Each week, we ask writers, artists, and people of interest to share what’s inspiring them lately. This week, we feature picks from Akshaya Kumar, a human rights lawyer and policy analyst based in Washington D.C., where she works at the Enough Project, an initiative of the Center for American Progress. With her advocacy and writing, Akshaya seeks to raise awareness about ongoing conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan and to encourage action to forge peace and prevent serious human rights abuses in both countries. She tweets @AkshayaSays and curates SouthSudanStories on tumblr.
1. Bombay Super’s online radio
Just opening up Bombay Super’s playful online radio interface brings a smile to my face. The web feature’s visually stunning graphic design originally attracted me, but its carefully curated streams of Bollywood music are what keep me coming back for more. Try the throwback “Bombay Funk” station: one of their best.
2. Ta-Nehisi Coates
Ta-Nehisi Coates, who writes for The Atlantic, consistently offers a refreshing and omnivorous take on culture, politics, privilege and being a minority in America. As someone who works in the admittedly niche field of “mass atrocity prevention,” I’ve really come to appreciate Coates’ accessible ruminations on the politics of evil. Take for example this piece from back in November 2013, where he argued
Part of the job of writers, historian, artists and intellectuals is not allow evil to become inhuman, amorphous and globulous, to make sure that we don’t get lazy, that the contours of particular evils are delineated and precise.
With those words, he perfectly captured the spirit that animates my work. Over the past few weeks, Coates has continued to explore those ideas, including in a must-read column on “The Myth of Western Civilization.” I don’t always agree with everything he says, but I’m consistently intrigued and inspired by his earnest, honest and thoughtful musings.
3. The Lunchbox
I’m visiting my parents in India right now. It seems like everyone here is either talking about the Aam Aadmi Party’s prospects at the polls or the film board’s failure to send this movie on as India’s submission for the Oscars. Both Arvind Kejriwal’s political party and Irrfan Khan’s quirky movie offer a breath of fresh air to otherwise stagnant industries. Controversy aside, The Lunchbox is a gorgeous tribute to Mumbai and a ode to finding love in the most unexpected places. If you can, definitely check it out once it comes to American theaters in February.
4. Chinaman, Shehan Karunatilaka
I’m so glad that I picked up this novel while browsing a friend’s bookshelf looking for a quick read on the plane last week. A witty and weighty book, Chinaman is a unique combination of detective story, sports commentary and Sri Lankan politics. I have to admit that understanding and loving cricket — like I do — makes this novel much more enjoyable. However, Karunatilaka’s rich prose, snarky one liners and self-awareness make it worthwhile reading for anyone, even if you couldn’t imagine sitting through a five day long test match.
5. Saravana Bhavan
Trips to our local Saravana Bhavan, for spicy South Indian specialties served on shining stainless steel plates, were a highlight of summers spent at my grandparents’ home in Chennai.The largest vegetarian restaurant chain in the world, Saravana’s has a special place in my heart. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I was a bit heartbroken that the Dosa Hunt crew’s quest for the perfectly crispy masala dosa didn’t start and stop at Saravana’s Lexington Avenue location.
Saravana’s executives, if you are reading this, there is storefront in my Columbia Heights neighborhood just aching for a franchise.
6. This acoustic cover of Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky”
While a lot of people say that Daft Punk’s superhit song of the summer has been played to death, I can’t get enough of this stripped down acoustic cover by Tunisian musicians Black Chords. The magic of the original is enhanced by the haunting beauty of the oud and the introduction of Arabic lyrics. The intimacy of the recording totally changes the song’s mood.
