Ashmita Nayak’s review of my “Cracks in the wall” (MI: 126: Mar-Apr 2026) hits the bull’s eye
I am amazed at the clarity in the review of my captioned short fiction book.
I review books myself and follow the easier track of summarising stories or quoting verses as points of thematic emphasis. But Ashmita Nayak has done away with this and taken the harder route of analysing the book with minimal references, yet demonstrating each theme in its essence. So, we have the individual, the social, the psychological, the political and the spiritual. She has also dug deeper into the aim of the language and style and its achievements; the importance of the ordinary in life and literature; the impact of the social, political and spiritual on individual consciousness; the inward focus on individual consciousness itself and the cumulative effect of understated pain and suffering in giving the book its emotional weight.
The review has stunned me for its perceptions, so tenderly rendered. There are things a writer herself does not know: that she is writing with empathy for both her characters and readers; that her own faith does not take the high moral ground. “Rather”, Ashmita has written, “Faith exists alongside doubt, desire and grief reflecting the complexity of lived belief rather than idealised spirituality.”
I will end by saying that Ashmita’s review hits the bull’s eye. I can’t thank her enough.
Neera Kashyap, Delhi neerak7@gmail.com Mar 13,2026
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MI 126 (Mar-Apr 2026): An in-depth review by Atreya Sarma of Kiriti Sengupta’s ‘Selected Poems’
I, the dedicatee of the book and naturally with an emotional connect to it, enjoyed Atreya Sarma’s review of Kiriti Sengupta’s Selected Poems, which Dustin Pickering has skilfully culled. My warm thanks to Atreya Sarma for mentioning the dedication and for the kind words. That said, such an in-depth piece is a blessing for any author, and kudos to the sensitive reviewer for focusing on various aspects of the poet’s oeuvre.
Sanjeev Sethi, Mumbai sanjeevsethi3@yahoo.co.uk Mar 10,2026
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MI 126 (Mar-Apr 2026): Thanks for the meticulous review of Debasish Lahiri ‘A Certain Penance of Light’
I thank Atreya Sarma so much for the meticulous and, at the same time, exuberant celebration of my poetry in Muse India by way of his review wherein linguistic playfulness meets profound understanding turning it into a spectrum of seven colours. I’ve shared on FB the post my publisher has made to mark the publication of Atreya Sarma’s review. Debasish Lahiri, Kolkata debasish.lahiri@gmail.com Mar 10,2026
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MI 126 (Mar-Apr 2026): Gratitude to Atreya Sarma for his review of my ‘Selected Poems’
My career as a writer seems to come full circle. In 2013, Atreya Sarma accepted my first book, The Unheard I, for review. In 2026, he has come up with yet another commentary on my newest book—Selected Poems. It’s over an era that I’ve been connected with him. Today, I am at a loss for words; I don't know how to express my gratitude to Atreya Sarma for his continued support and unconditional love.
Kiriti Sengupta , Kolkata kiritisengupta@gmail.com Mar 10,2026
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MI 126 (Mar-Apr 2026): Atreya Sarma’s fascinating review of “Kiriti Sengupta's Selected Poems”
We thank Atreya Sarma U for his fascinating review of “Kiriti Sengupta's Selected Poems”. We genuinely appreciate Atreya Sarma’s time and effort.
Bitan Chakraborty , Kolkata hawakaal.pb@gmail.com Mar 10,2026
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Spl. Feature: Adivasi Poetry [Muse India Issue: 122 (Jul-Aug 2025)]
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to translate such fascinating poems on Adivasi culture, which is very rare to know in this chaotic and overloaded life of metros. The special feature on Adivasi Poetry (Issue: 122, July-August 2025) brings the rare culmination of tribal life and about-to-be-extinct tribal communities along with invoking insightful thinking on the climate crisis, climate change, and human responsibility in this over-advanced technological world where humans are losing humanity and turning themselves into humanoids.
I thank once again Dr. Patel and Muse India for accepting my translated poems. I wish to become a part of this community and want to contribute in my best possible manner with the hope that it will bring a positive change in the society and will enhance my quest for learning. Thank you.
Dr. Pinali Vadher, Baroda pinalivadher12@gmail.com Sep 24,2025
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Issue 122 (Jul-Aug 2025)
I was going through the Fiction section and found that only Albina Arjuman's story Come Tomorrow is opening. Clicking on the other stories just brings the same page back.
[Sorry for it, though a temporary hitch. Thereafter, you must have been able to open every page. — U Atreya Sarma, Chief Editor.] Radhakrishnan M, Kanyakumari rk.mekanakkil@gmail.com Sep 10,2025
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Spl. Feature on Adivasi Poetry (Issue: 122, Jul-Aug 2025):
A very good collection based on Aadivasi Voices framed in understandable language.
My gratitude for the Editorial of Adivasi Poetry (Muse India Issue 122, Jul-Aug 2025) as a special feature initiated by Dr. Kanji Patel, a renowned Gujarati poet, novelist, and editor. He has authored 5 poetry collections, 3 novellas, and 1 short story collection. He is a language and cultural activist who has created variegated forms, images, and narratives of the life of struggles faced by Adivasi, denotified, and nomadic. His recent work in this regard titled as "An Unanswered People: An Anthology of Adivasi Poetry of India going to be published in August 2025 by Setu Prakashan, Delhi is remarkable.
The editorial note in itself is a complete document reflecting the insightful collection of the poems in this Feature. His words unveil a cosmos where the leaf is holy, and the wind still remembers the names it once carried. This is not an editorial—it is an incantation against erasure, a testament inked in the blood of the dispossessed earth. Dr Kanji Patel! "You do not merely describe the Adivasi spirit—you embody it, letting it breathe through syllables unshackled by state tongues. What you have gifted is not a commentary but a mirror. A clarion cry echoes through your editorial. It is like a hymn to the silenced roots, still pulsing beneath the bulldozed soil.
Thanks for the valuable editorial note.
I am happy to see some of my favourite poets in this issue, like Prof. Bakula Choudhary, Streamlet D'Khar, Dr. Rekha Kharadi, and Snehlata Negi.
Thanks to Muse India for this special issue.
Dr. Anita Rathi , Jaipur , Rajasthan directorsperanzaenglish@gmail.com Sep 10,2025
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Feature: Adivasi Poetry (Issue 122: Jul-Aug 2025)
Congratulations to Dr Rekha Kharadi for her poem which is so good. Many thanks to Mr. Viraj Desai for its translation. Though I am well versed with Vagadi language, this translation has made it convenient to reach the masses. A very touching and sensitive poem written by Dr. Rekha Kharadi in which she has demonstrated the fire within her through a fantastic blend of words: "THERE IS NO TEMPLE IN THE JUNGLE " and it means a lot in context to Aadiwasi living. In this era of noises on religion when humanity has forgotten its outsprings and is busy in ruining the peace, harmony and individuality in the name of religions, temples, this poem by Dr. Rekha Kharadi unveils the real world religion.
I love the opening lines:
"There is no temple in the forest"
But there is a heart that talks to
The air, water, sky, fire and earth
Who are still under any tree
Wherever the mind stops
It becomes a place of worship Dr. Anita Rathi , Jaipur directorsperanzaenglish@gmail.com Sep 10,2025
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Spl. Feature on Adivasi Poetry (Issue: 122, Jul-Aug 2025): A rewarding experience
I am truly honoured to have this opportunity of showcasing the article Adivasi Poetry (Muse India Issue 122, Jul-Aug 2025) as a special feature. My sincere thanks to respected Gopika Jadeja, Dr. Kanji Patel, and Muse India team.
I extend my heartfelt thanks for publishing my translated article written in Hindi by Shri Hariram Meena as part of your special feature. It is truly an honour to see my work included in your esteemed journal, which continues to be a thoughtful and dynamic space for literary voices across borders.
Your careful editing and the beautifully presented layout elevated the piece, and I am deeply grateful for the time, attention, and support you dedicated to this publication. Being part of this issue has been a rewarding experience, both professionally and personally.
Thank you again for the opportunity and for championing translated works that help bring diverse perspectives to a wider audience. I look forward to reading future editions and staying connected with your inspiring work.
Saba Syed, Ahmedabad sms8182@gmail.com Jul 22,2025
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The Issue on Adivasi Poetry (Muse India Issue 122, Jul-Aug 2025)
The entire special feature (on Adivasi Poetry) is so rich and varied in its content. I wish it were available offline to be read properly. You (Prof Kanji Patel, Guest Editor of the feature) and the whole team deserve great accolades for helping bring out this.
(In a message to Prof Kanji Patel)
Oma Sharma , omasharma40@gmail.com Jul 22,2025
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Feedback on the review by Atreya Sarma U of Vritrahan by Ratul Chakraborty (MI, Issue 121: May-Jun 2025)
Vritrahan is a fascinating reimagination of the ancient tale of Indra and Vritra, brilliantly retold by Ratul Chakraborty. The reviewer’s assessment does a commendable job of bringing the reader closer to the core of the composition, highlighting not just the storyline but also the deeper philosophical and cultural undercurrents that define the work.
The review aptly notes the significance of cultural memory and oral traditions with the line, “we sang songs and we composed verses.” In this context, Chakraborty’s choice of writing Vritrahan entirely in free verse becomes a natural extension of this tradition, evoking the spirit of Katha and the age-old art of oral storytelling in a contemporary form.
By citing Brihaspati’s admission of his own failings and his candid critique of Indra’s moral descent, the reviewer effectively brings out how Vritrahan strikes a delicate balance between the grandeur and the intimate introspection of individual flaws. These examples not only illustrate the timelessness of the themes but also showcase Chakraborty’s nuanced exploration of power, morality, and consequence.
The inclusion of Purandara’s reflective monologue further reinforces the book’s central premise—that no one, not even the king of gods, is above accountability. In my opinion, the moral dilemmas surrounding power and the inevitable reckoning of one’s actions are themes that are more relevant today than ever before. Vritrahan succeeds in staying true to the essence of this ancient tale while infusing it with a fresh, modern sensibility that resonates with contemporary readers.
Finally, the review beautifully encapsulates the book’s overarching message by citing the invocation to Ma Saraswati, symbolizing the renewal of knowledge, wisdom, and compassion. This metaphorical “first dawn” sets the tone for the reflective journey Vritrahan invites its readers to undertake.
In summary, the review does justice to both the literary and philosophical dimensions of Vritrahan, offering a comprehensive and engaging perspective that would surely entice readers to explore the book themselves.
Shreyasi Verma Rodricks, Hyderabad rodricksshreyasi@yahoo.com Jun 04,2025
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An in-depth review of Vritrahan (Muse India, Issue 121: May-Jun 2025)
An in-depth and extensive review, so beautifully written, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of Vritrahan.
Surela Mukherjee, Kolkata mukherjeesurela@gmail.com May 19,2025
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Review of my poetry collection “My Conversations with God, Life, and Death” by Chief Editor Atreya Sarma (Issue 121: May-Jun 2025)
This is the first official review of my second book of poems, My Conversations with God, Life, and Death. I am greatly honoured that it has been reviewed by the Chief Editor of the much-revered journal Muse India, Atreya Sarma Uppaluri sir himself. Deepest gratitude for his kind appreciation and blessings.
Anju Kishore, Bengaluru anjukishoredubai@gmail.com May 12,2025
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Review by Atreya Sarma of “My Conversations with God, Life, and Death” by Anju Kishore (Issue 121: May-Jun 2025)
Most memorable are the poems in Anju Kishore’s “My Conversations with God, Life, and Death” and its review by Atreya Sarma. What lovely poetry! How beautifully has he brought them to our attention with such care and sensitivity. Anju Kishore’s poems are truly translucent, as Atreya Sarma and others have said, so insightfully! My congratulations to Atreya Sarma, who will please convey my compliments to Anju Kishore. I shall be reading the other reviews soon, including one more by Atreya Sarma.
Sachidananda Mohanty, Bhubaneswar sachimohanty@yahoo.co.in May 12,2025
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