India and South Africa in conversation

Poetry, performance, politics and publishing are among the topics for the fourth Words on Water literary festival bringing together SA and Indian writers.

The event, part of Shared History - The Indian Experience festival, takes place on September 25 at the Turbine Hall in Newtown. Entrance is free.

Readings, book signings, talks and discussions will provide an opportunity to interact with the writers.

The programme kicks off at 10am on Saturday September 25 with a lively panel on poetry and performance. It draws together one of India's most distinguished poets Arvind Krishna Mehrotra with Pitika Ntuli, the sculptor, academic and poet and Lebo Mashile, the brilliant performance poet.

Sunil Khilnani, one of the most influential commentators on India will be joined by academic Ivor Chipkin to discuss South Africa and India now. Khilnani's The Idea of India is one of the most influential introductions to contemporary India. It has been widely translated and has gone into several editions. Khilnani is currently Professor of South Asian Studies at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.

Full report here Artslink.co.za

Nominations open for Oxford professor of poetry poll

The nomination period for election to the prestigious post of Oxford Professor of Poetry opens on Thursday amidst speculation whether noted Indian poet Arvind Mehrotra would be one of the leading candidates.

In the election held in May 2009,  Mehrotra lost to Ruth Padel, who stood down before taking the appointment under controversial circumstances when her involvement in a campaign against one of the candidates during the election was revealed. Nominations close on May 5 and for the first time in the history of the post, those eligible to vote will be able to do so online.

The candidates need to be nominated by at least 12 members of the Convocation — all former Oxford University students who have graduated, as well as current and retired members of Congregation (the University’s ‘parliament’).

Full report here Hindu