakeholders, intelligence officials, police and administrative officers, academics and journalists. Interestingly, even the over-ground workers (OGWs), members of separatist groups, terror financing coordinators, former militants, weapon dealers, drug smugglers, and hawala operators were also interviewed for details on terror financing.

    This book also discusses the channels used for terror financing, including the Line of Control (LoC) trade between both nations, which was suspended in 2019. The author noted the terror funding sources used in Jammu and Kashmir to run terror groups and mentioned in the book fake currency printed in Pakistan, the collection of donations in some Middle Eastern countries, the US, and European countries under the name of ‘Jihad Fund’, smuggling drugs, and extortion from traders, contractors, and affluent people in J&K.

    It also highlighted the money sent allegedly by Pakistani intelligence agencies to militant and secessionist groups operating in J&K, mainly through hawala and drug dealers; funds sent by some Kashmiri businessmen dealing in carpets and handicrafts in Dubai; hawala dealers in Mumbai and Delhi; and Zakat (an Islamic tax); and donations raised by terror groups in Pakistan. The Author also mentioned Haj tours, MBBS seat rackets, the Trans Line of Control (LoC) and legitimate businesses used for funding terrorism.

    The book highlights: “While mentioning the distinct features of Kashmir’s terror financing, it is crucial to discuss Pakistan’s extraneous geopolitical objectives. By funding and supporting Kashmir’s proxy war theatre, Pakistan wants to bleed India economically. For Pakistan, it takes hardly INR (Rs) 1,50,000 to Rs 2,00,000 to train, send and sustain a terrorist. The amount spent by India on J&K’s security infrastructure in one day far outweighs the amount spent by Pakistan. India maintains 3,43,000 security personnel in Kashmir… one can imagine the amount which India spends to deal with 250-300 Pak-sponsored militants”.
    Before the abrogation of Article 370, the proxy fronts of groups such as Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and others had the Kashmir valley under the grip of their terror, the book said. In today’s Kashmir, one can also find the presence of local affiliates of Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, aspiring to bring Sharia rule to Kashmir.
    The author, has also discussed the growth and evolution of Pakistan’s proxy war in Kashmir over the last three decades; however, the prime focus has remained on the terror financing aspect.

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  • ‘Why Can’t Elephants Be Red?’: A Book By Vani Tripathi

    ‘Why Can’t Elephants Be Red?’: A Book By Vani Tripathi

    A book feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

    Vani Tripathi Tikoo remarks, “Each book has a journey but this book has two. My first journey was while deciding on the title of the book. I wanted to remember all those little red elephants that you and I have tucked away inside us but have forgotten them because we think like adults now. The second journey was about this beautiful family of 12 people in COVID times, and my daughter Akshara who was just two and a half years old then and is the protagonist of this book, Akku. She was without me, her mother because I was with my mother in Delhi, and she was being brought up by these beautiful people in Singapore. So, these journeys were unique, and it took two different countries to bring up my child.”

    Praising the book, Smt Smriti Zubin Irani had at the launch earlier in 2023  said, “This book is proof that a story can be written in pain. I stand here for the family that has kept themselves together irrespective of the pandemic and the challenges that were brought upon by geography. This book is a symbol of your tenacity, Vani, and that we stand shoulder to shoulder irrespective of our gender for those who need us the most.”

    Dr Ramesh Chandra Gaur has said that , “This book is coming from a person based on her experience, exposure, and interaction; hence it contains a lot of practical thought; which is the beauty of this book. When you go through the book, you may also feel that you are going through the experience of your own parenthood.”

    About the Book

    “So, isn’t it fun to think of a crab, who has a moustache, a fish who probably has a horn, a unicorn who doesn’t have a horn, and an elephant who is red? What a fun place that world would be!”

    Akku is a lively, imaginative, and adventurous two-and-a-half-year-old little girl. Growing up partly in Gurgaon and mostly in Singapore, she is the darling of her big joint family. From playing with her fishy friends and beloved puppy to discovering the wonders of swimming pools, sea beaches, and malls, every new experience fills Akku with joy and curious questions. 

    She loves to scribble, draw and colour and her imagination runs riot with elephants that are red, crabs that have moustaches, and unicorns that don’t have horns. But the biggest adventure of all awaits Akku — her first day at school.

    About the Author

    Vani Tripathi Tikoo is an actor and teacher who considers The Little Prince as the Bible for all adults who want to understand children. Keeping her work with children alive after having done theatre with kids for more than two decades at the National School of Drama, Theatre in Education Company and has written plays that turned into performances, she has finally forayed into writing for children. This is her first book as an author. She considers children to be the Gurus who saved us from adulthood!

    Vani Tripathi

    About Niyogi Books

     An internationally acclaimed publishing house, Niyogi Books, established in 2004, has more than 500 titles today. We not only specialize in textual context but also strive to give equal importance to visuals. We purvey a wide range of content on art, architecture, history, culture, spirituality, memoirs, and every aspect, which connects, with our rich heritage. Under our umbrella, we have fiction and non-fiction that cover books on social science, cookery, and self-help as well as the English translation of modern classics from different Indian languages. Niyogi Books have recently launched four new Imprints: Olive Turtle (English fiction), Thornbird (English Translation) and Paper Missile (non-fiction) and Bahuvachan (Hindi Translation: Fiction & Non-Fiction). Also, we have co-published a number of critically acclaimed books with reputed institutions like the British Library, Rietberg Museum Zurich, IGNCA, National Gallery of Modern Art, Ministry of Culture (Govt. of India), National Manuscript Mission, Sahitya Akademi, among many others.

  • Purushottam Agrawal’s Reflections on Mahabharata

    Purushottam Agrawal’s Reflections on Mahabharata

    For him, the great war in Kurukshetra makes for a medium of reflection on human conditions and ethical dilemmas, and how one reacts when one of his own is insulted or threatened…writes Sukant Deepak

    “There are no clear-cut binaries. Shades of gray eclipse every character, thus adding to their dimensions. The good and the bad reside inside everyone who plays a role in the great epic Mahabharata. How can one not be fascinated and spellbound every time he/she reads it,” asks author and scholar Purushottam Agrawal, who is currently working on a book on the epic tentatively titled ‘Nobody Listens to Me: Reflections on Mahabharata’

    Agarwal stresses that socially we are living in strange times characterised by distrust, and where violence has been internalised.

    He elaborates, “The appeal of one of the most important texts in the world has become more urgent, precisely why I chose to work on it now though the book has been in my mind for the last two decades. ”

    For him, the great war in Kurukshetra makes for a medium of reflection on human conditions and ethical dilemmas, and how one reacts when one of his own is insulted or threatened.

    ” And what do you do when you have to kill one of your own? After winning the war, Yudhishthira instead of being happy or content, just says, ‘We fought like a pack of dogs…’ “

    For this scholar, who also served as a member ofbook the Union Public Service Commission, it is important to reach out to the newer generation. While in every age, a stage comes when the young want to go back and rediscover their history, and claim mythology, the author, who was at the Mahindra Kabira Festival produced by Teamwork Arts, warns, “In my quest to acquaint the young with their past, I want to ensure that I do not compromise on my integrity. Facts should not be tampered with, nor any attempts made to rewrite history. Even if I have 10 readers, I am satisfied.”

    Agarwal, who has been called ‘Islamprast’ (favouring Islam) and right-leaning at the same time by different groups, says while he is uncomfortable with such charges, he will continue to keep his stand as long as he can.

    “Considering I am well-acquainted with the Islamic traditions in India, and talk about them, some groups call me pro-Islam. When I speak against some Islamic traditions and focus on rich Hindu mythology, I am immediately called anti-Islam. How absurd is this?” he asks.

    The author, who edited ‘Kabir Granthawali’( Rajkamal Prakashan), the most authentic text of Kabir’s work feels that the legendary mystic poet continues to enjoy immense popularity owing to his interrogative nature and the value system.

    “At times, his language is exotic and mysterious, and sometimes it is direct to the point of being offensive. His layered thoughts and straightforwardness are bound to appeal to everyone.”

    When it comes to the much controversial issue of reinterpretation of history, Agarwal opines that being a student of history and literature, it is part of the job and he has himself challenged several existing interpretations of Kabir’s work.

    “However, in the absence of factual evidence, tampering with history should be termed as misinterpretation. Everyone has a right to opinion, but no one should be allowed to tamper with facts. Kabir may be revered by a larger number of Hindus, but you cannot deny the fact that he was born in a Muslim weaver’s household,” he concludes.

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  • Children’s Book Feature: CARROT SOUP by Sadaf Hussain

    Children’s Book Feature: CARROT SOUP by Sadaf Hussain

    Yummy Soup and Tender Loving Care are a Sure Cure! Niyogi Books launched its second Children’s book under its imprint Perky Parrot, titled Carrot Soup by Sadaf Hussain. This is a heart-warming story about helping your family and loved ones. The book helps children (and parents) understand that tasks like housework are not gender specific, thus subtly conveying the message that both boys and girls can cook and do domestic chores. The book also conveys positive messages about teamwork, caring and sharing and contains Pankaj Saikia’s expressive illustrations and fun activities which make the book attractive for little readers. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

    About the Book
    Meet Phudku, Chamki and their parents—a happy bunny family. One day, Momma Rabbit falls sick. With Papa Rabbit away at work, the brother-sister duo must work together to run the house. Will teamwork and carrot soup save the day?

    About the Author

    Chef, author and podcaster, Sadaf Hussain wears many hats! When he isn’t chewing on food history or food stories, Sadaf likes to write and speak about culture and myth busting. This children’s book by him contains a heart-warming story and a recipe perfect for young bunnies and humans alike.

    About the Illustrator 

    Pankaj Saikia is an author and illustrator who lives and works in Assam. He has created many picture books, with both words and paint! While drawing his pictures, Pankaj takes inspiration from the people and areas he has grown up in. Apart from picture books, he also loves reading and creating comics and animated stories.

    About the Publisher

    An internationally acclaimed publishing house, Niyogi Books, established in 2004, has more than 650 titles today. Niyogi Books not only specializes in textual context but also strive to give equal importance to visuals. It purveys a wide range of content on art, architecture, history, culture, spirituality, memoirs, and every aspect which connects with our rich heritage. The house has co-published a number of critically acclaimed books with reputed institutions like the British Library, Rietberg Museum Zurich, IGNCA, National Gallery of Modern Art, Ministry of Culture (Govt. of India), National Manuscript Mission, Sahitya Akademi, among many others.

    They also publish fiction and non-fiction that cover books on social science, cookery, and self-help as well as English Translation of modern classics from different Indian languages. Niyogi Books now has four more Imprints: Olive Turtle (English fiction), Thornbird (English Translation) and Paper Missile(English non-fiction) and Bahuvachan (Hindi Translation: Fiction & Non-Fiction).

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