In these times of conflict, Nisha Prakash uses poetry to harness the incendiary power of words and their potential for change and healing.
Personal Essay
Raising Shirshendu’s Ghosts
In this insightful instalment of our Literary Devices series, Ujaan Ghosh scrutinises Gandhota Khub Sandehojanok (The Suspicious Odour), one of Bengali author Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay’s best-known works. In this piece, he touches upon dehumanisation, casteism, and why Shirshendu’s ghosts aren’t actually scary.
Personal Essay
The Shapeshifting Archive
For the historian, all that is knowable is in the archive. But the archive is constantly evolving into new and unrecognisable shapes, says archivist Farah Yameen. This is the first piece in the Archives series.
Personal Essay
If I Can Find the Right Shallot, I am Home
In this personal essay, Minoli Wijetunga talks about deep roots, new horizons, forging new connections and strengthening existing ones, self-discovery, and the importance of food for the soul.
Poetry
Jasmine Mornings
Lina Krishnan writes about jasmine and fragrant memories with an artwork to accompany her lines.
Interview
Alternate Canons and Conversations: An Interview with Radical Books Collective
Expanding our Literary Devices series, Winnu Das speaks to Bhakti Shringarpure, the co-founder and creative director of Radical Books Collective, about reading together, being critical, and finding strength in community.
Comic
Whalefall
In this eco-horror comic, written by Archita Mittra and illustrated by Rae Larson, two sisters grapple with generational guilt, climate change, myths, and the devastation of love and loss.
Interview
Talking Peys, Pisaasus, and Pulp Fiction: An Interview with Blaft Publications
In the next instalment of our Literary Devices series, Anjali Alappat chats with Rashmi Devadasan and Rakesh Khanna, co-founders of Blaft Publications, about the importance of translating regional pulp fiction, weird blind spots in Indian publishing, monsters from all over the country, and their plans for the future.
Interview
Sex Scandals, Shame & Urban Myths: An Interview with Aravind Jayan
In the first part of our Literary Devices series, Aravind Jayan, author of Teen Couple Have Fun Outdoors, discusses his debut novel, societal hypocrisy, complicated family dynamics, generational gaps, and shame.
Personal Essay
Building a Noteworthy Life
Convinced of the transformative power of music, Child’s Play India Foundation teaches music to underprivileged children in Goa. Chryselle D’Silva Dias on how Beethoven and Bach can offer hope and joy, especially during difficult times.
Personal Essay
Missing the Trees for the Forest
While in the field, ecologist Pooja Choksi found herself slowing down for trees. Field guide in hand, she allowed herself to pause, admire the trees, and the communities surrounding them. It strikes her then that she’s no longer looking at trees as data, and is on the path to curing herself of tree blindness.
Article
Case Verzi: A Resurgence of Sustainable Architecture in Romania
In Romania, a growing interest in eco-friendly architecture has led to the resurgence of clay houses and the introduction of cob. Oana Racheleanu writes about two very different women, united in their determination to build sustainable homes, spaces, and communities.