I happened to see Sulekha.com about 4 years back, almost the time it started and became a fan instently. Sulekha.com is one of the most popular interactive community sites of our country. You can contribute articles, columns, poems, etc. An ideal place to visit if you want to enjoy original articles written by various people on all possible types of topics. Sulekha in Sanskrit means good writing and you can actually find a whole lot of talent here. I am impressed!
How it Started
It has an interesting history -- Sulekha started as a monthly letter Letter from Austin that Dr. Arun Kumar used to write and email to his IIM-Calcutta buddies and other friends around the world. This group evolved into the Dakghar mailing list where the list members used to write delightful articles for this group. Initially the idea to have a website was to store these articles and allow people from any where in the world to read them. Sulekha was launched in early 1998 and has grown ever since. You can contribute articles, columns, poems, etc.
Major Sections
Let me give a brief mention of their important sections:
NewHopper - contains a fine collection of informative news stories from around the world about India and Indians. These stories, drawn from scores of reputed Indian and international newspapers and magazines, sports, politics, cultural, business etc. They are contributed by members of the Sulekha community.
Coffeehouse - It is mind blowing brew consisting of 18 forums; Games, Fun, Women, Creative, Travel, Personal, Contests, Shopping, Finance, Books, Health, Philosophy, Movies-Music, Technology, politics, Sports, Family, and Misc., .
Articles - It includes short stories, political opinions, art and culture tales, research papers that are modified to suit the intellectual level of an average reader, humor and satire pieces, nature/ecology/environment-centric articles, philosophical riddles, music related articles (Sulekha Soundscapes), technological fender benders, travelogues, religion-oriented discourses, sports analysis, travelogues, social commentaries, memoirs, health related issues etc... the list is endless!
Reviews - can write reviews on movies and books
Columns - These are periodic articles written by writers who have a passion and/or expertise in a particular area. Each column pertains to a specific theme.
Favorites - This section is designed with an idea to share what you think is the best. Can be books, movies, recipes, or a website. You can also give city-wise favorites on shopping, weekend gateways etc.
E-card - You can design your own cards and send them to your friends and family or the others too!
Photo Album - It is a versatile collection of a variety of snapshots from the world over. You too can contribute to it.
Art - If you have a flair for painting and want the world to see your work, then send it to sulekha.
One more thing I like about this site is that it is kept simple and yet has a good navigation system. This is worth visiting. Check it out for yourself.