Prominent Gujarati writer to deliver lecture today

Prominent columnist Madhu Rye will deliver a lecture today at the Indian Social Club in Darsait organised by the Muscat Gujarati Samajt.

US-based Rye, the author of hit Gujarati dramas like Kumarni Agashi (Kumar's Terrace) and Koin Pan Ek Phool Nu Naam Bolo To (Give me the name of a flower), is also a reputed novelist, short-story writer and essayist.

The language of his remarkable literary craft may be restricted to a province in India but in terms of its sensibility it is quite universal. Born in the western Indian state of Gujarat, Rye grew up in West Bengal at a time when one of the most culturally vibrant states was witnessing bursts of creativity.

In a career spanning over four decades Rye has written around 30 novels, plays, short stories and essays apart from his prolific newspaper columns and other writings. Having lived in ten cities in three continents, Rye has been a keen observer of cultures and peoples.

From counselling drug addicts to creating Gujarati language postscript fonts, Rye has had a very diverse field of activity. He believes his body of work is not substantial enough and cites great fellow Gujarati writer Chandrakant Bakshi's 300 books as an example.