P. LANKESH’S ANTHOLOGY, JEET THAYIL’S POETRY AND PROSE, TALKING TO SAM DALRYMPLE, AND MORE
Rediscovering Radical Kannada Voice: P. Lankesh’s Anthology
A new anthology brings together the fiercely independent and anti-establishment writings of P. Lankesh, the influential Kannada writer, filmmaker, and journalist. Known for his radical takes on caste, class, and freedom, Lankesh’s work is being reintroduced to a new generation through sharp translations and contextual essays.
Why It Matters Now:
At a time of increasing cultural control, Lankesh’s fearless prose and political clarity are reminders of what literary dissent looks like in Indian languages.
Jeet Thayil: Where Poetry Meets Addiction, Music, and Redemption
Jeet Thayil’s new collection of poems and recent prose continue to blur the lines between memory, melody, and melancholy. Whether writing about jazz, narcotics, or lost cities, Thayil's language stings and sings in equal measure.
Suggested Reads:
These Errors Are Correct (Poetry)
Names of the Women (Fiction)
Low (Novel)
Why Read Thayil Now:
His writing captures the raw edge of contemporary India — fractured, hallucinatory, and deeply human.
In Conversation: Sam Dalrymple on Partition, Storytelling, and South Asia’s Wounds
Historian and writer Sam Dalrymple brings a fresh, youthful urgency to how we remember Partition and communal trauma. In recent conversations, he’s emphasized the need to revisit the 1947 tragedy not just through statistics, but through human stories passed down in families and communities.
Key Insight:
"History is not about nations—it’s about people. We remember through emotion, not just dates," says Dalrymple.
Recommended Project:
Check out Project Dastaan, a multimedia oral history initiative co-founded by Dalrymple, aiming to reconnect Partition survivors with their childhood homes through VR and storytelling.
Other Literary Highlights This Week
New translations of Ambai’s short stories exploring gender and urban solitude
A revival of Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi’s diaries, shedding light on political lyricism
Debut voices from India’s Northeast redefining regional literature on a national stage
(FAQ) – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who was P. Lankesh?
P. Lankesh was a Kannada writer, filmmaker, and journalist known for his progressive and anti-authoritarian voice.
What’s unique about Jeet Thayil’s writing style?
His work blends poetry and prose with themes of addiction, music, urban decay, and spiritual longing.
Why is Sam Dalrymple being talked about?
For his work on Partition memory and initiatives like Project Dastaan, which center individual narratives in historical discourse.
Is Lankesh’s anthology available in English?
Yes, it’s now available in translation with critical commentary for non-Kannada readers.
What makes Thayil relevant today?
His raw and poetic exploration of India’s emotional and cultural contradictions feels especially urgent.
Where can I access Project Dastaan stories?
While primarily a visual-oral project, summaries and updates are shared through public talks and their website.
Published on: July 16, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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