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Spark – August 2011 Issue

Dear Reader, It is never easy to talk all about India in one issue. However, what we have done is to earnestly try to bring in as many perspectives as we can in the August 2011 edition of Spark themed, ‘India Decoded’. We have a wide variety of contributions this time too – fiction, non-fiction, poetry, art and photography! And very interesting interviews with four bestselling Indian authors! The bonus this time is the smashing new PDF that we have designed for the issue. It’s a MUST see! Click here to read our issue on the e-reader, ISSUU or to download the PDF.

The New Face of Indian Writing

At Spark, one of our constant endeavours has been to get good authors talking to us about the art of writing, the effort that goes into writing a book and just what their writing world is all about! So, this month, for the first time ever, we feature four authors together. And they are no ordinary authors, mind you – they have been cracking the bestseller charts in India. And we couldn’t think of a better theme than ‘India Decoded’ to present some young Indian authors who are taking the Indian English literary scene by storm. What’s more – all these books are set in India or are about India. Introduction and Interviews by Anupama Krishnakumar.

The Road to Freedom

Here’s something that will awaken patriotism in you. The Road to Freedom is a poem by R.Seshan that reminds us how hard-won India’s freedom is and tells us that it is our duty to make our nation proud.

August 15, 2011

Same time last year, P.R.Viswanathan conjured Mother India with his words. She had beamed with pride and had spoken at length about her centuries-old story and had talked in a beautifully nostalgic way about the many children she had nurtured on her soil. This time, Mother India returns, springing to life with P.R.Viswanathan’s words– only that this time, she is here to lament the way things have been with her soil and children in the last one year. Here’s one piece you should read!

The Beauty of the Indian Landscape

One of the things that comes to mind when we think of India is the beautiful landscape at different parts of the country. Nilesh J.Bhange captures some of them through his lens.

Lokpal Decoded

Jan Lokpal. Corruption. Anna Hazare. If you are in India, then there is absolutely no chance that you wouldn’t have run into these words. The media has dissected this issue enough – but the irony is that the pro-Jan Lokpal team is yet to realize its demands. Bijesh Krishnadas shares his thoughts on this much-discussed topic in India today and tells you why Jan Lokpal is needed despite the many questions raised about the possibility of the body ridding the Indian system of corruption. Read on.

Critters in our Indian Lives

Have you ever thought about the connection between India and animals? Here’s some sort of an observation, comparison – call it whatever you want. The bottom line is all about what animals have meant to the Indian way of life. Vani Viswanathan writes.

The Many Hues of the Indian Woman

Amrita Sarkar captures the many hues of the Indian woman in her art. It is her own way of approaching the theme ‘India Decoded’.

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow: Ancient India and its Martial Legacy

India has for many years been known as the land that discovered many things, the land of many firsts. Did you know that India is also the the land which gave the world the mother of all martial arts – Kalaripayattu? Varsha Sreenivasan tells you more about this martial art that is India’s pride.