Amitav Ghosh’s Entry to Future Library

Indian author Amitav Ghosh’s entry makes it to the list of 11 other works which have all been carefully chosen by the Norway based project ‘Future Library’ that first began about a decade back in 2014. 100 submissions set to be printed in the 22^nd century, with the matured trees that are being tended to for this intention, the textual contributions of all authors are being preserved at the Deichman library. Considering all the thoughtfulness, the art installation feels purposefully sacred.

Image by Gage Skidmore

Recognised mostly for her visual art, Scottish national Katie Paterson’s idea behind the installation, in a breathing forest right outside Oslo—the capital city of Norway, marks as a homage to the slowly unfolding timeline of nature. Pointing the paradox of time in the two different scales as seen in cosmic and human realm, her initiative emphasizes environmental conservation as understood from her message on how one century can be a long period, but also significant for the future readers who may make a meaning out of this vision, “It is beyond our current lifespans, but close enough to come face to face with it, to comprehend and relativise.”

Image by Ma_Frank

The vision opposes a culture of mass consumption where actions are accomplished under pressure or fear. Amidst a popular mindset where validation and instant gratification for achievements is considered important throughout various disciplines and life, mirroring the inherency of a true capitalistic societal model, Future Library affirms a sovereign ideology.

This raises many questions for the spectators; future isn’t predictable and nor is the human race. With issues of wars, funding, and life on this planet, the rare attempt remains subject to complexities.

Ghosh’s submission for the year 2025 is to be published alongside 88 additional entries by the year 2114. His admission reserves an early spot for South Asian representation in this world literature forum. Unknown at the moment, themes of his submitted work will be accessible only in the future.