Sir - In his illustrious career spanning about seven decades, M.T. Vasudevan Nair authored nine novels and 19 collections of short stories; he also directed six films and wrote over 50 screenplays. Nair’s literary excellence earned him most of the prestigious awards in the country, including the Padma Bhushan in 2005. He also received seven National Film Awards.

Year 2024 has been an extraordinary time for the world of Indian Cinema, classical musical world and Literature, when India bid farewell to some prominent figures like iconic Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Khan, Gazal Singer Pankaj Udhas, Ustad Rahid khan, Prabha Atre famous Indian classical music singer, Sharda Sinha famous Indian folk and classical singer and acclaimed Urdu Poet Munawar Rana, most iconic and influential filmmaker of Indian Cinema Shyam Benegal and now renowned Malayalam writer and jnanpith ward laureate M.T Vasudevan Nair has left us.

Legendary writer M.T Vasudevan Nair, popularly known as MT, is regarded as one of the most successful and renowned Malayalam writers of novels and screenplays who wrote several essays, short stories, travelogues and even directed films and several of his novels focused on the traditional family structure and culture of Kerala, and being ground-breaking in the history of Malayalam literature.

In his illustrative career spanning about seven decades, he authored nine novels, 19 collections of short storeys, directe six films and wrote over 50 screen plays.

His first novel Naalukett (The Ancestral house) which he wrote at the age of 23 years, considered the most classic work of Malayalam literature, this won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958, that solidified his place as a literary icon of Malayalam literature he also made a notable contribution towards Malayalam cinema as a screenwriter and director his films "Oru Vadakkan" Veeragatha and Kadavu are regarded the masterpieces.

M.T Vasudevan's literary excellence earned him most of the prestigious awards in the country including the Padma Bhushan in 2005, the country's third-highest civilian honour, coveted the Jnanpith Award in 1995, India' highest literary honour a well as several other accolades including Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, he also received coveted seven National Film Awards, four of for his ‘Best Screenplay’ between the years 1989 and 1994.

M.T Vasuevan Nair will be remembered as one of the masters of post-Independence Indian literaturehe specially Malayalam. who leaves behind an indelible mark in the field of literature and films, when such great people departs literary world is definitely poorer, leaving behind a rich legacy that will continue to engage aficionados of good literature. his death is a great loss for the literary world and which will be hard to fill in years to come.

RIP M.T Vasudevan Nair

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir, The Demise of Babasaheb (Balwant) Moreshwar Purandare, popularly known as Babasaheb Purandare, is an immense loss to the world of culture in the country and in particular to Maharashtra. He was a versatile personality, a great historian, eminent writer, theatre personality.

He had meticulously tracked the history of the Maratha Empire, he visited the hundreds of forts Shivaji Maharaj had conquered and reached to each and every place where Shivalj Maharaj had gone,he had preserved everything he got from these places for the prosperity of the future generation. In his life he had fully immersed with the life of Shivaji Maharaj till the end, thus very few historian could match is dedication.

Babaaheb Purandare's most popular two-part, 900-page magnum opus on Shivaji Maharaj in Marathi, which was first published in the 1950s, is a staple in most Marathi households in Maharashtra and beyond.

Many eminent personalities paid their tribute to Babasaheb Purandare including Prime Minister Narendra Modi Maharashtra Chief Minister Udhav

Noted Historian Babasaheb Purandare several awards for his exceptional contribution for his work on Shivaji Maharaj those include, PADAM VIBHUSHAN, the India's second-highest civilian award in 2019, Maharashtra Bhushan Award, Maharashtra's highest civilian award in 2015.

His demise has left a hard to fill void in the cultural, literary and Artistic Heritage of the nation and in particular Maharashtra

(ii) Babasaheb Purandare "Noted historian and writer on Shivaji Maharaj.

Sir, The Demise of Babasaheb (Balwant) Moreshwar Purandare, popularly known as Babasaheb Purandare, is an immense loss to the world of culture in the country and in particular to Maharashtra. He was a versatile personality, a great historian, eminent writer, theatre personality and Padma Bhushan Awardee, he had a beard and white hair which just complicated his personality that of a Historian figure.

He was considered one of the pre-eminent authorities on 17th Century Maratha warrior King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, widely known by his moniker 'Shiv Shahir' (literally Shivaji's bard), he had meticulously tracked the history of the Maratha Empire, he visited the hundreds of forts Shivaji Maharaj had conquered and reached to each and every place where Shivalj Maharaj had gone, he had preserved everything he got from these places for the prosperity of the future generation. In his life he had fully immersed with the life of Shivaji Maharaj till the end, thus very few historian could match is dedication and work.

In over seven decades of his distinguished writing and theatre career, he had written several books, produced epic Plays "Jaanta Raja" and had delivered thousands of lectures on the life of Maratha warriors in Maharashtra and beyond, making him an authority on the subject.

However he is best known for his popular play, "Jaanta Raja" a mega play on the life of Shivaji Maharaj, which he had also conceived and directed this theatrical history extravaganza. whenever this show was performed on stage, young and old will throng in large number and hall tickets will be booked in advance.

Babaaheb Purandare's most popular two-part, 900-page magnum opus on Shivaji Maharaj in Marathi, which was first published in the 1950s, is a staple in most Marathi households in Maharashtra and beyond where large Marathi population is there, since then, it has gone through numerous reprints over the last seven decades. thus he kept chatrapati Maharaj alive in our minds and hearts through his inspiration writings.

Many eminent personalities paid their tribute to Babasaheb Purandare including Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, he had a rich knowledge of History, his demise leaves a major void in the world of History and Culture, Maharashtra Chief Minister Udhav Thakre said his demise will leave an unfillable void in Maharashtra 'cultural,literary and Artistic heritage.

Noted Historian Babasaheb Purandare was recipient of several awards for his exceptional contribution for his work on Shivaji Maharaj those include, Padma Vibhushan, the India's second-highest civilian award in 2019, Maharashtra Government awarded also honoured him with he was awarded the Maharashtra Bhushan Award, Maharashtra's highest civilian award in 2015, award and Kalidas Samman prestigious arts award (2007-08) by the government of Madhya Pradesh.

His legacy is, his numerous literary works and epic play ‘Jaanta Raja’ in which he took the illustrative life of maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji to every household in Maharashtra and beyond, thus ensured that history didn't get disconnected with future, His work will continue to inspire generations to come, kept chatrapati mharajalive in our minds and hearts through his inspiration writings and His demise has left an unfillable void in the cultural, literary and Artistic Heritage of the nation and in particular Maharashtra which ends a prominent chapter of Indian history.

RIP, Babasaheb Purandare

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

The death of eminent Urdu poet and lyricist Rahat Indori is an irreparable loss to contemporary literature and society at large.

He was a scholar of repute and will be remembered for both his romantic verses and protest poetry. He became famous as a mushaira star, who had taken part in numerous soirees in India and abroad, especially in countries where there is a large expatriate population of Urdu-speaking Indians and Pakistanis.

People used to flock in huge numbers to attend his mushairas and kavi sammelans. He mesmerised his audience with his unique style of rendering nazms and kept them spell bound.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Recently India has lost some towering stalwart from world of Indian classical music and literature would like Ustad Rashid Khan Dr Prabha Atre the surviving towering figure of Hindustani vocal music and now another legendary Urdu poet Munawar Rana has departed, he was a renowned figure in the Urdu poetry, admired by people across the globe.

The demise of the country's renowned Urdu poet Munawar Rana is extremely heartbreaking and it marks the end of an era in the world of Urdu Poetry, with his death a great void has been created in cultural, literature scene not only in India but in GCC countries where large number of Urdu speaking people live, which will be difficult to fill. He was an eminent literary figure who was admired across the globe for his significant contributions towards to Urdu Literature, poetry especially towards Ghazals.

While most of his contemporary Urdu poets would recite love, loneliness based poetries and Gazals but Munawar Rana will recite couplets dedicated to the mother, Rana's poem titled "Maa" is considered one of the most famous works, he has got a special recognition for his poems written on mothers, in these poems every line in poetry mother will be there.

His poem Maa is considered one of his most famous poems which has especial place in the world of Urdu Literature, he he will start with mother and end with her but his lines describing his mother used to bring tears to the eyes of the people.

Munawwar published several ghazals with a distinct style of writing. Most of his shers (couplets) have "mother" as the center point of his love, few of his famous poetries i quote.

Kisi ko Ghar mila Hisse mein, ya kisi ko dukan milil, main ghar mein sabse Chota that Ghar mein, mere hisse mein Maa aayi (In family someone got Home in share, other got shop, but as i was the youngest in the family i got Mother in my share),

Iss tarah Maa mere Gunahon ko vo dho deti hai, Maa jab bahut Gusse mein hoti hai to wo ro deti hai (In this manner Maa washes away my sins, when mother is angry she weeps).

Jab meri kishti sailab mein aa jati jati hai to ma dua karti hai Khwab mein meri Kishti Par jho Jati hai (when my boat is stuck in floods, my mother bleseess me, boat crosses safey),

Ye Ma ka ek aisa Karz hai jo main kabhi bhi ada nahi kar sakta, Jab tak main ghar nahi vapas atta, who sajde mein hi rahati hai (One can never repay the mothers debt, what they do for us, she will remain in prostration (Prayers) until i return home)

Mitti ka badan kar diya mitti ke havale, mitti ko Tajmahal mein Nahi Rakha (I entrusted my body to the soil, I did't keep the soil in Taj Mahal). Munwar Rana was one of those greatest poet of Urdu, who was widely recognized for his immense contributions to Urdu literature and poetry, particularly for his Ghazals, His poetic style was notable for its accessibility, he will often incorporate Hindi and Awadhi words in his poetry instead of tough Persian and Arabic words, this made his poetry accessible to Indians audience, which underlined his popularity at poetry Mushairas (Gatheriings), when they will be held in non-Urdu regions, which resonated with Indian audiences, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of literature, He has left behind an enviable legacy and treasure trove of melliferous renditions.

Legendary Poet Munawwar Rana was one of those fortunate literary artists, who reached their zenith of his fame and popularity in their lives, as most of the artists are remembered and bestowed honours after their death, he was also awarded several honours and citations of the literary world including Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for his poem Shahabad, other awards he was given are, Mir Taki Mir award, Gahib Prize, Dr zakir Husain award and Saraswati Samaja award.

Though Munawar Rana may have left his physical realm, but his literary work in form of his poems and Gazals will be immortal and will remain etched in the hearts of those who found solace and inspiration in the eloquence of his ghazals.

His demise has left a void in the world of literature that can never be filled.

RIP Munawar Rana

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

In the demise of Shamsur Rahman Faruqi, the curtain has come down on an era of Urdu poetry. He was a respected Urdu poet and literary critic. A recipient of many awards, his contribution to literature in that language was unmatched.

His death leaves a void in the field of literature.

(2) Towering Urdu Poet "Shamsur Rahman Faruqi"

Sir, In a year riddled with tragic news, another accomplished Urdu poet and critic Shamsur Rahman Faruqi. has passed away, with his death the curtain has come down on the era of Urdu Poetry.

He was among the most respected Urdu Poet, writer and literary critics, whose work ranged from literary history and criticism to poetry and friction, who was also credited to have superheading the revival of "Dastangoi"-an 16th Century Urdu oral storytelling art form,

There is a long list of literary and cultural roles that Faruqi saheb performed exquisitely alongside his job with the Indian postal services till he retired in 1994 and thereafter. he was among the most eminent Scholar, Translator and authors in the world of contemporary Indian literature, who ad tirelessly and single handedly handled his magazine SHABKHOON for four decades. (1966-2020) which gave new direction to to modern poetry.

Legendary Poet Shamsur Rahman Faruqi was one of those fortunate literary artists, who reached their zenith of his fame and popularity in their lives, as most of the artists are remembered and bestowed honours after their death, he was awarded all the national and international honours and citations of the literary world.

He was recipient of the Padma Shri Awardee (2009), Saraswati Samman in 1996 for his work ‘She’r-e Shor-Angez’, a four-volume study of the eighteenth-century poet Mir Taqi Mir and India's second highest literary honour "Sahitya Akademi Award" in 1986, UP Urdu Academy Award three times (1972, 1974 and 1978) among many others awards and citations, his work traversed cross languages and genre.

In his five decades-long literary career's one of his well known works among others he wrote are, Ghalib Afsaney ki Himayat mein (1989) "Early Urdu Literary Culture and history (2001)", Urdu ka Arambhik Yug (2007) and the Mirror of Beauty (2013)

Padma Shri awardee (2009) Faruqi saheb commanded immense reverence and acclaim equally among the connoisseurs of Urdu and English poetry and prose in India. his contribution to the Urdu Literature was unmatched,

Faruqi Saheb's death has left us bereaved the entire generation of literature lovers in this continent to mourn this loss,

RIP Faruqi Saheb.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir, With the passing away of Nobel laureate V S Naipaul, at the age of 85, the world has lost an eminent literary figure. Naipaul was a giant in all that he achieved with his writings.

The author, in his extraordinary career spanning over five decades, wrote more than 30 novels, won the Booker in 1971 for his novel In a Free State and the Noble Prize for literature in 2001. His works range from short stories, novels to travel writing.

When Naipaul won the coveted Nobel for literature, the Swedish Academy in its citation said, “This award is bestowed to him for uniting existing genres into a style of his own in works that compel the readers ‘to see the presence of suppressed histories’”.

Ramesh G Jethwani, Bengaluru


(2) Naipaul A life full of creativity and writings, Khaleej times (press Reader),
     13th Aug, 2018. L.E.

Noble laureate V S Naipaul was an eminent figure in the world of literature and his death has left an great void in literary world.

Naipaul was giant in what he achieved through his work, his precious and lyrical writings in novels such as A bend in river and House for Mr.Biswas made him one of the most admired and contentious writer.

The eminent writer in his extraordinary career spanning over five decades had written more than 30 books and won Booker award (in a free state) and also Noble prize writing covered wide spectrum ranging from short stories, novels to travel writing.

Naipaul won the coveted Noble prize for Literature in 2001, and the Swedish Noble academy encapsulated his life's work succinctly in its citation. it is said award was bestowed to him for having united perceptive narrative and incorruptible scrutiny in works that compel us to see the presence of suppress histories.

He will be remembered as one of the most important writers in English language of the contemporary history of the 20th century and 21st century, His death is a great loss for the literary world and will be hard to fill in years to come.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Refer to ‘Hindi poetry doyen Neeraj passes away’ (July 20); the poet’s unique style had connected him with people from all walks of life, across generations. His works are unforgettable gems, which will live on and inspire people.

The poet-lyricst had enthralled Hindi cinema fans with some of his well-known songs in films like Prem Pujari and Cha Cha Cha, He had infused new life in song writing, especially in the sixties, and carved a niche for himself.

He was bestowed with Padma Shri in 1991 and Padma Bhushan in 2007 for his contribution to the literary world. His death marks the end of an era.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir — With the passing away of eminent author and essayist, Krishna Sobti, the Indian literary world has lost an eminent figure whose contribution to the world of literature was unmatched. Sobti was a giant in all that she achieved with her writings.

She was one among the foremost voices in Indian literature who was known for writing on issues such as female identity and sexuality.

Her legendary writings include Mitro Marajani, Zindaginama and Surajmukhi Andhere Ke.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Dear Sir, The Era in the history of English literature ends with pasing away of the American literary giant, Philip Roth, who was widely regarded as one of the most formidable figures in America's post war literature throughout the second of 20th century, Regretfully one of the greatest Novelist, had missed out on Noble prize, indeed a recognition he richly deserved.he was one of the most decorated writer of his generations having won the Pulitzer Prize, The Man Booker International Prize, the Faulkner award and National book awards.

His greatest honour must be that he had a generations of readers, in an age without Television and social media, Philip Roth's highest honour was that he attracted generations of readers.

His Literary career spanned for five decades, he wrote more than 30 books, and chronicled the best and worst of America, his work include the 1991 memoirs, Patrimony which examined his complex relations with his father, he won the National Book critics Circle award.

He will be best remembered as one of the most celebrated authors of his generation, his death is a great loss for the literary world and will be hard to fill for years to come,

-Ramesh G Jethwani, Bangalore (India)


(2) Great loss
The Telegraph, 29th May 2018, L.E.

Sir - It was saddening to read about the death of the American literary giant, Philip Roth. He was widely considered one of the most formidable figures in post-war American literature. He deserved the Nobel Prize, although he never got it. He did win a number of other prestigious honours, though, such as the Pulitzer, the Man Booker, the Faulkner and the National Book awards. He wrote more than 30 books in which he chronicled the best and worst of the United States of America.

Roth will be remembered as one of the most celebrated authors of his generation. His death is a great loss for the literary world.

-Ramesh G Jethwani, Bangalore (India)


(3) Legendary writer (Philip Roth),
The Pioneer, 25th May 2018, L.E.

Siir--The death of American literary giant, Philip Roth, the most prolific American novelist who was considered as one of the most formidable figures in modern American post-war literature, has saddened one and all.

Though the Nobel Prize eluded him, he rightly deserved it. Nevertheless, he had almost every major literary prize, like the Pulitzer Prize, Man Booker International prize, Faulkner awards and the National Book awards to his name for his contributions to English literature.

Philip Roth was among the last of major galaxy of writers who were raised without television, social media and who believed in engaging readers through their work. He will be best remembered as one of the most celebrated authors of his generation.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir - An era in music has come to an end with the death of the Canadian musician, Leonard Cohen. Disappointed by the lack of success as a writer, he pursued a career in music. He achieved fame as one of the foremost songwriters of the 20th century.

He will be remembered for his self-deprecating humour, which made his songs endearing.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

May 11 marked the birth centenary of Saadat Hassan Manto, a popular short stories writer, most of them just a few sentences long. His stories were thought-provoking and in just a few sentences he could pack a punch. He wrote his most impactful stories during the time of India-Pakistan partition. They were about the killings of innocent civilians in the aftermath of the. Partition. He may have died more than half a century ago, but his stories continue to have relevance even today.

He passed away at the age of 42, but even in his short literary career, he produced monumental work, which will always be remembered with awe and admiration.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Dear Sir, The death of renowned Bengali writer and social activist Mahasweta Devi at the age of 90 marks the end of an era in India’s literary world. She leaves behind a formidable literary legacy. She campaigned tirelessly for empowerment of the tribal people in India. Her death is a great loss for the literary world that will be hard to fill for years to come.

She will be remembered as one of the greatest Indian women writers of our times and also one of the most decorated writers of India. She won Sahitya Academi (1979), Jnanpith (1996) awards for literary excellence. She was also the recipient of Padma Shri (1986), Ramon Magsaysay (1997) and Padma Vibhushan (2006) awards.

She used literature as a means of social change and voice of oppressed. “The reason and inspiration for my writing”, she once said, “are those people who are exploited and used, and yet do not accept defeat”.

In recent years, she raised her voice against forcible land acquisition in Singur and Nandigram. “My India”, she once said, “still lives behind a curtain of darkness”.

Over the years, several of her novels have been turned into films. Award-winning films Hazar Chaurasi ki Ma and Rudali were based on her novels.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

This refers to the editorial, “Voice of the rebellion” (July 30). Eminent litterateur and social activist Mahasweta Devi has left behind a formidable literary legacy that focused on the lives of the marginalised community.

She was a towering personality and an excellent writer. She will be remembered as one of the greatest Indian women writers of our times. Mahasweta Devi used literature as a means to bring social change. She will be remembered as an out standing writer of her time and one of the foremost voice among her contemporaries.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

India has recently lost many stalwart from world of performing arts, Indian classical music, ghazals, acting creative class arts and literature, like BhuPen. Hazarika, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Jagjit Singh, Shammi Kapoor, MF Husain and Shrilal Shukla of Rag Darbari fame. Now Indira Goswami has left a great void which will be difficult to fill, not only in literary world of Assam but in the entire country.

In the arena of Modern Indian literature, Goswami was an outstanding writer of her time and one of the foremost voices among her contemporaries.

She attempted to use literature as a means of social change and took the initiative to bring the banned militant outfit ULFA to the negotiating table in order to start a political dialogue with the government.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir — A memorable era in the history of Indian comics has come to an end with the death of Pran Kumar Sharma, the creator of Chacha Chaudhary “Brain the death of Pran Kumar Sharma, the creator of Chacha Chaudhary (“Brain behind Chacha dies”, Aug 7). Sharma, who had been suffering from colon cancer for a while, had created several well-loved characters apart from the witty old man, Chacha Chaudhary, and his Man Friday, Sabu. People will remember the inimitable Chacha, whose “brain was faster than a computer”, for years to come. The humour in the comic strip made it unique.
Pran began his career in 1960 as a cartoonist for a Delhi-based newspaper; his career spanned almost five decades. When Sharma started out, the Indian comics scene was flooded with reprints of foreign titles. Very few Indian artists sketched cartoons.Sharma created characters that people could easily relate to. The series of cartoons about Shrimatiji, Pinki, Billoo and Channi Chachi were regularly published; these characters became household names. Billoo was seen as the boy next door, and Chacha resembled the man one would bump into on the streets. Pran received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indian Institute of Cartoonists in 2001. In 2014, the World Encyclopedia of Comics dubbed him the “Walt Disney of India”.
Artists like Pran will be always be remembered for making readers smile. The popularity of cartoons is waning; something must be done to arrest this decline.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir, Mr Ebrahim Al Kazi who passed away yesterday was the Doyen of Indian arts and Drama ,he was a multi talented person of the era, A Doyen of Indian Theatre, pinter, curator and archivist who possessed not only true knowledge of all aspects of art but he was primary legendary teacher, who had mentored and inspired generation of artists who went on to make name for themselves like Naseeruddin shah, Om Shivpuri, Om Puri, Rohini Hathgandhi, Jaydev, Suhas Joshi, Pankaj kapoor and Surekha Sikari.

He possessed all aspects of art,who also produced some of the most notable Indian plays as produced "Tughlaq" (Girish karnad) Andha Yug( Dharamvir Bharati)

He had the privilege to be the longest serving director of the prestigious director of the National School of Drama (NSD).

He was born in India, from a wealthy Gulf trader based in India.

Ebrahim Al Kazi bestowed with several prestigious awards for his lifetime achievements country's 3rd highest civilian honour Padma ViBhushan (2010), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1962) and Sangeet Natak Akademi fellowship for lifetime for his contribution to the theatre.

He was a true architect of Modern Indian theater and Maestro, His death marks the end of an era.

RIP :Ebrahim Al Kazi.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

With The demise of noted Urdu poet Akhlaq Mohammad khan, aka shahryar Khan, The world of ghazals has lost an eminent literary figure who was often called Ghalib of our times.He was acclaimed academician, who retired as chairman of Aligarh Muslim university's urdu department.

He was awarded the sahitya kala award in Urdu for his celebrated work Khwab Ka dar band hai. He was honoured with India's literary award Jnanpith Award 2008. He was only the fourth urdu Poet in country to be honoured with this prestigious award.

His gazals were popular not only in India but also in Pakistan and in gulf countries. One could see a common man like taxi driver, playing his famous gazals like Seene mein jalan, aankho mein toofan sa kyun hai, which articulates a sense of wonder and loss of migrants in big cities. he became a house hold name with his lyric in Bollywood, Umrao jaan (1981), starring Rekha which caught imagination of cine goers, is a case in point.

His death marks end of an Era in Urdu poetry. The void will be difficult to fill.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Just a few days back we lost the iconic Nigerian novelist, Chinua Achebe. Now, the death of Ruth Prawer Jhabvala comes as a further shock to the world of literature. She was the only person from the literary community to win both the Oscar and the Booker awards for her excellent writing.

She was already well-established as an author when she began her screenwriting career with producer Ismail Merchant and director James Ivory. Her 1975 novel, Heat and Dust, received the Man Booker Prize, Britain's highest literary honour. Her screenplay for the Merchant Ivory production, Howards End and A Room With A View, earned her two Oscars.

Married to an Indian Parsi architect, Cyrus H Jhabvala, she had strong roots in India; she had lived in New Delhi for 25 years. A brilliant storyteller, she leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue to engage aficionados of good literature. Moreover, her effortless and dignified technique of writing will be missed by readers of all ages, in an era where brashness is considered ‘modern literature’.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir, The passing away of renowned writer Poornachandra Tejaswi brings to an end a remarkable life and will create a great void in Kannada literature. Tejaswi was a multifaceted personality, eminent thinker, fully committed to his ideology

He was against division in society based on caste and creed,He was also an keen environmentalist.

Governor of karnataka T.N.Chaturvedi rightly said,that despite being son of an illustrative father Kuvempu, he chose to maintain his individuality and carved a niche for himself through his efforts.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir — With the demise of renowned Hindi poet, Kunwar Narayan, the world of poetry has lost an eminent literary figure. He was among the last of the Doyen of Hindi literature. In paying tribute to the last of legendary, the Sahitya Akademi rightly called him the "most distuingshed Hindi poet and scholar who set a new trend for creative and decorative poetry through a number of immortal poems which vividly represent creative and amalgamation of the past and the present with lofty philosophies and beautiful poetic legacies".

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

With the passing away of iconic American novelist Gore Vidal, it marks the end of an era in the literary world.

Along with contemporary writers in America, he was a towering personality and giant among novelists like Truman Capote and Norman Mailer. In fact it will be more appropriate to say that he was the last of celebrity figures in the literary world of America.

Gore Vidal was a novelist par-excellence, and a multi-disciplinary personality. An acclaimed novelist, he was also playwright, screenwriter, essayist and commentator. He always remained a critic of American establishment and its militarism, especially in Vietnam and Iraq.

He will always be remembered as an independent thinker who spoke his mind like Mark Twain and H L Mencken.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir - The death of Kunwar Narayan is sad news for the readers of Hindi literature. In its tribute to him, the Sahitya Akademi has rightly called Narayan the "most distinguished" Hindi poet and scholar. His works cover a wide range, from short stories to novels and plays. These have also been translated into numerous regional and foreign languages. During his lifetime, Narayan had received many awards, notable among which are the Jnanpith and the Padma Bhushan.

His demise has left a void in the world of Hindi literature that can never be filled.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

The death of legendary American playwright Edward Albee, at the age of 88, marks the end of an era. His most enduring and deeply analytic work was, "Who is afraid of Virginia Woolf", which is widely regarded as a masterpiece of 20th century American theater and was highly acclaimed.

Albee had a very troubled childhood and was ultimately adopted by a childless couple and there on, he went to become top playwright of his time. A three-time Pulitzer prize winner for his immense contribution to the world of theater, literature and American culture, he was also named the winner of the 2013 Chicago Tribune Literary prize.

Albee will be remembered as an outstanding playwright and one of the foremost among his contemporaries.
His death is a great loss for the world of playwrights.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

With the passing away of iconic American novelist Gore Vidal, an era in the literary world has ended. He was a towering personality and maybe the last of celebrities in America's literary world. Gore Vidal was a novelist par excellence, multi-faceted personality and an acclaimed novelist. In a career spanning six decades, he wrote 25 novels, essays, screenplays and TV dramas and was acclaimed for his novels like Burr, Lincoln, and Julion.

In the history of the US, he will be admired as an independent thinker critical of US military policies, who always spoke his mild.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

The passing away of iconic American novelist Gore Vidal marks the end of an era in the literary world. Vidal was a towering personality and a giant among a generation of American novelists that include Truman Capote and Norman Mailer. Besides being a novelist par excellence, Vidal was also a playwright, screenwriter, essayist, politician and commentator. In a career spanning six decades, he wrote 25 novels, essays, screenplays and TV dramas. He was acclaimed for his historical novels like 'Burr', `Lincoln' and 'Julian'. Though born at the United Military Academy, he always remained critical of the American establishment and its militarism, especially in Vietnam and Iraq.

He will always remain an admired thinker in American history who always spoke his mind like Mark Twain and HL Mencken.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Iconic Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe, who passed away recently, was a an internationally celebrated Nigerian author, statesman and dissident. He will always be remembered as a pioneer of modern African Literature and one of the best novelists of the continent.

He was a founding father of African fiction; his novels chronicled Nigerian history since beginning of country’s British colonial rule. He was a writer par excellence who has left a powerful and indelible impression all over the world, especially on the African and African Diaspora.

The five novels and the short stories he published between 1958 and 1987 provide a chronicle of Nigeria’s troubled history since the beginning of British colonial rule. His novel Things fall apart which dealt with impact of colonialism has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 50 languages of world.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

SIR, With the passing of Nadine Gordimer, who was South Africa’s first recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, the genre of novels and short stories has suffered an irreparable loss. She had exposed the degrading apartheid to her readers across the world. During her literary career that spanned seven decades, she had chronicled the horrors of the racist regime ~ from the enforced poverty and isolation of blacks to other forms of cruelty, perpetrated by the whites. She had written 15 novels which were published in 40 languages. Her books focused on the tensions the apartheid government had created between lovers, neighbours, employers and their employees.

The regime, which institutionalized racial discrimination, had banned three of her books. Nadine Gordimer had always insisted that she held no political loyalties. Hers’ was one of the literary world’s most powerful voices against apartheid, a fearless champion of human rights.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

This refers to ‘Things fall apart in Literature, Achebe is dead’ (March 23). The iconic Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe who passed away yesterday was a an internationally celebrated author, statesman and dissident and will always be remembered as a titan in African literature. His novels chronicled Nigerian history since the beginning of the country’s British colonial rule. He published five novels and short stories between 1958 and 1987 and was a writer par excellence who left a powerful and indelible impression on people all over the world.

Among the tributes he may have valued most was of that of revered African icon Nelson Mandela’s Mandela who wrote, “There was a writer named Chinua Achebe in whose company the prison walls fell down.”

His death is a great loss for the world of literature.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir, Demise of well known writer and poetess Kamala das alias Madhavikutty alias Kamala Suraiya leaves behind a great void not only in Malayalam literature as well (Kamala no more june 1), Prime Minister Dr Manmohan singh has rightly said that Kamala Suraiya was an eminent poetess who focussed on feminism and will be most remembered for her short Malayalam Poems ,A rebellious writer for her daring writings, she got international recognition for her autobiography My Storey,

May her soul rest in peace.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

World of literature has suffered irreparable loss with the passing away of renowned Malayalam litterateur and acclaimed orator Sukumar Azhikode. He was a multi faceted personality, a versatile writer and an epitome of literary excellence. Sukumar Azhikode always connected with the masses with his inspiring public speeches. With his death a great void has been created in cultural, literature and political scene not only in Kerala but also in other parts of the nation which will be difficult to fill.

His most famous work was book "Tatvamasi" was highly acclaimed and is a presentation of Indian philosophy on Vedas and Upanishads. He won 12 awards including Sahitya Academy Award, Kerala Academy Award, Vayalar Award and Rajaji Award for the book.

Sir, Passing away of Late Gazi Al Gazoibi has left a great void not only in Saudi Arabia, Arab world but in entire Litterateury world. He was a Multi faceted personality, a prominent and outstanding Saudi oficial who served his country with great distinction and held very prominent positions and had honour of having served Saudi Arabia as cabinet Minister with several portfolios in Saudi cabinet, Ambassadorial assignments with great dedication and other important positions in saudi Establishment.

No description of late Gazi Al Gazoibi life will be complete without mentioning his valuable contribution on Litteraray world of him as he played Notable role in improving Literacy activities in Arab world.

He was Poet and writer par excellence, all his writing carried eloquent style reflecting indepth involvement on entire Arab world. He wrote several books which were read with great Interest but he will be best remembered for his path breaking Novell.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Congratulations to the t Slumdog Millionaire (Drained Oscars for India, Feb.24). The Indian film industry achieved a milestone with the film's success at the Oscars and showed that it is on par with the best in the world. Slumdog Millionaire depicts the real India - with its slums and poverty - but is also a heartening story of hope. Its pacy narrative is compelling and its score is even better. A.R. Rahman, Gulzar and Resul Pookutty have made India proud. While one hopes that the Oscar recognition will inspire the Indian film industry and many more honours follow, Slumdog could also help create awareness of the need to alleviate poverty and human exploitation.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir, Congratulations to the team of Slumdog Millionaire for winning the prestigious a Oscar award. The film has truthfully portrayed the real India which lives in slums.

Hopefully the win will make our politicians do something about the apalling poverty in India.

A R Rahman has made India proud winning two Oscars. Hopefully many more Oscars will follow.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir, One is saddened to hear the passing away of Fahmida Riaz, one of the foremost South Asian feminist writer. She was a multifaceted personality. a writer of eminence, poet and a noted translator, known as voice of societal changes.
She was a pioneer of feminist literature and was extremely courageous woman who took on the illegality rule of Gen Zia in Pakistan, her death is a great loss to the literary world.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir, Noted writer Sadia Dehlvi who passed away in Delhi yesterday, was a woman of many hats - an author, activist, journalist, script writer, and food connoisseur and above all a great host, who also used to write columns for newspapers papers. who was a strong believer of Sufism, who was a devotee of the famous Chishti order of Sufism, Sadia was always at peace at the dargahs of Ajmer Sharif and Nizamuddin Auliya Delhi.

She was a cultural figure of Delhi and a wonderful human being, an original Delhite, who hailed from the famous Shamma family, whose association with Delhi went back to centuries, In trues sence she represented old world of Delhi "Adab and Tahzeeb", who tirelessly worked for preserving the culture and heritage of Delhi.

Her grandfather Younus Dehlvi founded the Iconic Urdu and literary magazine in 1938. She shared a strong bond with the famous/celebrated Indian Author and journalist Khauswnat Singh.

With the demise of Sadia Dehlvi, An Era has ended of graciousness and charm.

Rest in Peace Sadia (RIP)

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.