For more than a decade now, the Murty Classical Library of India has been steadily reshaping how readers engage with the subcontinent’s oldest texts, presenting them in authoritative, contemporary translations while preserving their original scripts. This special anniversary gathering brings together some of the country’s leading literary and performing voices to reflect on the depth and impact of this extraordinary series.

Poet, Curator, and Cultural Theorist Ranjit Hoskote will reflect on selected works from the Library and the commemorative anthology Ten Indian Classics. The program will also feature readings from two significant volumes, In The Questions of Milinda, the dialogue between the Greek king Menander and the Buddhist monk Nagasena will be voiced by film and theatre personalities Denzil Smith as the King and Joy Sengupta as the Monk. From The Risalo of Shah Abdul Latif, a cornerstone of Sindhi literature, Amrita Sadarangani will read from the original Naskh script. Padma Shri Singer and Composer Shubha Mudgal will bring a befitting closure to the evening with a musical performance based on some of the most luminous poetry from the series.

Join us for an evening of literature, language, music, and memory, celebrating the preservation and reimagination of India’s classical past.

Speakers + Performer:
Poet, Curator, and Cultural Theorist Ranjit Hoskote
Film and Theatre Actor Denzil Smith
Film and Theatre Personality Joy Sengupta
Chief Academic Services Officer, University of York, Mumbai Amrita Sadarangani
Padma Shri Singer and Composer Shubha Mudgal