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SALS (South Asian Literature Society) is a social initiative that was launched in October 2022 with the chief aim of promoting indigenous and regional representation in literature. The project attempts to do so by inculcating interest in and appreciation for Indian regional stories and voices, with a particular focus on traditional narrative forms and translated works belonging to specific regions. As part of the project, we have published a series of original reviews exploring narrative styles in short stories, novels, poetry, and other literary works written by regional authors in India, especially focusing on underrepresented regions of the country and translated works. The reviews aim to detail authors’ unique approach to story-telling while contextualizing their narrative to the history and culture of their specific state, with works from Jammu and Kashmir, Sindh, Gujarat, New Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bengal, and Bihar.
Literature has long been an essential vehicle for communication, influencing our perception of transpired events and the world around us, enabling us to receive a nuanced understanding of culture, history, and politics. However, recent times have witnessed a notable marginalization of South Asian literature as mainstream literature and modes of writing take over, posing a significant threat to South Asian authors and raising concerns over the extinction of South Asian narratives. The diversity of South Asian culture is best represented in literature and art and SALS aims to preserve this rich heritage by acknowledging and celebrating existing indigenous literature and preventing the exclusion of the South Asian narrative in its entirety from history.
This journey begins with children, as it is important to educate children about the importance of indigenous representation and regional works at a young age. SALS has partnered with Prajna Foundation, a New Delhi-based NGO that aims to bridge the social divide by empowering children from marginalized sections of society to improve their educational and occupational outcomes. Through this collaboration, we hope to raise funds that will support Prajna Foundation’s ongoing efforts to improve child outcomes and work towards the creation of a more just and equitable society for all.
Literature has long been an essential vehicle for communication, influencing our perception of transpired events and the world around us, enabling us to receive a nuanced understanding of culture, history, and politics. However, recent times have witnessed a notable marginalization of South Asian literature as mainstream literature and modes of writing take over, posing a significant threat to South Asian authors and raising concerns over the extinction of South Asian narratives. The diversity of South Asian culture is best represented in literature and art and SALS aims to preserve this rich heritage by acknowledging and celebrating existing indigenous literature and preventing the exclusion of the South Asian narrative in its entirety from history.
This journey begins with children, as it is important to educate children about the importance of indigenous representation and regional works at a young age. SALS has partnered with Prajna Foundation, a New Delhi-based NGO that aims to bridge the social divide by empowering children from marginalized sections of society to improve their educational and occupational outcomes. Through this collaboration, we hope to raise funds that will support Prajna Foundation’s ongoing efforts to improve child outcomes and work towards the creation of a more just and equitable society for all.
