Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by K.S. Swati
The writer who defies genres
(This story is part of The Hindu on Books newsletter that comes to you with book reviews, reading recommendations, interviews with authors and more. Subscribe here.) Dear reader, The Canadian poet, essayist, and dramatist Anne Carson was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature last week, for sending words afloat through genres, including mythology and tragedy, across history and geography, experimenting through prose and poetry.
Jeffrey Archer and the art of turning trouble into stories
My father, who died at the age of 90 last month, enjoyed reading the British author and former politician Jeffrey Archer’s novels. Ever since he bought the first one, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less (1976) at an airport bookstore in the late 1970s, he became a fan. In the later years of his life, when he found it difficult to focus on serious texts, I often saw my father rereading Archer’s novels — though he did not care for the prison memoirs.
Siennor Trio’s Ninaivu Maaligai honours the past and looks to move on
My journey with Siennor’s music started by singing Innum Enna (single released in 2021) to a date. The song still flashes memories of a good night, a promise of a beautiful future. Like this romance that once was, Siennor Trio’s latest album Ninaivu Maaligai (Castle of Memories) looks to respect the past and explores the idea of moving on.
Homo Faber Biennale 2026: 29 Indian artisans showcase craft in Venice
An international showcase of contemporary craftsmanship, the fourth edition of the Homo Faber Biennale will be held in Venice from September 1 to 30. Curated by Michelangelo Foundation, this year’s edition is themed ‘An Island of Light’ and led by Artistic Director Es Devlin.
On India’s rainbow trail | Queer-focused walks are finding an audience in the country
A few years ago, Nitika Arora, a storyteller and queer ally, hosted a baithak (gathering) in Delhi’s Mehrauli Archaeological Park to discuss LGBTQIA+ history in India. Midway through the event, she was taken aback when a woman in her 50s said, “Every time I look at queer people, I feel repulsed.” The strong emotion, however, also made the woman cognisant that she must face her prejudices.
Ditch the plastic and bring home eco-friendly furniture made with pine needles
For Shruthi Prakash, every little thing can become raw material for an eco-friendly product. The founder of Ombak — meaning “a large wave” in Bahasa, the language spoken in Indonesia — is on a mission to find sustainable alternatives for everyday needs, particularly furniture and home decor. “We make a lot of products using natural alternatives and materials. Our primary materials are banana fibre and water hyacinth. Then, we also use seagrass,” she explains.
queer persons on the pressure to conform to a particular image
On June 30 last year, when IT professional Kavya, who identifies as omnisexual, was leaving her apartment in Chennai to go join a Pride march, she was stopped by members of her housing association. The residents criticised her bold make-up and attire, and also threatened to reveal her queer identity to her house owner. A week later, she was asked to vacate the flat. “It was a nightmarish experience,” says Kavya. “It was a breach of my privacy.
Reading station: Chennai Central Metro now has a ‘Book Park’
Reading station: Chennai Central Metro now has a ‘Book Park’ Chennai has launched India’s first metro station bookstore at Central Metro | Video Credit: The Hindu Chennai has launched India’s first metro station bookstore at Central Metro, a 5,000 sq.ft. air-conditioned space featuring over 10,000 titles in English and Tamil. A joint initiative by the Tamil Nadu Textbook Corporation and Chennai Metro Rail, it aims to promote reading habits among daily commuters and book lovers alike.
Reading station: Chennai Central Metro now has a ‘book park’
On the way to the ticket counter at Chennai’s bustling Central metro station, you can see a cosy ‘book park’ that promises to offer serendipity. Nestled between a pharmacy and an eatery, the 5,000 sq.ft. Chennai Book Park features a chequered grey and blue carpet, glass walls, and is fully air-conditioned. A joint initiative of the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation and Chennai Metro Rail Limited, the facility has been built at a cost of ₹1.85 crore.
Iconic clock towers of India Original
Clock towers gained prominence during the British colonial period, as mechanical clocks were difficult to source, according to a news report. These structures not only displayed the symbols of power and authority but also reflected a fusion of various architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Mughal. Moreover, clock towers ensured that everyone, regardless of caste, creed, or gender, could check the time. Here are some of the most prominent and still fully functional clock towers in India.
Goa noir | Review of ‘Scarlet Sands’ by Udayan Mukherjee
Udayan Mukherjee’s Scarlet Sands, the second instalment in the Neville Wadia Mystery series, is engulfed in a web of murders, bureaucratic mess-ups, political power plays, and the silencing of witnesses and dissent. Set in Goa, the story draws sharp observations from, and mirrors, the current socio-political environment in India. At the heart of the story are Neville Wadia and his wife Shehnaz who have moved to Goa in hopes of a quiet life.
Design finds from Chennai
Located on busy Chamiers Road in R.A. Puram, a red brick building houses three stores — Jaypore, Suvasa, and Bagh — and is a one-stop destination for all things decor. From ikat bedspreads to beautifully woven fruit covers, they offer locally made and environmentally friendly products.
The parts I play are main characters: Shefali Shah
Growing up, Shefali Shah thought the most she could aspire to be was an air hostess. Today, with over 25 films under her belt (from Monsoon Wedding to Gandhi, My Father and Three of Us), and some hard-hitting TV shows — let’s not forget the 2023 International Emmy award nomination for best actress for Delhi Crime — Shah says she is “happiest on set”.
Women in design unite
Just like the novel A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf, where the author explores the need for women to be financially independent and have personal space to create art and achieve intellectual freedom, a house too resonates with identity, memory, and intention. For women, curating a space becomes a form of storytelling — creating environments that reflect artistic style, safety, emotion, and care. However, for men, the focus is more on the aesthetic and utilitarian aspect.
Will you give this book a listen?
With rising screentime and shrinking attention spans, sitting down to read a book often feels like a Herculean task. But in an increasingly digital world, audiobooks have emerged as the perfect companion to help tackle those unread titles on your list. Just pop your headphones on, and let the immersive narration and sound effects transport you into the heart of the story — making the reading experience more engaging, accessible, and intimate than ever before.
Ink and revolution: women writers who paved the way for change
March, celebrated as a season of change, is also recognised as Women’s History Month. Coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8, this month honours the contributions of women to American society. The celebration dates back to 1978 when the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women took it upon themselves to spread awareness about women’s history and achievements.
Legacy at crossroads: the surprising dip in Ponniyin Selvan sales at Chennai Book Fair
There have always been speculation and skepticism every time a book is adapted into a movie. Such has been the case with Kalki’s magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan as well. Only here, the twist awaits — said to be an assured source of revenue for Tamil publishing houses at the Chennai Book Fair for so long, at this year’s 48th edition of the fair, the books’ sales had dipped significantly.
Legacy at crossroads: the surprising dip in Ponniyin Selvan sales at Chennai Book Fair
Saint Valentine's Day Massacre: Gangster murder on the day of love On Valentine’s Day in 1929, the American city of Chicago woke up to the news of a gruesome murder where seven men lay sprawled on the cold concrete of …
History as a tool of power | Review of Vinoy Thomas’ Blackened, translated by Nandakumar K.
Vinoy Thomas, recipient of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for his 2021 Malayalam novel Puttu (Anthill), once again crafts a powerful narrative that delves into migration, caste identity, conversion, and generational trauma. Blackened (Karikkottakkary) has been translated into English by Nandakumar K., who has also edited Thomas’ other works like Anthill and Elephantan Misophantam (Aanaththam Piriyaththam).
Western Ghats: a living archive of culture, memory, and resilience
The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri, meaning benevolent mountains, stretches along the western coast of the Indian peninsula, spanning six States: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Known as one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, the Western Ghats were once celebrated for their breathtaking natural beauty — cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, and a dazzling array of flora and fauna. Today, however, this idyllic landscape faces a stark transformation.
Turned away at the door Original
Tamil Nadu is often celebrated as one of the safest States in India with a history of progressive policies. But when it comes to finding housing for single women, things are less rosy. The State is known for its women-friendly initiatives, but many women face intense scrutiny while trying to rent a home here. Snaring a house on rent often involves questions about women’s work, caste, food.
Echoes of survival: how witness literature confronts history’s darkest chapters
With her groundbreaking win of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, Han Kang has carved a unique place in history as the first South Korean and woman Asian writer of this esteemed award. The Nobel Prize website lauds her work for its “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life,” a fitting recognition of her unique voice in contemporary literature.
Chennai | Blind date with books and coffee held by this reading community Original
On a pleasant Sunday afternoon, 30 strangers gathered at Crafe, T Nagar, each feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity. It was not your typical blind date event — there were no introductions or small talk. Instead, everyone was there to meet a book, handpicked by Bessy Reads based on their favourite genres, along with their favourite coffee. Bessy Reads, a silent reading community that meets every Sunday between 6am and 9am at Besant Nagar and Thiruvanmiyur beaches, organised the event.
Explore Ahmedabad in just 24 hours Original
Ahmedabad, steeped in a rich tapestry of mosques, tombs, and forts will captivate you at every turn, compelling you to absorb its grandeur. Founded in 1411 by Ahmed Shah I of the Gujarat Sultanate, the walled city was declared India’s first World Heritage City by UNESCO in 2017.
A guide to responsible tourism
In recent times, two major disasters happened at two popular tourist spots in India - at Joshimath in Uttarakhand and Wayanad in Kerala. Wayanad landslide Dotted with picturesque greenery and waterfalls, Chooralmala and Mundakkai villages in the district of Wayanad in Kerala met with an incredulous turn of events in the wee hours of July 30, 2024.
A guide to responsible tourism
Malaysia 9 hours ago Tourism Minister calls for special meeting on hotel check-in policy thestar.com.my - By SIM LEOI LEOI • 9h PETALING JAYA: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (pic) has instructed his ministry to urgently convene a special meeting … Lifestyle 21 hours ago Malaysians vent frustration over early check-out, late check-in hotel policies nst.com.my - Ramyeea Janani • 21h KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians have recently taken to social media to vent their...
Revealing the untold: translated stories of Partition, written by women
Translation works that had long lurked in the shadows, eagerly awaiting exposure, finally received their global recognition in 2022. That year, Geetanjali Shree’s Ret Samadhi, translated from Hindi by Daisy Rockwell as Tomb of Sand, won the International Booker Prize.
Madras day| Life in the day of an idol maker Original
With unwavering focus, 62-year-old P. Murali delicately dips a thin paintbrush into a golden tint, expertly mixing varnish and paint as he works on an idol. A faint smile of satisfaction appears on his face when he finishes. Proprietor of Sri Jayam Handicrafts in Mylapore, Mr. Murali has been in the idol-making business for over 40 years. “I joined this business in 1980, following in my father’s footsteps. We opened the shop in 1970 and have been running it ever since.
travel tips, ahmedabad travel, india travel, places to visit in ahemdabad Original
When I arrived, Ahmedabad greeted me with its charming downpour, a perfect antidote to Chennai’s relentless heat. Ahmedabad, formerly known as Karnavati, was renamed by Sultan Ahmed Shah after 1411. The city’s 10-km wall, originally built with 12 gates and 189 bastions, and later fortified with 6,000 additional ramparts, whispers tales of its storied past.
Away from the bustle, a park spotlights role of snakes in the ecosystem
Away from the bustle, a park spotlights role of snakes in the ecosystem Snakes play a crucial role in the ecology. They control the rat population and contribute significantly to the food ecosystem. But this fact goes …
At Ninan’s Restaurant in YMCA Esplanade, time stands still Original
A lot has been described about how in Chennai, or Madras as some still lovingly call it, time steps aside and lets people have a peep into its history. From alluring monuments to restaurants serving iconic dishes, Ninan’s Restaurant at YMCA Esplanade fits the bill. Here people are left satisfied with delicious caramel custard and lip-smacking biryani, along with a history lesson.
A pioneering law that helped to open libraries across the State of Madras Original
The public library system in Tamil Nadu mirrors the State’s strong foundation in education, literacy, and cultural development. Tamil Nadu took a pioneering step as the first Indian State, after Independence, to implement the Madras Public Libraries Act, 1948. With effect from April 1, 1950, the Act offered a structured framework for the establishment of public libraries throughout the region. According to a report published in The Hindu in November 1950, “Mr. K.
From ice storage to virtual reality, Vivekanandar Illam bridges eras Original
One usually gets carried away by the mystic beauty and serenity of Marina Beach. Yet, a stoic building, adjacent to the shore, has played a vital role in spreading the Ramakrishna Movement in south India. Vivekanandar Illam, or Vivekananda House, is the first Ramakrishna Mutt in south India.
From ice storage to virtual reality, Vivekanandar Illam bridges eras
India News 1 hour ago India's aviation soars: PM Modi lays foundation for 15 new airport terminals Indiatimes - Online Bureau • 1h In a bid to enhance air connectivity and streamline travel, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated 12 new terminal buildings at Pune, Kolhapur, Gwalior, … India 8 hours ago Writer Jeyamohan faces social media backlash for derogatory references on Malayalis thehindu.com - The Hindu Bureau • 8h Writer B.
Over 100 years of promoting the learning of Sanskrit in Mylapore Original
Tucked away in a bustling street of Mylapore stands an 118-year-old college reflecting its founder’s goal of safeguarding, restoring, and preserving Sanskrit, one of India’s oldest languages. The aim of eminent lawyer and philanthropist V. Krishnaswamy Iyer, who founded the Madras Sanskrit College in 1906, was to protect Indian tradition and culture.
World Thrift Day: A look at sustainable fashion solutions in India
Indian households have always been an ally for sustainable living. A longstanding example of this is the household habit of buying pre-owned clothes, which now has a moniker: thrifting. By repurposing and sharing clothes, you not only sort your wardrobe and reduce textile waste, but also ease the burdenon your pocket while channelling your inner fashionista. . Thrifting pre-owned, and hand-me-down clothes help consumers make informed and ethical choices about how they consume clothes.
Most Diverse Oscar Nominations Ever
Engagement: 0 Chloe Zhao (Nomadland) has been nominated for four awards this year, the best picture, best adapted screenplay, best editing and last but not the least, best director. If she wins them all, she will set a record to have won several awards the very same night like Walt Disney in 1954 who had won four Academy Awards the same night. Viola Davis, has been shortlisted in the Best Actress category for her role in the 1920s blue singer in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
The vibe of live theatre is now just a Zoom call away
‘Islands of Contentment’, a unique virtual play brings together a stellar cast of actors from both the Indian film industry and the Indian diaspora in New York Engagement: 0 Who would have imagined that a day would come when the audience wouldn’t need to venture out to Prithvi theatre in Juhu or Mandi House in Delhi, Westend in London or Broadway in New York but just sit in the comfort of their homes and watch their favourite actors perform on Zoom?
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with K.S.
Contact K.S., search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack