The Gift that Keeps on Giving:
The Life and Work of AK Ramanujan
A five part series on the life and work of Dr. AK Ramanujan featuring Vivek Shanbag, Arshia Sattar, SG Vasudev, Guillermo Rodriguez and Karuna Sagari V.
EPISODE 1
A Personal Account
The first episode, offers an intimate narrative through the eyes of a fictional, yet relatable reader, tracing their transformative encounter with the brilliance of AK Ramanujan. This opening chapter invites listeners to embark on their own voyage of discovery, tracing the contours of Ramanujan’s intellectual landscapes and delving into the essence of his work that continues to enchant and enlighten. Join us as we begin this exploration into the life and legacy of a man whose contributions are a ceaseless source of inspiration and wonder.
EPISODE 2
Entering the World of AK Ramanujan
In the second episode, we delve into A.K. Ramanujan’s vast intellectual landscape, exploring his unique ability to weave together the ancient and the modern through his translations and scholarship. This journey illuminates how Ramanujan’s work serves as a bridge across cultures, uncovering universal human experiences within the rich tapestries of folklore, mythology, and literary traditions. Through engaging discussions with scholars and admirers, we celebrate Ramanujan’s profound insight and boundless curiosity, inviting listeners to experience the world through his visionary lens, where every text and tradition opens new vistas of understanding and connection.
EPISODE 3
The Translator and the Teacher
The third episode, “The Translator and the Teacher,” explores A.K. Ramanujan’s dual roles as a masterful translator and an inspiring educator. It delves into how his translations bridged linguistic and cultural divides, bringing ancient texts to life for modern audiences, while his teaching ignited a passion for learning and discovery in his students. Through personal anecdotes from former students and insights from literary experts, we uncover the depth of Ramanujan’s impact, showcasing his ability to connect deeply with both the texts he translated and the minds he shaped. This episode celebrates the legacy of a scholar whose work and teaching continue to influence and inspire long after his time.
EPISODE 4
The Poet
The fourth episode, “The Poet,” casts a spotlight on AK Ramanujan’s profound contributions to poetry, showcasing his extraordinary talent for capturing the complexities of human emotion and experience. It delves into his poetic universe, where each verse weaves together the personal and the universal, the contemporary and the timeless. Featuring readings of his most celebrated poems and insights from fellow poets and literary critics, this episode reveals the layers of meaning and the linguistic mastery that mark Ramanujan’s poetry as a vital part of his legacy. “The Poet” invites listeners to experience the beauty and depth of Ramanujan’s work, highlighting his enduring influence on the literary world.
EPISODE 5
The Folklorist and his Legend
The fifth episode, “The Folklorist and His Legend,” delves into A.K. Ramanujan’s groundbreaking work as a folklorist, highlighting his dedication to preserving and interpreting the rich folklore traditions of South Asia. Through his meticulous collection and insightful analysis of folk tales, songs, and rituals, Ramanujan revealed the complex layers of meaning and cultural significance embedded in these oral traditions. Featuring interviews with anthropologists, folklorists, and those who were directly influenced by his work, this episode uncovers the ways in which Ramanujan’s scholarship has shaped our understanding of folklore as a vibrant, living form of cultural expression. We celebrate Ramanujan’s legacy as a folklorist who not only documented these stories but also illuminated their enduring relevance and power, cementing his status as a legend in the field.