Tune in for narratives critical to our times. Listen, ask and seek answers.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an award-winning and bestselling novelist, poet, activist and teacher of writing. She has won many awards, including the American Book Award and the Premio Scanno. Her work has been published in over 100 magazines and anthologies while her books have been translated into 29 languages. Several of her works have been made into films and plays. She teaches at the internationally acclaimed writing programme at the University of Houston.
Sessions
Voices Of Faith: Ramcharitmanas: Then and Now
Pavan K. Varma and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni in conversation
The Ramcharitmanas is one of the greatest lyrical compositions in Indian literature. Written in the 16th century by Tulsidas in Awadhi, which was the language of the masses rather than Sanskrit, it broke away from literary tradition and made Lord Ram more accessible and relatable to the layperson. The story of Lord Ram, however, is incomplete without referring to the strength, knowledge and perseverance of Goddess Sita and her central role within the narrative. In his recent work, The Greatest Ode to Lord Ram, writer, politician and former diplomat, Pavan K. Varma has selected some of the most inspiring stanzas and —offering a succinct commentary for each—that capture the very core of the original. Academic and author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's novel The Forest of Enchantments is an evocative telling of the Goddess Sita. Her innate strength is a testament to the power of the female. Together, they discuss the various philosophical aspects of the Ramcharitmanas and the characters that shine through.
THE CONSOLATION OF THE PAST, THE PROMISE OF THE FUTURE
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and Amit Majmudar in conversation
Two prominent Indian American authors speak of their writing, and the inspirations they draw from myth and memory to understand and articulate the present and the future. A fascinating conversation with trailblazing novelist Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and multifaceted writer, poet and radiologist Amit Majmudar.