2023

Literature:

In October 2023, I participated in the Boone Literary Camp in Boone, NC, organized for the second consecutive year by the Vishnupuram Literary Circle (VLC). Special guests at the event included writers Jeyamohan (Je) and Arunmozhi Nangai.
In July 2023, I had the privelege of meeting writers Bava Chelladurai, Sahitya Akademi Award winner Imayam, translator/publisher K.V.Shailaja in Sacramento, CA. Bava, renowned as a storyteller and YouTuber in Tamil circles, stands out for his efforts in bringing high literature to mainstream audience. I was particularly impressed by Bava’s warmly welcoming presence.

It was quite inspiring to meet translator Priyamvada Ramkumar and her husband Vijay at San Francisco during their US visit in November 2023. Priyamvada’s excellent translation of Je’s Aram short story collection – “Stories of the True”’ was shortlisted for ALTA’s National Translation Award. Priyamvada’s distinction as a “Zero to One” translator is evident in her groundbreaking achievement—being the first to publish a debut translation of Jeyamohan, a prolific writer with decades of work.

Delivered a brief speech on writer Era.Murukan’s novel “Moondru Viral” during the Ka.Na.Su literary discussion series organized by VLC on January 21st. Also presented a short speech on “Paruvam” the Tamil translation of SL Bhyrappa’s “Parva” a masterpiece based on the Indian Epic Mahabharata, honoring writer and translator Pavannan at another Ka.Na.Su literary discussion event organized by VLC organized to honor writer and translator Pavannan on August 19.
Participated in the premiere of Prabu Muruganandam’s short film “In the Beginning” in Portland during Feb 2023.

Delivered a tech talk – “Powering Digital Transformation of Fleets” at IEEE sponsored conference on IoT & Security, hosted by Information Technology department, PSG College of Technology, India on Feb 11, 2023.
Organized VPT programming contest on Aug 26, 2023 along with Mahendra & Arulraj. We expanded this year’s contest to include students from Srilankan Universities (University of Moratuwa & University of Peradeniya). Also met Arulraj in person when he visited SF for an AI conference.

Traveled to Vegas to meet Austin Sounder’s & Raleigh Rajan’s family in February 2023.
Traveled to Seattle & Portland as part of Je’s extended tour in October 2023. Thank you Shankar Pratap & Prabu for organizing “meet the author” events and Sujata & Srikanth for hosting us.
Camped at lower campground Yosemite National Park & Emerald bay state park in Lake Tahoe during summer.

Dealing with back pain for years, I joined live sessions with Yoga instructor Sounder G and now practice yoga daily. Live sessions are next best alternative to in-person. Highly recommend exploring more at https://www.satyamtraditionalyoga.com/

Happy New Year 2024.