A Tapestry of Shared Voices: The 'Knit India Through Literature' Project by Sivasankari. Apr 4, 2026, 5:30 PM

Knit India Through Literature, the monumental sixteen-year literary and journalistic endeavour by acclaimed Tamil author Sivasankari is set against this backdrop. Conceived in the pre-internet era, this multi-volume anthology sets out to bridge India’s cultural and linguistic diversity by bringing the richness of regional literatures to a wider audience—ultimately fostering a shared, “collective literary identity.”

In her talk, "A Tapestry of Shared Voices: The Knit India Through Literature Project", Sivasankari, will take us through the vision and scale of this extraordinary project—its purpose, methodology, and enduring outcomes. She will recount her journeys across the country, the writers she engaged with, and the insights she gathered along the way. Reflecting on both personal experiences and broader literary currents, she will also explore the continuing relevance of Indian literature—past, present, and future—within both national and global contexts. About the Speaker: Sivasankari is one of Tamil literature’s most distinguished and widely read authors. Her works include over 36 novels, 48 short novels, 150 short stories, 15 travelogues, 7 collections of articles, one talking book, 4 volumes of literary research book, 2 volumes of anthologies, and 2 biographies. Her latest work is the publication of Suryavamsam, her autobiography in two volumes. Six of her novels have been filmed in Tamil receiving popular public acclaim for their integrity and social commitment. One of her stories has been filmed in Kannada and one in Telugu. Sivasankari has been reporting on significant events and has also presented several in-depth interviews with dignitaries from various walks of life, including the Prime Ministers late Smt Indira Gandhi and Sri Rajiv Gandhi, Mother Teresa and former president Sri APJ Abdul Kalam. Her landmark project, Knit India Through Literature, reflects her enduring commitment to fostering national integration through cultural understanding. In recognition of her immense contribution to literature and society, she was conferred the Padma Shri in 2026, one of India’s highest civilian honours. Through her writings and initiatives, she continues to inspire readers across generations and linguistic boundaries.

DrJennifer Howes. "Madras to London: East India Company Artworks in the 18th Century". Mar 7, 2026

In the mid-eighteenth century, the East India Company established its first-ever military base at Madras. As its army grew, the Company developed into a political power.

In her illustrated talk, "From Madras to London: East India Company Artworks in the 18th Century", art historian Dr Jennifer Howes examines artworks and buildings that the East India Company commissioned in the late eighteenth century, both at Madras and in London, which chart this transformation. These paintings, sculptures and buildings provide a unique framework for understanding the history of Madras Presidency. About the Speaker: Dr Jennifer Howes is a UK based Art Historian who writes about South Asia and colonialism. Her work connects archival sources with art to narrate new approaches to colonial history. She curates and advises on exhibitions, academic publications and other projects. Her most recent book, “The Art of a Corporation”, examines the East India Company through the lens of paintings, sculptures and buildings in London. Originally from Canada, Dr Howes received her doctorate in Art & Archaeology from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Her first book, The Courts of Pre-Colonial South India, is based on her PhD thesis. Dr Howes worked in the British Library's India Office Collections for 15 years, first as a British Academy post-doctoral scholar, then as Curator of Prints and Drawings. Her second book, Illustrating India: The Early Colonial Investigations of Colin Mackenzie, was a British Library-supported project funded by the John Paul Getty Foundation and the British Academy.