Venkataramanan Ramasethu

Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami, often hailed as a pioneer in Indian English literature, was a seminal figure whose works vividly painted the everyday life and characters of the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi. Through his famous works like "Malgudi Days" and "Swamy and His Friends," Narayanaswami brought to life the idiosyncrasies and spirit of this quaint town and its inhabitants. These stories, alongside his contributions from contemporaries like Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao, significantly shaped early Indian literature in English, offering readers a window into the rich canvas of Indian culture and humanity. Born in Chennai, Narayanaswami's literary journey was profoundly influenced by the cultural and social milieu of his upbringing. His writings, characterized by their gentle satire, humor, and acute observation, reflect the quintessence of Indian life. This unique blend of narrative charm and philosophical depth makes his stori

The quote, "I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library," spoken by Jorge Luis Borges, offers a profound reflection on the ideal of paradise as a place of infinite knowledge and eternal exploration. Borges, an Argentine writer and librarian, was deeply enamored with books and the labyrinthine worlds they contained. His declaration connects the concept of paradise not with traditional images of physical beauty or luxurious abundance, but with the intellectual and spiritual richness that books provide. This perspective highlights the notion that true contentment and bliss can be found in the pursuit of knowledge and the joy of continuous learning. Borges saw books as gateways to endless possibilities, each page and each story a path to new discoveries about the universe and oneself. Libraries, as collections of these gateways, thus represent a sort of ultimate sanctuary where one can experience the sublime pleasure of perpetual discovery. Furtherm

The quote by Hermann Hesse, "If you hate a person, you hate something in him that is part of yourself. What isn't part of ourselves doesn't disturb us," provides a profound insight into the nature of hate and self-awareness. This statement invites us to consider hate not merely as an emotion directed outward towards others but as a reflection of our inner self.  Hesse suggests that the qualities or actions in others that provoke our hatred are, paradoxically, aspects of ourselves that we dislike or deny. This psychological projection means that when we encounter traits in others that mirror our flaws or fears, it intensifies our emotional reaction. The intensity of our dislike towards others, then, can serve as a mirror showing us how we feel about similar traits within ourselves.  This idea aligns with Jungian psychology, which posits that the personal unconscious holds those parts of ourselves that we choose to reject or ignore—the shadow self. Encounter

I've fallen for the song 'Bahu Manaratha' from the movie Memories in March. The music, composed by Debajyoti Mishra and the haunting vocals of Subhomita Banerjee, perfectly complement the poignant lyrics penned by Rituparno Ghosh. "Bahu manorathe saaju avisaare pahlu suneel besh Kajar nayaane salaaj bayane kusume sajanu kesh Sakhi hum, mohan avisaare jaaon Bolo hum, etath sukh kahan paaon   Jamunar pare, gahana aandhare, ghana nipaban maajhe Piya setha more bedana katare mohe laagi baithi aache Sakhi hum, mohan avisaare jaaon Bolo hum, etath sukh kahan paaon   Sakhi chira abhagini hum Baithe ekakini pohanu rajani tobu naa aailo shyam Sakhi chira abhagini hum   Krishna kajal pighal sajal nayaner nir dhare Eka khina patha britha manaratha bifala avisaare Sakhi hum, kabhu naa avisaare jaaon Dukh laaj etath sah nahi paahon   Britha manorathe saaju avisaare pahlu suneel besh Kajar nayaane salaaj bayane kusume sajanu kesh Fir aaj yun, mohan avisaare jaaon Sakhi b

Mark Twain, one of America's most enduring literary figures, is often attributed with the quote, "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." This statement succinctly encapsulates a profound philosophy about life's purpose and self-discovery. The first part of the quote, "the day you are born," is straightforward—it marks our physical entrance into the world. This is the starting point of our journey, a universal milestone shared by all humanity. It is a day marked by potential and possibility, where the slate is clean and the future is unwritten. Here, Twain underscores the intrinsic value of life and the inherent significance of being born. The second part, "the day you find out why," delves into the deeper, existential layer of our existence. This day is less about a chronological event and more about a pivotal moment of understanding or revelation. It pertains to discovering one&

The quote from the film "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" captures a profoundly reflective tone that resonates deeply with the movie's exploration of life, aging, and the human condition. The film itself is an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's story, which tells the unusual life of Benjamin Button, a man who ages in reverse. As Benjamin experiences life backwards, the narrative and its philosophical underpinnings challenge viewers to consider the quality and trajectory of their own lives. This quote, "I hope you live a life you're proud of. And if you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again," serves as a pivotal reflection point in the film. It underscores the recurring theme of reinvention and resilience. This message is particularly poignant given Benjamin’s unique circumstances, where the natural order of his life presents both miraculous opportunities and heartbreaking challenges. The first par

The quote "No state of slavery is more disgraceful than one which is self-imposed," attributed to the Stoic philosopher Seneca, offers a profound insight into the nature of personal autonomy and responsibility. It evokes a powerful theme in Stoic philosophy: the emphasis on the freedom of the individual's will and the significance of self-governance, even amidst external constraints. Analysis of the Quote: 1. Concept of Self-imposed Slavery:    Seneca’s idea of self-imposed slavery can be interpreted as the condition in which an individual voluntarily surrenders their agency and submits to external pressures or internal vices. Unlike physical slavery, which is enforced by external forces, self-imposed slavery is a metaphorical servitude to one's own passions, fears, or societal expectations. 2. Philosophical Context:    In Stoicism, freedom is not defined by one's external circumstances but by one's mental state. The true Stoic seeks to attain inne

In May, over a hundred years ago, the esteemed Literature Laureate Rabindranath Tagore embarked on a noteworthy visit to the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, a sprawling imperial palace complex that served as the political heart of China for nearly five centuries. Alongside him were distinguished figures including the renowned Indian artist Nandalal Bose, the insightful translator Lin Huiyin, and the eminent Chinese poet Xu Zhimo. Lin and Xu were instrumental in translating Tagore’s works into Chinese, thus opening the doors to his poetic mastery for the Chinese audience and fostering significant cultural exchange. Rabindranath Tagore, celebrated for being the first non-European to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, was recognized for “his profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse, by which, with consummate skill, he has made his poetic thought, expressed in his own English words, a part of the literature of the West." This honor acknowledged not only his

In the cinematic landscape of 2012, director Ang Lee brought to life Yann Martel's novel "Life of Pi," capturing the hearts of audiences with its profound narrative and stunning visuals. A decade later, the film remains a celebrated piece, admired for its exploration of spirituality, survival, and the human connection with nature. The story revolves around Pi Patel, a young Indian boy who survives a shipwreck and finds himself stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. The film unfolds as a mesmerizing tale of survival, woven with themes of faith, human resilience, and the bonds formed between humans and animals. Filmed in breathtaking 3D, Lee's creation is a visual spectacle. The ocean scenes are particularly striking, using the vast sea as a backdrop for Pi's introspective journey. The CGI portrayal of Richard Parker stands out as a technical achievement, seamlessly blending reality with digital artistry. Up

12 Inspiring Quotes About Reading 1. " A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one." George R.R. Martin 2. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." Dr. Seuss 3. “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Joseph Addison 4. “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book." Dr. Seuss 5. “ Books are a uniquely portable magic." Stephen King 6. “There is no friend as loyal as a book." Ernest Hemingway 7. “ The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries." René Descartes 8. “To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting." Edmund Burke 9. “Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are." Mason Cooley 10. “A room without books is like a body without a soul." Cicero 11. “I find television very

The quote "What will your verse be?" prompts us to consider our role and contribution in the grand narrative of life. Originating from Walt Whitman's poem "O Me! O Life!" where the poet reflects on the struggles and apparent futility of life, this question is a call to action, challenging each individual to find and create their unique impact. In Whitman's context, the verse symbolizes individual expression and participation in the collective human endeavor. It invites us to reflect on our own lives: What are we contributing? What mark are we leaving behind? It's a question of legacy and purpose, pushing us to evaluate not just the actions we take but the intentions and passions that drive them. This inquiry into our 'verse' in the metaphorical poem of life is ultimately about meaning. It suggests that every action, every thought, and every interaction contributes to the story we write. It encourages us to live deliberately, to craft

The Human Library is a remarkable global initiative that began in Denmark and has since expanded to 80 countries. This concept transforms traditional library dynamics by allowing individuals to become "living books." These participants share their personal stories in 30-minute sessions, known as "reading" sessions, where they engage in open conversations with "readers." The aim is to address and discuss taboo and difficult topics, facilitating empathy, understanding, and connection among people. Participants in the Human Library, each with unique backgrounds and experiences, offer themselves as books that can be "read" through personal interactions. These living books help dismantle stereotypes and challenge societal preconceptions by sharing their own life stories. This setup encourages listeners to confront their prejudices and gain a broader understanding of the complex fabric of human experiences. The Human Library serves as a pow

Unveiling the Essence of Humanity Through Poetry: A Closer Look at "Dead Poets Society" In an era dominated by the pursuit of practicality and pragmatism, the profound words from the film "Dead Poets Society" serve as a poignant reminder of what truly enriches our lives. The quote, "We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion," eloquently captures the essence of why art and poetry are not mere aesthetic pursuits but are vital to the human spirit. The assertion made in the quote emphasizes that our connection to poetry and art transcends the superficial. It is a profound part of our identity as members of the human race, driven by an innate passion. This passion is what fuels our desires not only to survive but to truly live and experience the depth of our existence. The text contrasts the roles of various noble professions like medicine, law,