Poet, critic, and academic Jhilam Chattaraj is in conversation with poet, translator, and professor Ravi Shankar, where they talk about his works Correctional: A Memoir (2021), Tallying the Hemisphere (2023), a collection of selected essays, and Three Indian Poets (2024).
Pushcart prize-winning poet, translator, and Professor Ravi Shankar speaks about Correctional: A Memoir (2021), Tallying the Hemisphere (2023)- a collection of selected essays, and Three Indian Poets (2024). Popularly known as a ‘diaspora icon,’ Dr Shankar’s extensive work in English and translations make him a global representative of South Asian Literature. He has published more than 15 books. Shankar’s translation of Andal: The Autobiography of a Goddess won the prestigious ‘Muse India Award for Translation’ (2018).
I first met Dr Shankar at the Asia Pacific Writers and Translator’s Meet, Bangalore (2022). His cheerful, pleasant, encouraging personality made me get a signed copy of his poetry collection Durable Transit (2018). I was intrigued by his stylish rhetoric and refreshing dialogue on ideas associated with his diasporic identity. My curiosity led me to read his stirring memoir Correctional; Shankar is clear and sharp, unflinching yet vulnerable. Correctional has been named a finalist for the Memoir Magazine and Connecticut Book Award. Ploughshares praised the book, calling it the “work of an absolutely brilliant writer.”