Now an e-magazine for Indian writing in English

A group of English writers from across India, who have launched an e-magazine beg to differ, arguing many established writers in ‘Indian-English’ including Tharoor and Roy are not writing ‘real’ Indian-English and many of their works have failed to reflect the culture and feel of the country. Titled ‘Indian Ruminations’,the e-journal, launched here a fornight back, is a platform for un-established English writers, who claim they are spreading the real spirit of India through  their works.

Around 45 members from various states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, Chchatisgarh, Orissa and Delhi have registered in it, says Sandhya S N, one of the Chief Editors.  "There are African English, American English, Australian English and British English and all of them convey the native culture of respective regions," says Sandhya. Peculiar terminology, expressions and writing style, based on each native culture has been coined in those language streams.

"But unfortunately Indian English cannot claim that credit. Most Indian-English writers are those who grew up or studied outside the country with academic qualifications gained from foreign universities. Naturally they will write American English or British English. They cannot reflect the real Indian spirit and write in Indian English," Sandhya told reporters.

But there are many English writers in India who do not get recognition they deserve and a platform for creative expression, though many are highly talented and creative. "Though a large number of such writers publish their works in many popular literary websites, they do not get much display or preference as established authors. So we thought about an independent platform where any writer -- a budding poet or an established story writer - can publish their works ," Sandhya, a Keralite poet whose collection of poems “Break the Silence” was published recently, said.

"India Ruminations" has writer-members ranging from schoolchildren to scientists, who manage to find time for creative writing amidst their research and experiments. The writers’ community also comprise civil servants, teachers, clerks, job aspirants and home makers. All forms of creative writing like poems, short stories, articles, interviews and book reviews can be put on it.

"Those who want to publish their writings can visit our magazine and click the option ‘submission’ and upload the article after giving sufficient personal details. Or they can post it to [e-mail]," she said. Chief Editors Sandhya S N and Pro J T Jayasingh edit and upload all contents posted, which are updated monthly. ‘Indian Ruminations’ also plans to provide space for Indian-born painters to display their paintings in the near future.

‘An art gallery for painters is also under plans. It will surely be an easy way for Indian painters to exhibit their works before global viewers and art critics,” she said. To ensure content variety, the editors are suggesting topics for creative works and plan to limit poems to 10 per cent at a time as its’ number is high. As a social networking site, the e-magazine provides discussion forums to debate various issues of public interest and to register their opinion. Comments of readers on contents published can also be registered  below that,the editors said.

Geographical and cultural diversity of writers are reflected on selection of topics and writing styles, Sandhya said. "Our writers are from different locations of India, so naturally the diversity will be reflected in the writings as well. While Dr Bhanu Prabha Dutta Saikia from Assam writes about floods in the short story “Disruption”, Latha Prem Sakhya, a new generation poet from Tamil Nadu speaks about rains in her poem ‘Ecstasy’. Jayasingh from Tamil Nadu ruminates on his dreams about language in 'The Language I dream.' ‘Indian Ruminations’has also plans to organize seminars at national level with the support of the writer-community.