A Book A Day - A Literary Podcast from India

In this episode, I narrate some short and wonderful stories from Anvita Abbi's book Voices from the Lost Horizon. In this book Abbi traces down and chronicles the stories and songs of Bo language of the Andaman islands, which has since gone extinct. Visit kalampedia.org to know more about the book. Keep sharing your thoughts and ideas.

Alappuzha Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, popularly known as Thakazhi after his place of birth, was an Indian novelist and short story writer of Malayalam literature. In this episode, I narrate one of his short stories. The story is called The Flood and it's about a dog who is stuck at a hut during the floods. Let me know how you found the story.

In this episode I narrate a short story from Sindhi literature. Written by Lekhraj Tulsiani, the story recounts a tale of a poor woman in the court room. Let me know how you like the story.

In this episode I narrate a short story called 'The Whirlwind' written by Sant Singh Sekhon. Sant Singh Sekhon (1908–1997) was a Punjabi playwright and fiction writer. He is part of the generation of Indian authors who mark the transition of India into an independent nation, scarred by the tragedies of partition.

In the final chapter our discussion on Pankaj Mishra's book Temptations of the West, I share his visit to the Bollywood. Let me know what you think of the book.

It's early 2000s. Pankaj Mishra is travelling in Afghanistan and exploring its socio-political challenges. Let's find out what happens there with the help of his book Temptations of the West. Don't forget to share your feedback on contactkalampedia@gmail.com and I will be happy to respond.

In his book, 'Temptations of the West,' Pankaj Mishra travels through different parts of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and shares his experiences along with his succinct analysis on the social and political dynamics of these countries. I narrate a few passages from the book in today's episode.

Original called Dekh Kabira Roya (See, Kabir Cried), this short story (now titled Free for All) was published by Saadat Hasan Manto soon after he migrated to Pakistan after the partition. Manto uses the famous 15th century Sufi poet Bhagat Kabir as a protagonist to presciently satirise the emerging trends of intolerance, orthodoxy and cultural chauvinism in the newly-independent state, which are a...

I narrate another short story by Saadat Hasan Manto in this episode. The story is called The Dutiful Daughter and it highlights the violence faced by women during the India-Pakistan partition riots.

Let's enter the intriguing, dark (not to mention, humorous) world of Saadat Hasan Manto's pen and read some short stories together. Share your thoughts with me on contactkalampedia@gmail.com.

In today's podcast I discuss about the life of one of the 'Rocket Boys', with the help of Biman Nath's monograph. Homi Bhabha was an Indian nuclear physicist who is often regarded as the father of Indian nuclear programme. Learn about his life and works with this wonderful book. As always, your thoughts and suggestions are welcome at contactkalampedia@gmail.com.

Continuing our series on Pioneers of Modern India, published by Niyogi Books, this time I share the story of Rani Gaidinliu. She was a legendary freedom fighter from North East India who fought for the rights of Zeliangrong Nagas. Not only do we learn about her life, but also her community, their belief system, their history, the challanges they face and much more.

In this episode I discuss a wonderful monograph written by Indradeep Bhattacharyya on life and works of RK Narayan. Visit www.kalampedia.org to read more about RK Narayan's works. If you have any queries or thoughts to share, please feel free to write at contactkalampedia@gmail.com.

In the next few episodes of this podcast, I am going to share the stories of some wonderful characters from Indian history that have truly shaped this country. I start with Sudipto Das's biography of Jagadish Chandra Bose, the great Bengali polymath. Let's find out more about the book as well as the man himself.

In the concluding part of our Bhagavad Gita series, I discuss Jnana Yoga as it is explained by Krishna in Gita. Check out Vandana R Singh's book to explore all these valuable lessons in greater depth. Thank you for listening. For any queries, please write at contactkalampedia@gmail.com and I will be happy to respond.

In the second part of our Bhagavad Gita series, I discuss Bhakti Yoga as described in the Gita. Bhakti yoga, the path of devotion as elucidated in the Bhagavad Gita, holds profound significance in spiritual and personal development. In chapters seven to twelve, the Gita delves into the essence of bhakti, outlining its principles and emphasising its relevance in navigating the complexities of moder...

The Bhagavad Gita -- a profound source of spiritual wisdom. In the three-part series, I discuss Vandana R Singh's The Bhagavad Gita: A Life-changing Conversation. This book presents the most valuable lessons of Gita to contemporary readers. So, join me, and together we explore the pearls if this ancient Indian wisdom and apply it in our 21st century lives. This is the first of the three parts. Sta...

In the concluding episode of our Biblical Stories series, we discuss the life and death of Jesus Christ. Hope you enjoyed it. Let me know on contactkalampedia@gmail.com.

From the Old Testament we now arrive to the New Testament. And Jesus Christ is here. Keep following to learn what happens next.

We start the new year with the story of King David and what the Israelites go through during this period. Keep following the series to listen to some more exciting biblical stories.

Continuing with our Biblical stories theme this week, we join Moses on his journey to Israel. The conflict was much the same back then as it is now: Israel Vs Phillistines. Let's see what happens next. Keep following for more stories.

In this episode, we find out the story of Moses's birth and how he led his people out of Egypt. Keep following the podcast to know what happens next.

Continuing with our theme of Christianity, I narrate the story of Joseph and Jacob in this episode. Keep listening to explore more stories from the Bible this week. Don't forget to share your thoughts on contactkalampedia@gmail.com.

This week I am going to narrate some fascinating biblical stories on the podcast. Once you're familiar with the stories, you'd be better able to understand Christian theology. Let me know your thoughts at contactkalampedia@gmail.com.

In this podcast I discuss one of the greatest books ever written on Christianity. Mere Christianity, first done as a part of BBC radio and later documented as a book, is a masterpiece of CS Lewis. Let's find out what it's all about. If you have any queries or feedback, please write to me at contactkalampedia@gmail.com.