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Spark – October 2011 Issue

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.

Culture of India – A Tribute

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.

Indian Thought Can Help the World Rethink its Civilisation Strategy

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.

Living Monuments that Tell Fascinating Tales

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!

Will the ‘Lotus-Giver’ Bloom Again?

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.

The Magic of Tanjore Temple

Maheswaran Sathiamoorthy captures the beauty of the Tanjore temple through a charcoal sketch.

Swaram, Nrityam Sangamam – Passionate Journeys

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.

Knit India Through Literature

How many of us read literature in our Indian mother tongue, and how much of it is getting lost as we give way to English taking over our lives in more aspects than one? In conversation with popular Tamil author Sivasankari, Vani Viswanathan discusses these questions and also uncovers more on the author’s effort to bring attention to Indian literature, the Knit India through Literature project.

Feces, flatulence and fornication

S***, F***, A** H*** – when did humor become all about bodily functions? Yayaati Joshi writes an interesting piece about our changing perceptions on what is funny.