In her talk "Between Legacy and Self: Becoming Maniam Selven", renowned artist Ma.Se’s daughter, Subhashini Maniam, explores the life and works of Maniam Selven, tracing his remarkable journey from aspiring Air Force pilot to acclaimed artist. She highlights his evolving style, his constant experimentation with techniques and media, and his enduring legacy as a unique bridge between illustration and fine art.
The online Talk in English is at 5.30 pm IST on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
About the Speaker:
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Subhashini Maniam, the daughter of Maniam Selven, is an experienced artist and educator based in Western Australia, with over 20 years of contributions to the arts communities in India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Western Australia.
With a background in Fine Arts and Contemporary Art Practices, Subhashini is passionate about cross-cultural integration and nurturing the next generation of artists. She has conducted children’s workshops across various arts centres in Perth and specialises in watercolours, sketching, and Plein air painting, drawing inspiration from nature.
Trained in Carnatic music, Subhashini brings a unique, multidisciplinary approach to her artistic practice. Her versatility is demonstrated in a wide range of projects, including visual design, set development, music presentations, workshops, and curatorial roles.
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.
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