The Blue Studio

Koushik Krishnan
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A channel where we discuss art, history, economics, literature and anything that catches our fancy.

  1. On His Blindness - a recital

    18/09/2022

    On His Blindness - a recital

    John Milton ranks as one the greatest English poets. He stands alongside Shakespeare in impact and fame. He is famous for composing the epic poem “Paradise Lost” in which he dramatizes the original sin – man’s first act of disobedience. But Paradise lost is about 10,000 lines long, and that is not what I’ll present now. Instead, I would like to present a lovely sonnet called “On his blindness”. At the age of 48, while still in his prime, Milton lost his eyesight. For a wordsmith this was akin to death. He was angry, upset and greatly frustrated. His faith in God was severely tested. “How can I serve God, if he takes away my light”, he lamented. He had only run half the race. How could he go about the other half when he most needed his sight? But in the space of the fourteen lines of the sonnet, he reaches realization and acceptance. He understands God does not need his service. But he also realizes, his destiny is to serve God. On his blindness When I consider how my light is spent Ere half my days in this dark world and wide, And that one talent which is death to hide Lodg'd with me useless, though my soul more bent To serve therewith my Maker, and present My true account, lest he returning chide, "Does God exact day-labour, light denied?" I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent That murmur, soon replies: "God does not need Either man's work or his own gifts: who best Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed And post o'er land and ocean without rest: They also serve who only stand and wait."

    3 min

  2. 19/01/2022

    The sublime Saki - a discussion on his short stories

    H. H. Munro, writing under the pen name "Saki" is an acclaimed master of the short stories. He is known for his sharp wit, great command over the language and fondness for themes that are dark, macabre and satirical. He was the inspiration for later writers like P.G. Wodehouse.  In this episode, Kavya and Koushik discuss the writers works, what makes him special and a few passages from some of his famous stories.

    33 min
  3. Human and virus

    09/05/2021

    Human and virus

    It is May 2021. A little over a year since Covid hit us. Thousands have lost their lives, struggling for something as basic as oxygen. It is also a little over a year, George Floyd died, struggling for oxygen…. And I can’t help seeing the connection. This 2 min poem is my attempt to connect the twin horrors of racism and a rampant epidemic Many a man was hit by the virus,  Many a black was hurt in the US.  Poison spread like smokey wreath Many a man gasped, “I can’t breathe”! Here’s a story of a woman infected, Rushed to a hospital much affected  She was convinced, it was a sin,  For a black to administer vaccine! Refusing a hand that offered cure She went  in search of someone pure Poison spread like smokey wreath, Her family gasped, “We can’t breathe” ! The arc of justice can be long,  It takes a while to right a wrong, For the deadly virus there is cure But a bigoted heart is seldom never pure - Koushik Krishnan

    2 min

  4. 07/02/2021

    To a mouse - Robert Burns

    “The best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry”. This line from a Robert Burns poem, is one of the most popular quotes in the English language. In this poem, Burns describes a situation where he accidentally destroys the nest of a farm mouse while ploughing his land. He is greatly saddened by this act and feels repentant. He realizes the mouse had built the nest to survive the harsh winter. He then muses “the best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry”. The poem is rich with moral philosophy, metaphysics and contemplation.

    4 min
  5. Bazaars of Hyderabad - a poem recital

    08/09/2020

    Bazaars of Hyderabad - a poem recital

    Bazaars of Hyderabad is a poem composed by Sarojini Naidu. She was one of the early Indian writers in the English language. She was an active member of the Indian freedom struggle. She was rightly called the “Nightingale of India because of voice and her lyrical poems. In this poem she captures the vibrance, color, sounds and sights of a bazaar in Hyderabad!

    2 min
  6. The Owl and the Pussycat - poem recited by Kanishk

    24/08/2020

    The Owl and the Pussycat - poem recited by Kanishk

    Not all poems are sad or serious. They can be funny and nonsensical too! They could have animals come to life.

    2 min
  7. Consecration on the birth of India.

    14/08/2020

    Consecration on the birth of India.

    Exactly 73 years ago, on 14th August 1947, two new nations were born. India and Pakistan. The cities of Delhi, Lahore and Bombay were abuzz with preparations on this momentous occasion. Leaders were readying speeches and people celebrated on the streets. But in the city of Calcutta, the air was heavy with dread. The community was on edge. It was the 1st anniversary of Direct -action-Day, one of the bloodiest communal clashes in the country which left more than 5,000 people dead. And this is where Mahatma Gandhi was to be found, cooling down tempers between Hindus and Muslims. When asked why he wasn’t at the ramparts of the red fort in Delhi, he responded with this verse from John Masefield. Not the ruler for me, but the ranker, the tramp of the road, The slave with the sack on his shoulders pricked on with the goad, The man with too weighty a burden, too weary a load. The sailor, the stoker of steamers, the man with the clout, The chantyman bent at the halliards putting a tune to the shout, The drowsy man at the wheel and the tired lookout. Others may sing of the wine and the wealth and the mirth, The portly presence of potentates goodly in girth; – Mine be the dirt and the dross, the dust and scum of the earth! Theirs be the music, the colour, the glory, the gold; Mine be a handful of ashes, a mouthful of mould. Of the maimed, of the halt and the blind in the rain and the cold – Of these shall my songs be fashioned, my tales be told.

    3 min
  8. Poetry - a discussion

    25/07/2020

    Poetry - a discussion

    Kavya interviews Koushik on what he thinks about poetry and it’s place in society. They cover form, nature, and the future of poetry. Koushik shares some tips on how to write poetry and his poetic journey.

    24 min
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About

A channel where we discuss art, history, economics, literature and anything that catches our fancy.

Information

  • Creator
    Koushik Krishnan
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2022
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Koushik Krishnan
  • Show Website
    The Blue Studio