RKN: Writer without parallel
Apropos N. Ram's "Reluctant Centenarian" (October 8), R.K. Narayan's writings had a "voice" and a "fusion of comic with sad", which unravelled the South Indian mystique to the English speaking population. His books will always be one of India's most treasured English writings. His poignant short stories will be one of the ways of introducing our rich past to the next generation, which is increasingly proficient in the "Queen's Language".
V. Balakrishnan,
By e-mail
N. Ram's article is a feast for readers. Just as D.R Bendre wrote poems in the language of north Karnataka, R.K. Narayan wrote in the language an educated middle class person knew — clean plain English. R.K.Narayan's works will continue to shine brightly beyond his centenary year.
K.R. Deshpande,
Bangalore
The article reminds us that the fictional town Malgudi would live on along with its creator, R.K. Narayan, a writer with no parallel for his quality of being rooted in the culture of India. His characters in Malgudi have found a place in the minds of Indian readers. The presentation of the various episodes under "Malgudi Days" on Doordarshan nearly two decades ago has enthused Indian readers.
C.P. Velayudhan Nair,
North Edappally, Kerala
I would like to mention an incident connected with the correspondence between R.K. Narayan and Graham Greene. An American publisher expressed interest in publication of the correspondence between them. Mr Narayanan agreed to the suggestion and was paid by the publisher. My colleague in the Income tax Department handling Mr. Narayan's case taxed the sum as if it were remuneration received by the author from his vocation as a writer. The assessment was challenged in appeal. The appellate authority allowed his appeal and exempted the sum from tax, holding that the bunch of letters retained by him over the period was his "personal effect" kept "for his personal use" and the receipt will not attract income tax.
K.R. Sudhakaran Pillai,
Kochi
R.K. Narayan was a great writer. Free-flow of words and spontaneity of expression are his hallmarks. Though simple, his adept use of words vividly portrays the situation for the reader. He is aptly regarded as a writer's writer.
K.M.G. Vivekanandam,
Madurai
R.K. Narayanan was truly the quintessence of an articulate writer with roots in both religion and family. After all, he was the first modern Indian writer in English to make a full time career out of literature and that too, without any peers or literary forebears to relate to. Hats off to the centenarian who had more stories than he could write in a lifetime!
Gaurav Kumar,
IIT, Guwahati
The article on R.K. Narayan was indeed magnificent. Narayan's writings have mesmerised readers. His novels and short stories must be included in the syllabus of English all over India. I hope this article inspires newcomers to read his novels .
Akhil Kumar,
New Delhi
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