VOLUME IV

ISSUE XXXVII

*****

FEBRUARY 2018

Time is timeless. We may be strong enough to stand against the storms of grave strength, standing against time is something that we cannot think of doing. A birth translates into a death – sooner or later. However, what remain behind are the deeds by us. Those deeds keep us alive in the memories of others. We still remember Shakespeare even after four centuries of his death! Yes, I am keeping my talk limited to the literary deeds because, for other works done by great people, there are specific history books to keep a record. For the literary deeds, we have verse and prose.

“Beauty is but a flower
Which wrinkles will devour;
Brightness falls from the air;
Queens have died young and fair;
Dust hath closed Helen’s eye.
I am sick, I must die.

Lord, have mercy on us!”

We remember Thomas Nashe because he composed these immortal lines. We remember T. S. Eliot because he composed The Waste Land. We remember Dickens because he has written many novels which won over the mighty, sweeping winds of time. And the list of great literary personalities may go on…

However, do we even realise that there were many others writing along with these immortal authors and poets? They are not well-known outside the literary and academic circles. An ordinary office-going man might have heard about Shakespeare but he would rarely be interested in John Lyly. Why? When we go deeper, we realise that Lyly’s oeuvre did not have that appeal and timelessness which could bear the scares of centuries and thus, faded with time. The message, friends, is loud and clear. Those who write should always remember that they are writing not only for their current audience but also for the audience to be born years after. Yes, that’s something which will only be taken care of by the people who are seriously indulged in serious literature. Not all of the writing population can be interested in such prudent and visionary agenda – they have their goals to achieve.

Other than the literary talks, the Ashvamegh Team wishes all the readers from India a very happy Holi! Let the colours colour us all towards a singular goal – humanity. Hope you enjoy the selections in different sections and keep contributing to the magazine as ever!

With love always,
A

Connect directly with Alok on
Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Personal Site

Easy Navigation for the Current Issue