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On his birth anniversary today, we fondly remember Rituparno Ghosh (31 August 1963 – 30 May 2013), one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers, whose brilliance as a director, actor, writer, and lyricist redefined contemporary Bengali cinema while leaving an indelible mark on Indian and world cinema

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On his birth anniversary today, we fondly remember Rituparno Ghosh (31 August 1963 – 30 May 2013), one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers, whose brilliance as a director, actor, writer, and lyricist redefined contemporary Bengali cinema while leaving an indelible mark on Indian and world cinema. From Unishe April to Choker Bali, Noukadubi, and Chitrangada, his works sensitively portrayed women, explored the complexities of human relationships, and fearlessly addressed themes of sexuality and identity. Openly homosexual at a time when few in Indian public life were, Ghosh became a courageous voice and an icon for the LGBTQ+ community, portraying same-sex relationships with depth, dignity, and emotional truth. Deeply inspired by Rabindranath Tagore, he brought Bengal’s literary traditions into a modern cinematic language that resonated across cultures. Winner of 19 National Awards, his artistry and authenticity continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and individuals ...

Attended the beautiful Annaprashan of little Kojagari (Bihu), hosted by team member Nandita Barman, along with my colleagues

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Attended the beautiful Annaprashan of little Kojagari (Bihu), hosted by team member Nandita Barman, along with my colleagues. A heartwarming occasion filled with love, blessings, and joy. Wishing the little one a healthy and happy journey ahead. — Venkataramanan Ramasethu 31st August 2025 Photo Courtesy: Arjan Das & Anik Sarkar

Arundhati Roy, the celebrated author of The God of Small Things (Booker Prize, 1997) and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (longlisted for the Man Booker, 2017), has given the world unforgettable stories told with beauty, clarity, and political courage

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Arundhati Roy, the celebrated author of The God of Small Things (Booker Prize, 1997) and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (longlisted for the Man Booker, 2017), has given the world unforgettable stories told with beauty, clarity, and political courage. Her works of nonfiction—including The End of Imagination, My Seditious Heart, and Azadi—speak truth to power with passion and wit. Honoured with the European Essay Prize (2023) and the PEN Pinter Prize (2024), Roy continues to inspire as one of the most fearless and original voices of our times.  — Venkataramanan Ramasethu 28 August 2025

Arundhati Roy’s first memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me (Sept 2025) is a raw and intimate journey through love, loss, and identity

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Arundhati Roy’s first memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me (Sept 2025) is a raw and intimate journey through love, loss, and identity. Written after the passing of her mother, the formidable Mary Roy, it captures the story of a daughter shaped by both shelter and storm. From her childhood in Kerala to her Booker-winning The God of Small Things and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, this memoir is at once a tribute, a reckoning, and an ode to freedom, thorny love, and savage grace. — Venkataramanan Ramasethu  28 August 2025

Ganesh Chaturthi 2025

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Wishing you all a blessed and joyous Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 – may Lord Ganesha bring wisdom, prosperity, and happiness into your lives. — Venkataramanan Ramasethu 27th August 2025

Irfan Habib: A Titan of Medieval Indian History

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Irfan Habib: A Titan of Medieval Indian History At 93, Padma Bhushan awardee Professor Irfan Habib still cycles daily to Aligarh Muslim University, embodying passion and discipline. His landmark works—The Agrarian System of Mughal India and An Atlas of the Mughal Empire—revolutionized the study of medieval India. Born into a family of freedom fighters, he has remained steadfast in defending secularism and historical truth against political distortions. Globally recognized with honors like Oxford’s Honorary Fellowship (2021), Habib continues to inspire generations to pursue history with honesty, rigor, and courage. — Venkataramanan Ramasethu August 25, 2025

Happy 78th birthday (24th August) to Paulo Coelho — the storyteller, seeker, and soul behind The Alchemist

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Happy 78th birthday (24th August) to Paulo Coelho — the storyteller, seeker, and soul behind The Alchemist, whose words continue to illuminate our paths of self-discovery and wonder. He reminded the world to pursue its “Personal Legend,” and through perseverance, transformation, and a quest for meaning, he shaped stories that transcend borders and beliefs. Today, we celebrate a writer who taught us that dreams are worth chasing, signs worth trusting, and that often, the treasure we seek already lies within us. — Venkataramanan Ramasethu 24.08.2025