It’s Rocking! Epic India Group back with a bank(er)!
Apr 16th, 2008 by Ashok
This is just to let you all know that the EI Group, now in its third and permanent avatar–yes, it’s finally here to stay for good–is up and running.
And how.
Over a hundred posts in the first couple of days alone, discussions on everything from Indian itihasa, the historical validity of Ramayana, a controversial but fascinating article on rediff.com, multiculturalism in present-day Britain, anti-Islamic bias in the US, and so much more, it would take an essay to sum it all up.
The new group of members are from all over the planet: Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, USA, UK, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Argentina, Japan, Germany, France, and of course, India, India, and India. They’re all a great bunch, perhaps the best the Group’s ever had, and I’m happy to say that everyone’s talking, some more than others of course, and having a great time.
The AKB Newsletter, of course, is not a discussion group. It’s a read-only newsletter streaming regular extracts from my works in progress, news and updates on forthcoming works, and lots more.
Right now, featured exclusively on The AKB Newsletter, I’m serializing the first few chapters of Vengeance of Ravana the 7th Book of my Ramayana Series. If the readers on the group are thrilled at reading these exclusive chapters, I’m equally thrilled to read their effusive reactions and delight at continuing the story of Rama and his companions through a whole new level of conflict and adventure.
This is not just a sequel, it’s a whole new beginning; it’s me hitting the ‘Reset’ button and telling you a whole new story, as well as the story behind the story.
Those of you who have discussed things like ‘The Riddle of Ten’ and the ‘Sword of Dharma’ with me will know what I’m talking about: The answers are no longer ‘out there. They’re very much ‘in here’ now. ‘In here’ being The AKB Newsletter.
And based on the extraordinary success of this relaunch of the EI Group and the thrilling opening reactions to The AKB Newsletter, I’m going to throw open membership to both lists for an indefinite period of time.
Yes, it will be an additional drain on my time, but after just a few days, I’m certain it will be worth it. I love discussing these matters as much as anyone else, Indian or otherwise, and IMHO, there is no other forum, group or website anywhere that can match the sheer enthusiasm, passion, erudition and insightfulness of the EI Group in its 3rd Avatar.
This is too good not to be shared.
So this is an open house welcome: Come on in. The water’s great! Grab a cup of chai (you’ll have to make it yourself, of course) and jump right in.
I’m right there, in the thick of it, and loving every minute of it.
No moderators–rude or otherwise. No bigots, no racists, no self-promoting authors trying to ‘heckle’ us brownskins simply because our culture is different from their own (like a certain KSA who tried–and failed–to sabotage the group so devilishly recently). In short, there’s no downside to joining the EI Group.
Except for that overflowing mailbox with literally dozens of emails (or a half-dozen or so daily digests) discussing everything conceivable about Indian culture, epics, religion, itihasa…and much more.
On the bright side, though, at least you’re sure that no trees were harmed in the dissemination of these discussions.
Because the only way to share in these exciting, informative discussions, with me personally, as well as with dozens of other like-minded (or not, what’s the difference really, diversity is beautiful too) Epic Indians around the globe, is to visit the Readerswrite Page, leave a comment saying you’d like to join…don’t forget to mention your real name and present location, for my reference…and join in!
See you soon…On the Group and/or The Newsletter.
