Lecturing at the University of New Delhi

Meenakshi Bharat, Professor of Literature at the Sri Venkateswara College in the University of New Delhi, organised that I’d speak to a hall of Literature students. It was wonderful. The students were very interested in what and why I write. They are studying Australian Literature. Their questions and interest were very thoughtful and they were keen to read my books. I left a set in their library. Unfortunately, HarperCollins Australia don’t distribute to India.

The University of Delhi is filled with students in both Western and traditional Indian dress. It’s a modern university. It was hospitable when the principal invited  us to have morning tea with her in her sitting room. There is a great professional search for meaning in India, as well as the serious social issues that confront the country.

Sujata Rao, a Commonwealth short story prize winner and writer; and Sharon Rundle an academic, writer were at the lecture too. They are both involved in the anthology, ‘Fear Factor: Terror Incognito, published by Picador India. Of course, Meenakshi and I are also involved with ‘Fear Factor: Terror Incognito.’ Meenakshi is both a contributor and the co-editor.

I Love Goa, IASA Conference 2010

Snapshots of exotic Goa, Indian scholars and writers, an experience that I will always remember with special people. Yanthan may be a professor but he can sing like a star and laugh until we all laugh with him. Mridusmita from the state of Assam is studying for her Phd at the Indira Gandhi National Open University with Irene Phalung Awungashi. These beautiful girls will change India with their sense of social justice and they’re great dancers too.

Meenakshi and Sujata Rao who both presented at the IASA Conference, are coming to launch Fear Factor: Terror Incognito at The Hughenden in Sydney 21st March 2010. it’ll be brilliant

The Intellectual Life on the Indian Sub Continent

I’ve discussed philosophy, the state of the world, literature with professors and scholars from Delhi to Chennai to Calcutta to the exotic Northern States of India to Jaipur – and the discussions have been rich in thought and ideas.

This has been different to other conferences without awkward communications. There is a warmth and excitement about engagement of ideas here. The colourful saris, exotic foods and embracing of life were truly joyous.  I especially love the young scholars who are embracing Australian literature. What a privilege to share time with them – especially the enthusiastic joyous intellectually engaging Rembemo Odyou, the beautiful Mridusmita and Irene Phalung A Awungashi – young scholars who want to work towards social justice.

Professor Sareen and Professor Gopal who are the inspiration for this exchange of ideas at the IASA Conference  in Goa are visionary in their fostering of such a positive relationship between Australia and India.

Meenakshi Bharat and Sharon Rundle are also visionaries in their pursuit of publishing FEAR FACTOR TERROR INCOGNITO, an anthology that opens dialogue about terrorism and a way towards peace. What a great place to launch this anthology.

GOA,Indian-Australian Conference,Launching Fear Factor:Terror Incognito

Tropical gardens, coconut palms, beautiful saris, a balmy night and dancing under open skiies to open this conference of friendship, literature and Indian-Australian relations.

The anthology Fear Factor:Terror Incognito with stories by Sir Salman Rushdie,Tom Keaneally … me .. was launched at the IASA Conference in GOA.

The audience included many professors from universities throughout India, the Australian Assistant High Commissioner to India, Indira Gandhi National Open University and the eminent academics Professor Santosh Sareen and Professor D Gopal.

Sujata read from her story in the anthology and I read from Days of Thailand, my story in the anthology. Meenakshi Bharat and Sharon Rundle, the Indian and Australian editors receieved applause and accolades for their commitment to an anthology which opens discussion on terrorism in a real way and connects India and Australia in the commonality to a peaceful world.

Fear Factor Terror Incognito, the Australian edition will be launched by Picador at The Hughenden 21st March 2010

Indian Literary Soiree with Jaspreet Singh,Sujata Sankranti,Meenakshi Bharat,Sharon Rundle in Delhi

Delhi is noisy, with crazy driving and gardens dominated by Mogul Tombs and grand palaces. We’re staying at the Habitat Arts Centre near the beautiful Lodhi Gardens. We are in the middle of an Arts Centre with theatre, films, festivals, conferences and wonderful restaurants.

Professor of English, at Delhi University, Meenaskhi Bharat has welcomed us, We enjoyed readings of The Fear Factor: Terror Incognito,  in her home with writers including Jaspreet who was out from Canada.