diary

volume XXIX. No. 3 May–June 2015

Indian and Pakistani leaders glare at each other or IIC Quarterly merely grimace. RELEASE: Thirty Years of SAARC–Society, Culture and Development, edited by Rajiv Kumar and Omita Goyal, For all the internal jousting, SAARC could have worthy released by Dr. Karan Singh goals: climate change and disaster management being just Panellists: H.E. Mr. Syed Muazzem Ali; H.E. Mr. Abdul two, said Basit; while Sudharshan Seneviratne, the Sri Basit; H.E. Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne, May 26 Lankan High Commissioner, focused on connectivity, common heritage and cultural centres. Cricket, too, If SAARC, or the South Asian Association for Regional could glue the countries together as five of the eight Cooperation, isn’t remotely like the European Union, SAARC countries played in the last World Cup, as could ‘Indo-Pak troubles’, as Pakistan's High Commissioner trade. Focusing on the little (and also, doable) things to New Delhi, Abdul Basit put it, is the big reason. Even is the way forward, was the general consensus. If only planes to Pakistan aren’t easy to board for the average Indian vehicles could drive through Bangladesh to the Indian: there are only three a week, a little-known fact that left even Dr. Karan Singh (a former civil aviation north-east. If only power generated in Bhutan could minister), chairing a discussion at the launch of the IIC reach Dhaka. How much easier is that compared with Quarterly on SAARC, quite flabbergasted. the ambition of breakfast in Amritsar, lunch in Lahore and dinner in Kabul? Yes, India and Pakistan are distant neighbours but that apart, Syed Muazzem Ali, the Bangladeshi envoy to India pointed out, the EU, initially at least, had a ‘common enemy’ (the Soviet Bloc) and tellingly for SAARC, the ‘threat perception is from within’. As these problems can only persist, where can SAARC go beyond a bi- annual summit where all eyes are on whether the

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the pivotal role of Marie, and Juan Diego Florez as her Of Opera and Ballet suitor was so riveting that nothing else mattered. MUSIC: Summer Sonata–Films on Operas and Ballets The 1983 production of Don Quixote by the American June 22 and 26 Ballet Theatre, performed at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, was mesmerising. Choreographed Dr. R. P. Jain, the passionate and deeply knowledgeable lover of Western classical music and ballet brings to the by Mikhail Baryshnikov, the incandescent Russian male IIC an offering of splendid live television coverage of dancer, who, as Basilio, matched the poetic intensity of operas and ballets to offset the debilitating heat of the Cynthia Harvey’s performance as Kitri. The story of this Delhi summer every year. Among many others were ballet is a take-off from the classic picaresque Spanish La Fille du Regiment (Daughter of the Regiment) by the novel by Miguel Cervantes which speaks of dreaming the Italian master Gaetano Donizetti, the great 19th century impossible dream. The music by Ludwig Minkus, once Italian master of the Opera. This one, produced in 1840, purported to be a rival of the late 19th century Russian uncharacteristically, had a libretto in French written master Tchaikovsky, is both spirited and melodious and by Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint Georges and Jean- is energetically conducted by Paul Connelly. Francois Bayard. Cynthia Harvey was amongst the most kinetic and This production, expertly shot for Italian TV, was graceful of female ballet dancers of the post-war era. staged by Coro del Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova. Her contribution to this production of Don Quixote The orchestra was conducted by Riccardo Frizza. The is immense. Baryshnikov, great as he was, found the updating of the two-act comic opera to what appeared perfect interpreter of his ideas. to be the First World War (1914-18) was, for a moment a bit disconcerting, but the singing of Patricia Ciofi, in PARTHA CHATTERJEE

II, Saint-Saens and Satie. There were also hilarious Humour and Music versions of the Toy Symphony (originally ascribed to MUSIC APPRECIATION PROMOTION: Jokes and Haydn but now generally accepted as having been Japes: Humour In Western Classical Music–Lecture- written by Leopold Mozart) at an Albert Hall concert demonstration by Sunit Tandon, June 5 dedicated to Mtislav Rostropovich, and an excerpt from the famous Hoffnung Festival of 1956, showcasing the Most people would find it hard to believe that there is a Andante movement from Haydn’s Surprise Symphony with lot of humour in the highly structured, regimented and additional ‘surprises’ scored by Donald Swann. The ‘formal’ world of Western classical music, but that this only vocal piece on show was the classic Duetto Buffo is so was amply brought out by theatre/TV personality di Due Gatti (Humorous Duet for Two Cats) attributed to and musicologist Sunit Tandon in a delightful Gioachino Rossini. lecture-demonstration. Also featured were some outstanding comic performers, The presentation focussed mainly on instrumental music and excluded comic opera, which is a whole treasure- the stand-out ones being Michael Flanders and Donald house of humour in itself. The subject was obviously Swann doing a hilarious take-off—incidentally, a perfect very close to Sunit’s heart and the affection was palpable. vocal/piano transcription—on Mozart’s Horn Concerto IV called Ill Wind (from their album At the Drop of Another Not surprisingly, the programme started and ended with Hat) and the legendary live recital of Victor Borge works by Joseph Haydn—one of our most celebrated performing Lizst’s Second Hungarian Rhapsody, along with composers and the man regarded as the father of the concert pianist Sahan Arzruni. symphony and the string quartet. Other composers featured included Mozart, Beethoven, Richard Strauss S. CHIDAMBAR

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with its local audience, which has lost interest in its own Exploring Blues and Indian cultural heritage. Folk Music Knocking on Heaven’s Door narrates the stories of five FILM: Exploring Musical Genres, Two films by Vasudha musicians who are creating their own music and identity Joshi (To Catch the Wind; Songlines), June 9 in a competitive patriarchal society. As women, they Sanjay Barnela and Samreen Farooqui, seek to break many barriers for the pursuit of their love (Knocking on Heaven’s Door), June 18 for music. Shehnaz, the Dandiya-Raas singer in Gujarat, The documentary film festival showcasing musical fashions herself as an androgyne in order to gain easier genres and practices was an exploration of ideas access and fluid mobility, not only across restricted spaces, regarding melody, tune and social understandings of but also beyond taboo practices. She rides a motorbike music and musicians. Vasudha Joshi’s films explored and travels to different parts of the state to play at the linkages that two different genres of music across different Navratra venues to adoring crowds who love cultures and continents may share with each other. her voice and its ‘masti’. For Jivi Ben, singing devotional Through interviews with Baul singers, folk dancers in songs in Rajasthan is difficult but not impossible as Shantiniketan and Indian Blues singers, Joshi tries to she overcomes familial opposition to pursue what she capture the elusive, fleeting beauty of rhythms, tunes truly loves. Yet, despite the international fame of Tripti, and words that embody music. Almost like ‘catching the lead singer of the Blues band Soulmate, it is still the wind’, Baul and other forms of folk music share difficult to convince her mother that she is a musician more than rhythmic tones with Blues that emerged out by profession because of its social unacceptability and of the lives of plantation slaves in America. In Songlines, ‘norm-challenging’ status. this desolation is evident when a Blues musician in Manipur dubs his music Naga Folk Blues to reconnect ANINDITA MAJUMDAR

hearts of her north Indian audience. Summer Melodies Shruti Adhikari’s sonorous santoor recital came later. A FESTIVAL: Summer Festival of Music and Dance gifted disciple of Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma and a graded June 24 and 25 artist of AIR, Shruti is perhaps the first female artiste of santoor. She chose raga Charukeshi and played a detailed The two-day Summer Festival offered a sumptuous feast Aalap Jod Jhala followed by compositions in Rupak Tala of classical music and dance comprising Carnatic and and a Drut Gat in Teentala. Pt. Shiv Shankar Rey provided Hindustani music on the first evening, and Manipuri excellent tabla support. and Kathak dance to conclude with. The dance evening opened with a mesmerising The inaugural evening opened with a Carnatic vocal Manipuri recital by Suman Sarawgi from Kolkata. recital by Lakshmi Suryateja from Vishakhapattanam. Initiated into Manipuri dance by Priti Patel and Shruti A talented disciple of Isai Peroli Dr. Pantula Rama, Bannerjee, Suman was further groomed at the Jawahar Lakshmi earned a scholarship from the Ministry of Lal Manipuri Dance Akademi, Imphal. Accompanied Culture to learn Carnatic vocal and violin. She is a by ace drummers like Pradeep Singh, Surmani Singh graded artiste of the All India Radio (AIR). and Khoiba Singh this evening, her performance Accompanied on mridangam by R. Shridhar and on comprised Dashavatara, Krishna Rati Vilas, Ashtapadis violin by Shankar Raman, she opened her concert from Geetgovinda and Maati that culminated in sheer joy. with Deekshitar’s popular composition Maha The Festival concluded with a Kathak recital by Asavari Ganapatim manasa smaraami…. in raga Nattai. The Rahalkar from Pune. Trained under Guru Rohini Bhate Durga stuti in raga Durga / Arabhi next, was followed and Pt. Rajendra Gangani, Asavari opened with by two compositions of Saint Thyagaraja in raga Krishna Vandana and presented Uthaan, Thaat, Paran Kavitta and Amritvarshini which is quite close to Hindustani Maru Gat-bhaav but left much to be desired. Bihaag except for the Komal Rishabh. The concluding Meera Bhajan Barse badariya saavan ki…. stole the MANJARI SINHA 3 exhibition diary

costumes in various design styles is further embellished A Unique Exhibition with numerous drapes, making for a most remarkable EXHIBITION: When the Pleats Dance design and visual journey. The dancer’s innovative Curator: Sandhya Raman choreography and desire to enhance her visual vocabulary Collaboration: Natya Vriksha and Desmania Foundation and aesthetic construct throws further light on creative June 10–21 collaborations which form a compelling narrative to this ‘The costume’s ability to set the requisite tone at the novel display. start of a performance is a moment of discovery, both The process of dance-costume designing emerges as for the audience, as it is for the dancer’— this realisation choreography discussions that yield to drawings and came alive through a unique exhibition ‘When the Pleats sketches. Fabric samples and colour stories are etched Dance’ and performances to prove the point. out and finally the pleats pressed into shape… Danseuse (Padmashri) Geeta Chandran has evolved an On the presentation, Geeta Chandran says, ‘My first atypical holistic style of classical dance that occasionally realisation of costuming for dance came from my borders on the contemporary. ‘When the Pleats Dance’ devadasi Guru Swarna Saraswathy who would wear is a unique exhibition that traces the evolution of shimmering Kanchipuram silks even to teach juniors Bharatanatyam dance costumes over four decades and like us. When she stood and tucked her pallu into her is based on the personal collection of Geeta Chandran’s costumes and jewellery that have been curated by waist, the transformation was magical. She became a designer Sandhya Raman. dancer. Subsequently, in my effort to re-imagine my dance, I worked on several aspects of performance. And Each decade represents an era in which the dancer of course, costuming became—and has remained—an explores the possibilities of experimentation with a enduring passion. The past decade has been a unique pulse on traditional aesthetics. Beginning with the collaboration with designer Sandhya Raman, who has conventional pavadai (long skirt) Sandhya Raman curated this exceptional exhibition. I hope that my experiments with the cycle-cut pyjama-style, saree and journey into the ‘World of When the Pleats Dance’ will skirt style dance costumes, offering an introduction to inspire other dancers and designers to explore how the the process of dance-costume designing, drawings and sketches, fabric samples, colour stories and other related, dance can be enhanced further still, with the elements of relevant elements. aharya (costuming).’ Separated as costume theorised and designed over four On her journey of costume designing for ‘When the distinct decades, the exhibition links dance, aesthetics Pleats Dance’, Sandhya Raman says, ‘Costumes set the and sociology to narrate a different story through mood of any performance and bring centre stage the familiar and unfamiliar imagery that form four creative identity adopted by the dancer.’ dioramas. The ingenious use of traditional fabrics in the Costumes photographed in action by Rakesh Sahai, and a display of dance jewellery add visual delight to this unusual exhibition. To illustrate the link between movement and costume, there were dance demonstrations by senior dancers of Natya Vriksha. Through the performances, curator Sandhya Raman wished to show/demonstrate how movement brings costume design alive for dance. Thus, Sandhya Raman’s endeavour in ‘When the Pleats Dance’ resonates with the synergy between the dance, the dancer and the costumes. MANJARI SINHA

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intricate patterns with coloured threads, adorable little Women’s World girls perched on cane stools (mudas), or simply plaiting EXHIBITION: Daughters Unplucked each other’s hair. by Laishram Meena Devi, May 7–13 Meena says she likes painting children for their Laishram Meena Devi’s solo show opened up a innocence. While this series has plain backgrounds, world of nostalgic charm. Aptly entitled, ‘Daughters I personally liked the knife effect that she has used in Unplucked’, Meena Devi’s first solo exhibition, of earlier paintings, which add a depth and dimension to acrylic on canvas, had on display a series of portraits the figures. Explaining, Meena said, ‘I have kept the of women that draw from her roots in Manipur. background of the portraits in this series in a solid plain Influenced by the matriarchal family system of colour to keep the emphasis on the faces. I’m going Manipur, she consciously asserts the prominent through a phase where I want to draw attention to the position of women in family settings in her portraits. Her feminine form is artless, simple yet entrancing, detailing on women and children’s dress, hairdo and innocent yet complex, reflecting the influence of everyday objects that are typical to this area.’ natural beauty. Even though a very young artist, Meena has already Meena uses vibrant colours to infuse life into the beautiful found a voice and a style, which is uniquely signature. faces of her portraits. The attributes of the female Her work is a chronicle of the kind of freedom, inward form emerge subtly in her compositions. The figures beauty and simple joys of life that are a significant part appear to emerge from the realm of her observations of her artistic vision. Her portraits, once seen, are images and imagination of life as she saw it in Manipur. The that you won’t easily forget. cameos draw on charming scenes between cousins and girls playing simple village games with stones, weaving MADHUMITA GHOSH

had the signature of her Guru. Creating the atmosphere Hindustani Vocal of the raga with a short Auchaar or introductory Aalap, PERFORMANCE: Vocal Recital by she presented a traditional Bada Khayal ‘vaari jaaun re…’ Shatavisha Mukherjee, May 15 set to Tilwada Tala, and a Chhota Khayal ‘Gurun ki seekh saanchi maan le…. set to Teentala. The gradual progression With a view to promoting young talent with potential, of the raga through the rendering of Vilambit and Madhya the India International Centre has been organising compositions followed the rules of the raga. concerts for them at regular intervals. One such concert laya Khayal of Hindustani classical music by Shatavisha Mukherjee, The crystal clear Aakaar and Bol Taans vouched for a young vocalist and a scholar at the prestigious ITC- her Riyaaz. Sangeet Research Academy (SRA), Kolkata, was Raga Kaamod was a lively contrast with a slow held recently. composition in Jhoomara and the popular Bandish 'Kaare Born into a music-loving family, Shatavisha learnt her jaane ne doongi…' in Teentala. Shatavisha concluded first musical notes at the age of three-and-a-half years her melodious concert with a couple of Meera bhajans from Pt. A. Kanan, a resident Guru at the SRA, and immortalised by B.D. Paluskar like ‘Chalo Mana Ganga joined the SRA by the time she was six. After the demise Jamuna teer…’ and ‘Payoo ji maine…’, but they sounded of Pt. A. Kanan, she came under the tutelage of Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar and became the youngest scholar of the SRA similar. Shatavisha could have avoided it by singing the to perform at the Silver Jubilee Year of the ITC Sangeet second bhajan in some other raga. The accompanists for Sammelan, Kolkata. this performance were Shri Jayanta Sarkar on tabla, and Smt. Paramita Mukherjee on harmonium. The very first Sur-Lagaav of her seasoned voice at the opening of her concert with the serene evening raga Shree, MANJARI SINHA

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The impact was such that IIC’s main auditorium was The Courtesan not just packed but there was that ongoing attention to PERFORMANCE: The Courtesan–An Enigma. Based on grasp more, some more details about the courtesans… Pran Nevile’s Nautch Girls of India about those bygones. Introduction by Pran Nevile, followed by a concert featuring Manjari Chaturvedi performing Darbari Kathak, And when I asked Pran Nevile as to ‘why’ he decided accompanied by Neesha Singh to focus attention on them, he said, ‘There is no Collaboration: K.L. Saigal Memorial Circle, May 20 equivalent to the courtesans of India and Pakistan. They were an institution by themselves. They were highly Perhaps it would not be amiss to say that 92-year-old accomplished and they were instrumental in preserving diplomat-author Pran Nevile is an enigma himself! our traditional arts, classical dance and music. I have This oldest surviving writer in the country continues to always wanted to give them the status, that recognition, write book after book and is actively involved in hosting the importance they deserved…’ musical evenings, highlighting glimpses of our glorious Yes, he did get to meet several of them and his favourite musical past. was the Lahore-based courtesan, Tamancha Jaan. The most recent such evening was ‘The Courtesan – An Pran Nevile has been successful in focusing attention on Enigma’, where Manjari Chaturvedi performed kathak in the courtesans, though he laments that they are all dead the backdrop of narrations by actress Neesha Singh from and gone… becoming part of the bygones. Quipping, Pran Nevile’s book, Nautch Girls of India. It was indeed he said, ‘Today I’m their sole representative !’ a heady mix–Pran Nevile’s words, Manjari Chaturvedi’s darbari kathak, and Neesha Singh’s narrations along the HUMRA QURAISHI strain of stories of some of our fascinating courtesans.

any field of civilised life that was not reflected in these A Marginalised Language writings. DISCUSSION: Prakrit–The Language and the Literature Panellists: Professor J.B. Shah; Professor Jagat Ram The fact that it has been the language of common Bhattacharya; and Samani Charitrprajna people does not diminish its importance. Prakrit Chair: Dr. G.C. Tripathi, June 2 became a literary language patronised by ancient kings. For example, Maharashtri Prakrit was commonly An extraordinary panel discussion was organised by IIC spoken until 875 ad and was the official language of on Prakrit: The Language and the Literature. The panellists the Satvahana dynasty. Works like Karpurmanjari and rightly began the discussion by acknowledging the Saptashati (150 bc) were written in it. Since these kings diminution of this language which constituted India’s wanted their citizens to read their edicts in the language life world between 1500 bc to 500 bc, the period of its they spoke, it became a language of good governance origin and flourishing. Prakrit is among several middle- and ethics. Emperor Ashoka (268-232 bc) had his Indo-Aryan vernacular languages and derived from old inscriptions written in Prakrit. Indo-Aryan languages. It is often argued that though Talking about the marginalisation of this great language Prakrit predates Sanskrit in its existence in its spoken also brought awareness to how thinly we understand our form, Sanskrit acquired the status of a classical language history and languages. Reading our literature written in due to the significant literature it produced. The panel Prakrit can put us in contact with our sense of being, discussion focused on the diverse literature Prakrit also its narratives, humour and scientificity, and a sense of produced, particularly Aagam Literature and the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism, Prakrit grammar and grammar that governed the writing of spoken language. lyrics, plays and epics of the time. There was hardly SAVITA SINGH

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of dignity and self-respect among other virtues. In the A Rashtrakavi course of reciting poems, Upendra Nath categorically TALK: Celebrating Legendary Poets. Maithili Sharan underscored the literary genre employed by Maithili Gupt–Focus on His Well Known Poem Yashodhara Sharan Gupt in scripting Yashodhara. He remarked that Keynote Address: Dr. Sudheer Pratap Singh Gupt holds the distinction of using the Khari Boli script Speakers: Upendra Kumar; Upendra Nath and Anamika instead of the prevailing Brajbhasha. Chair: Dr. Ganga Prasad Vimal Collaboration: The Poetry Society, India, May 15 Outlining the significance of Yashodhara, Upendra Kumar referred to Agneya and was in full agreement Maithili Sharan Gupt, fondly called Rashtrakavi with his remarks that Maithili Sharan Gupt happened by the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi, and to be the last prominent poet of the oral tradition. In his awarded the Padmabhushan in 1954, created a wave partial recitation of Yashodhara, he alluded to variegated of undying inspiration, especially among freedom connotations inherently germane to Yashodhara fighters. His poems are, by and large, indicative of his as a character. unalloyed devotion to and firm belief in the scriptures Expressing her views in English, Dr. Anamika presented like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, including those a critical, laconic and pregnant description of Maithili of other religions. His work Yashodhara revolving Sharan Gupt's literature in the process of the personality around Yashodhara, the wife of Lord Buddha, is a development of women in the first half of the 19th case in point. century. In particular, she emphasised how Yashodhara Dr. Sudheer Pratap Singh, while delivering the keynote carved out a niche for herself amidst the milieu besieged address, deliberated upon the various aspects ingrained in by conventional norms. Yashodhara by Maithili Sharan Gupt, bearing the essence UPENDRA NATH

Presenting several works by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Precision and Dexterity who was ranked among the finest pianists of his time, PERFORMANCE: Concert–Piano Recital is a daunting and challenging task. Her playing was By Vivian Doskow marked by keen precision, rhythmic drive, a notable Collaboration: Seher, May 28 (and judicious) use of staccato and an unfailing ability to maintain clarity while playing works with complex It is, indeed, a rare delight to listen to a musical structures. Her dexterity and skill were clearly evident instrument being played by a virtuoso artist with the in her rapidly fleeting fingers as they flew over the piano incredible ability to make almost every musical line keys. The dark, chromatic phrases in Rachmaninoff's sing, no matter how long the notes or how complex the Etude Op. 39 No. 2 transported the mind to a supporting texture. Such a unique treat was showcased relevant moment and place in history that possibly by American classical pianist Vivian Doskow as she reflected Rachmaninoff's disturbed state of mind performed an intensely classical piano concert featuring at the time. Vivian’s excellent rendition of Chopin’s works of Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Beethoven and Liszt. Prelude in D Flat major, Op. 28 No. 15 demonstrated A comprehensive mix of music aficionados, diplomats, her deep understanding of the impact of minimalism students and musicians packed the honey-combed Stein and dynamics. auditorium to capacity, as Vivian’s dedication to her art is noteworthy, and she they hung played her entire concert purely from memory. Bathed on each and in sweat, her entire being was a picture of concentration, every note and as her fingers danced over ebony and ivory, there that Vivian came a golden, living tone and an accuracy bordering presented with on infallibility. It was, most certainly, a classical piano razor-sharp concert in its truest sense! precision and DEEPAK CASTELINO free expression. 7 talk diary

While one is left longing to hear the voices of the Justice and Conflict two women who were prey to the magistrate and the FILM: The Justice Project–Bangladesh, Nepal, India, institution he represented, the strength of the film lies Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the unassuming character of the woman in court. In May 25, 27, 29, 30 this documentary, the immense violence of the act of rape and the legal procedure that follows is reflected in Under the Justice Project, more than a dozen researchers the seemingly mundane figures who are forced out of and five filmmakers from Asia worked to research the theme of justice and conflict. Some of the films they ordinary situations. made were screened at the IIC. The Walnut Tree: Ammar Aziz captures life in a camp Castaway Man: This film is a combination of a detective where suffering and nostalgia coexist with the need to film and an anthropological investigation. Kesang Tseten survive. This documentary is set in Jalozai, the largest traces the figure of Dor Bahadur Bista, a controversial relief camp in Pakistan, where thousands of internally Nepali intellectual who mysteriously disappeared in displaced families are compelled to live. It sensitively 1996. This journey leads him to Varanasi where the presents the story of one of the inhabitants, Baba and anthropologist was spotted years after his disappearance. his family. The overarching narrative of social, physical A critique of the caste system in Nepal emerges through and psychological violence on civilians at the time of different conversations around the personal and public war between the state and terror groups is not unheard life of Dor Bahadur. There is a constant movement between his past and the present lives of people from of. However, this film is strikingly different as it avoids different castes. Since the film’s narrative is that of a a one-dimensional narrative of the subjects as victims or biography, it reveals the complexities within the person heroes, and this is done by showing contrasting views on it follows. The film engages with a very pertinent camp life found in those who live there. There are many question in anthropology, which is the figure of the poignant and powerful moments in the film, especially anthropologist itself, his/her subject, ethics and politics. when the camera patiently observes the subjects.

Silence in the Courts: Prasanna Vithanage astutely provides The Factory: Rahul Roy follows one of the most a cinematic and animated interface to legal documents controversial legal trials in India at present, the Maruti and newspaper articles. The conflict between liberal Suzuki versus the Workers’ case. At the heart of this trial journalism and an invasive legal system is presented through the struggles of a rape victim and her husband. lies the murder of a manager which put 147 workers in jail. Roy documents the procedures of legality which preclude justice. He also attempts to look at the economic and political questions around labour movements and capitalism in a country that aspires to shine in the global market. The film goes outside the courts to follow the impact of the case on the personal lives of these workers, their families and a difficult but necessary mobilisation of a labour movement. The strongest point of the film is the simplicity with which Roy lets these stories unfold, which is indeed the best way to narrate the complex turn of events. This film also comes in an important moment in the history of India where labour does not even figure in the ‘national’ imagination of ‘development’. LEKI THUNGON

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interpretations into architecture, and endorsed the The Spread of Buddhism value of symbolic representations in the material world EXHIBITION AND BOOK DISCUSSION: The Golden presented in the work. Lands–Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam by Vikram Lall (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Ambassador Shyam Saran said that the work has J.F. Publishing, 2014) uncovered the historical imprint of India in other Panellists: Dr. Lokesh Chandra; Dr. Subhash C. Malik; countries. He felt that Buddhist representations in Professor Nalini Thakur; and Ambassador Shyam Saran South East Asia have borrowed key concepts from India Chair: Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan, June 12 that were reshaped by indigenous traditions which have been highlighted by the author. Vikram Lall discussed his work as a means to explore the Nalini Thakur appreciated the holistic and integrated symbolic, utilitarian, technical and aesthetic meanings approach that Lall has presented in his work. of the buildings shaped by the philosophy, practice and rituals of Buddhism. He described his travels to study S.C. Malik said that we live in an age where the evolution of architecture in the Buddhist world as everything is fragmented and there is a strong need for it spread to different countries. He has represented the contextualisation which has been achieved by the auther collected data through three-dimensional computer by looking at cultural and sacred landscapes. models which can be seen as a repository for further In the end, Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan said that through his research. He perceives architecture in an inclusive manner architectural language, Lall has been able to achieve through a comparative framewor k to understand the the syncrasy between different disciplines such as art, contrasts and similarities between different narratives, archaeology, etc. She also emphasised the importance which also were showcased through his exhibition of philosophical and etymological roots in the research. and six volumes. The book constantly explores interactions between Dr. Lokesh Chandra emphasised the relevance of the Indian and local and its impacts on different fields. etymologies of words, colours, numbers and their VRINDA JARIWALA

on the Indian side was no longer ‘traditional’ and Fishermen's Dispute wreaked havoc on Sri Lankan marine ecology as well as TALK: India-Sri Lanka–The Fishermen Dispute by the livelihood of poor Lankan fishermen. When the Sri Professor V. Suryanarayan Lankan civil war began, fishing on the Lankan side was Chair: H.E. Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne, June 9 banned but Indian trawlers continued to fish. After the The programme began with H.E. Sudharshan Seneviratne war ended in 2009, fishing resumed on the Lankan side enlightening the audience on the significance of the Palk but was outcompeted by big, invasive trawlers. Hence, Strait as a region of immense archaeological importance, an immediate ban on trawling has been recommended. its reference in the revered Sangam Literature and, Moreover, instances of the Indian Coast Guard opening most importantly, as the bridge between the Tamils of fire on Lankan fishermen for allegedly entering Indian both sides. The Fishermen Dispute, he explained, had waters were cited as international maritime law violations to do with post-colonial territorial demarcation, the by the Indian side. Sri Lankan civil war, and technological advancements Concluding, Professor Suryanarayan suggested an which introduced trawlers for fishing. amicable solution. The creation of a ‘Palk Bay Authority’ Professor Suryanarayan explained that the 1974 was recommended, consisting of representatives from agreement to demarcate the maritime border as well as both sides. Its function would be to take consensus- to hand over the Kachchatheevu islands to Sri Lanka based decisions on fishing days, duration and the by India was the beginning of the discontent. Despite region’s ecological enrichment, thereby making the site the islands being given to Sri Lanka ‘traditional fishing a ‘common heritage’, and not a ‘contested territory’. rights’ of Indian fishermen were retained. However, the introduction of mechanised trawlers meant that fishing PRATEEK JOSHI 9 talks diary

Ashim Roy began by differentiating between the the phases When the Earth Shook of rescue, relief and rehabilitation and reconstruction. DISCUSSION: Nepal Earthquake–Role of SAARC in He argued that given the scale, rescue and relief should Disaster Management and Reconstruction in South Asia be the mandate of SAARC and of governments. It is in Speakers: Ajay Gondane; Sheel Kant Sharma; Kanak the area of rehabilitation and reconstruction that people’s Mani Dixit and Ashim Roy movements and local knowledge should be harnessed Collaboration: People’s SAARC India Secretariat, June 4 with the democratic ethos, grounding the SAARC process amongst people while ensuring reconstruction Ajay Gondane said that SAARC has been restricted to aids in the economic development of the local area. seminar halls and had not rooted itself. Had that been the case, the Nepal earthquake response would have been Kanak Mani Dixit echoed the importance of people’s different. Notwithstanding the tsunami of 2004 and the agency and the need to invoke the South Asian spirit earthquake of 2005, disaster response at the SAARC level beyond national-political boundaries. He lamented that even data—seismic and flood data for example— is still a challenge. is a state secret in India and China and is not shared Sheel Kant Sharma lamented on the perfect response openly as is done in Nepal. While the military response being hijacked by unnecessary chest-thumping public to disasters in South Asia is well developed, robust, relations, but did laud country-governments’ efforts and civilian response was lacking. The Nepali response was India’s prompt response. He hoped people’s dynamism a narrative of contrasts where foreign aid dependence would resuscitate the official SAARC process and had made Nepali resourcefulness effete, yet the young called on People’s SAARC to show the way. He also professionals rose to the occasion with their technical urged the audience to appeal to SAARC to release at skills. It was this cadre which held forth hope, and the least $1million from the SAARC Development Fund’s cultural restoration needed to be made a public effort corpus of $3million for Nepal's reconstruction, adding for public art to strengthen the principles of subsidiarity, that if the rules need to be amended for this, then it pride and agency, he concluded. should be done. BIRAJ SWAIN

of building norms; no different unfortunately, in India. Langtang Remembered The trek into this area, just north-east of Kathmandu, TALK: Remembering Langtang is a delightful one. We were treated visually to a set Speaker: Deb Mukharji, June 25 of amazing slides of deep fir and pine forests, clusters There was a double disappointment for the speaker of gentians, and sometimes walking quite close to the who not only had to abort his plans to visit Langtang gushing river, and always within sight of the giant because of the earthquake, but to also see the impact Himalayan peaks like Langtang Lirung and Gosainthang. on his much loved picturesque trekking valley. He Although there was wildlife, he didn’t spot the fabled first showed us the images of the cataclysmic upheaval Red Panda nor run into Himalayan bears. However, he in the Langtang valley that showed the obliterated did make up by at least getting some spectacular views of villages of Langtang and all the way up to Kyanjing the same mountain range when he travelled to the ‘other Gompa at 3,870m. The tsunami of avalanches off (Tibetan plateau) side’ during his overland journey a few the beautiful 7,000m mountain of Langtang Lirung years later. that pummelled the villages flat were hard to believe Curiously, there was a slide of the great tradition of and understand. making cheese through the abundance of Yak milk at Deb Mukharji has clear views on mountain development K. Gompa—after all, Langtang does mean ‘Follow the that don’t necessarily agree with current models of Yak’—and this was done with Swiss collaboration. But Himalayan development. He mentioned, particularly, the prize that evening was the set of his evocative slides that had the quake been of the earlier intensity of 8.2 with the autumnal reds, browns, greens and orange that as in the 1930s in Kathmandu, the destruction would made many pictures look like paintings. have been more than catastrophic thanks to the flouting MANDIP SINGH SOIN 10 diary discussions

with mythology and organised the articles into seven The Art of Diplomacy parts on the basis of Saptchiranjeevs. Saptchiranjeevis are DISCUSSION: Applied Diplomacy–Through the Prism of immortal men described in the Puranas, the Ramayana, Mythology: Writings of T.P. Sreenivasan, edited by Divya and the Mahabharata, each symbolising an aspect of S. Iyer (New Delhi: Wisdom Tree, 2014) diplomacy in Sreenivasan’s life. The book makes it amply Panellists: Dr. Bibek Debroy; Ambassador B. S. clear that diplomacy is not only a profession, but the Prakash; Ambassador Kanwal Sibal; T.P. Sreenivasan; and Dr. Divya S. Iyer. art of dealing with issues of national and international Chair: Mr. Suresh Prabu, Minister, Railways, May 6 importance. During the discussion, Ambassador Sreenivasan talked The IIC hosted a panel discussion on Applied Diplomacy: profoundly about various policy issues and relations Through the Prism of Mythology. This book amalgamates with Pakistan, China, the US and Japan. He also past and present, tradition and modernity, and real life talked about nuclear energy and then went back to his experiences and legendary beliefs. It contains the writings Malayalee roots and focused on the problems of the of former IFS officer Ambassador T.P. Sreenivasan. The region. An exceptional writer and unrelenting speaker, articles selected in the book were prolifically written Sreenivasan put forth his arguments with a pinch of his by the author for various magazines, newspapers and subtle humour. academic writings. These have been interwoven with mythology and meticulously grouped by Dr. Iyer in The book is a commentary on subject matters related to an appealing manner. She has selected 49 articles or Indian diplomacy. It gives an insight about what being essays from the personal and published collections of a diplomat is all about and is an excellent work for all Ambassador Sreenivasan. IFS aspirants. Dr. Iyer came up with the idea of interspersing diplomacy DAISY DEKA

took forward Ghai’s personal quests and perspective Ability-Disability Continuum and the demographic absence of the world of ideas DISCUSSION: Rethinking Disability in India. related to the social presence of disability. His analysis A discussion and main presentation around the new of the deceptively minimalist cover of the book with the book by Dr. Anita Ghai (New Delhi: Routledge, 2015) letters of the words in different fonts and colour was Discussants: Dr. Tanmoy Bhattacharya, Harsh Mander and Brinda Karat, May 14 indicative of the subversion, and perhaps suppression, of the marginalised. Drawing from the contents of The panellists presented an insightful analysis on the the book, he identified the dynamic link between the current discourse on the contentious relationship availability of audio-visual, print materials, experiential between positioning disability in contexts of social accounts, interactive spaces of difference to prompt indifference and absence of knowledge about difference. review, reflection and reframing of societal perceptions The author powerfully unfolded the struggles of of the ability-disability continuum to an enriched the disabled amidst the ‘hegemony of the abled’, understanding of the spread of what is ‘normative’. and experiencing ‘social apartheid’ as defective and Harsh Mander elaborated on the unique ways in disapproved objects under the sharp gaze of the non- which Anita Ghai has reconnected and recounted disabled. The book was written in the spirit of opening her experiences to provide a push for centre-staging avenues for dialogue between varying social ability academic fervour in enhancing social, emotional, sexual groups, addressing the experiential terrain of the and intellectual knowledge about differences in knowing disabled and voicing the collective angst of communities and viewing the world. Brinda Karat provided excellent with difference as ‘hope may be an accomplished liar but anchoring and comments to bind the discussion and hope is all that we have’. An evocatively charged urge for expand on the diversity of disability issues and challenges. the coexistence of different normalities was equally well pushed by both the panellists. Tanmoy Bhattacharya ASHA SINGH

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terrain, and made it all come alive. How exactly proto- Rise of the Eukaryotes species persuaded each other to link up so intimately THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LECTURES in form and function, like a twin-bodied warrior, is The Astonishing Story of the First Complex Cells a bit of a mystery. Did it happen all at once or over Speaker: Professor Mukund Thattai time? Paralleling the development of species was the Chair: Professor Sanjay Jain, May 1 development of technologies such as the telescope and its successors. Humanity learned that there were forms At the heart of the ‘rise’, in the history of life, of the of life we couldn’t see, in puddles and bits of grime. We eukaryotic cell is the root idea of sex, the original dance of saw what they were made of. How they had evolved, chromosomal and other material from which symbiotic grown into diverse, splendiferous things. We are still forms emerged that intermingled their identities, discovering new, improbable domains of life. And acting in coordination as a new one, juxtaposing such the eukaryote remains the chimera of evolution, the opposites as oxygen-loving and oxygen-fearing cells and most unlikely teaming up of unrelated forms of life tissues from the two constituent entities. The talk began to create newness. Cautioning against alarmism over against the evocative backdrop of Gauguin’s ‘Where do such things as bio-terrorism, Professor Thattai was We Come From? What are We? Where are We Going?’; nonetheless concerned over the sheer pace and scale of with the painting as a thematic parallel. DNA’s movements across the Earth. FEDEX (as in the From Darwin’s evolutionary tree as a succinct, wordless, service provider, not the ‘server’) came in for singular, pictorial expression of the naturalist’s breakthrough, to though possibly, understandable culpability as a DNA current taxonomical expressions of species relationships, proliferator. We live in a post-natural ecology. Professor Mukund Thattai took us through interesting MAHADEVAN RAMASWAMY

Her question was about what women’s lives are made of Discovering Islands and can they be isolated islands? She referred to some of BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP: Islands–Short Stories by the stories like ‘Bird Island’ which invokes the trope of Keki N. Daruwalla (New Delhi: Tranquebar Press, 2014) the waiting mother. Lal felt that through his writings, Panellists: Dr. Malashri Lal; Dr. Rakhshanda Jalil; Daruwalla is writing back to Donne and bringing the Keki N. Daruwalla narrative to South Asia. Chair: Professor Alok Bhalla, June 26 Keki Daruwalla read from his book and mentioned At the outset, Professor Alok Bhalla offered a few that each one is an island, and there are echoes of the comments on the genre of island fiction. He referred conversion business in the stories. to the travels of Odysseus to various islands after the Trojan war, and also of Aeneas. Islands are used as ironic Rakhshanda Jalil also stated that the book is a counters to the societies people are escaping from. continuation of the genre of island fiction from Homer Bhalla also mentioned the Tempest, and other fiction like to modern times. Yeats had referred to the ‘Lake Isle Lord of the Flies, Gulliver’s Travels, as well as Hollywood of Innisfree’. Ghalib also picks up many meanings of films which deal with islands. He reiterated that Keki island. It is a reference to adventure, reinventing yourself Daruwalla’s books are ironic studies. and starting with a clean slate. Islands can also become a metaphor of a space as in landlocked islands. Then, Malashri Lal stated that Keki Daruwalla writes against there are floating islands that appear and disappear. She the grain in foregrounding islands, and quoted from also compared Daruwalla’s writing to Corbett’s in the John Donne: names, sounds, smells and sense, and was struck by his ‘No man is an island entire of itself... meticulousness in dating all the stories. She mentioned And therefore never send to know for whom the that his book is an interesting one in a globalised world bell tolls where there are no islands. It tolls for thee.’ RACHNA JOSHI

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There were also voices from the ground. Ibrahim ‘Ibra’ An Island Nation Ismail, politician and former member of the People’s DISCUSSION: DIALOGUE SERIES–DEMOCRACY IN Majlis and the Special Majlis, speaking via Skype, SOUTH ASIA. Maldives–An Imperiled Democracy dwelt on how the pro-democracy movement was Collaboration: Peoples’ SAARC, May 7 being muzzled. Raghu Menon of Amnesty International that has Sustained human rights violations and the crackdown released a report on the unrest in the archipelago gave against civil liberties in the Maldives have focused instances of human rights violations. attention on what the international community, particularly India, can do to help the pro-democracy While India recently asked the island nation to ensure that opposition in the island nation. the space for legitimate political dissent is safeguarded, former Ambassador Kuldip Sahdev, who headed the The Maldives has hit international headlines since MEA’s Maldives division, pointed out that India has 2012, when President Abdul Gayoom’s allies staged a already missed the chance to intervene when the coup coup d’état, forcing the ouster of Mohamed Nasheed. took place. Referring to the strategic importance of the The subsequent election that saw Nasheed replaced Maldives, he said like in the past where India had hosted by Gayoom’s half-brother, Abdulla Yameen, has been Opposition leaders from Pakistan, Bangladesh and followed by a spate of political arrests and protests by Sri Lanka, there has been limited interaction with the pro-democracy activists. Opposition from Male. India, which has so far resisted a strong statement on New Delhi should not withdraw from intervening, the Maldivian crisis, is being implored to intervene. because it would be accused of playing ‘big brother’ he Speakers highlighted the human rights violations that pointed out; but should instead focus on how to carve are being reported, cited the irregularities in the trial of out a role for itself to help reinstate democracy in the former President Nasheed who has been sentenced to 13 island nation. years following charges of terrorism and other political detainees. SMRITI KAK

vocabulary rooted in Sanskrit. He lamented that most Whither Tajikistan? of the earnings of Tajik workers in Russia were spent TALK: Tajikistan in the 21st Century–Society, Polity and on Chinese products, much to the detriment of Tajik Economy. Discussion on a book edited by Professor K. industrial development. Warikoo and Professor Khojamahamad Umarov published by Pentagon Press. Panellists: Professor Devendra Yogendra Kumar, former Ambassador of India in Kaushik; Ambassador Vivek Katju; Professor Riyaz Tajikistan, underlined the significance of ethno-cultural Punjabi; Professor Khoja Umarov; Professor K. Warikoo linkages between India and Tajikistan and mentioned Chair: Dr. Lokesh Chandra the dramatic transformation of Central Asia since the Collaboration: Himalayan Research and Cultural collapse of the Soviet Union. Professor Riyaz Punjabi, Foundation and Pentagon Press, May 11 former Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University, found this book extremely valuable in scope and range of Professor Warikoo started with a power point themes covered. Dr. Lokesh Chandra, Chairperson, presentation introducing the work of the Himalayan ICCR, recalled the great Indo-Persian poet Mirza Cultural and Research Foundation. Speaking on the Abdul Qadir, better known as Bedil Dehlavi who was occasion, Tajikistan’s Ambassador to India, Mirzosharil ethnically a Tajik from Uzbekistan. He also referred to A. Jalolo, remarked on the significance of this reference Tajik influence on the famous observatories like Jantar work. Referring to prospective trade ties, defence and Mantar. Professor Khojamahamad Umarov, one of the strategic partnerships between the two ancient nations, editors, emphasised the historic ties between the two this book, he added, will prove to be extremely valuable nations and stated that the work being released was for all future research in a comparative framework. not just an example of academic collaboration but bore Devendra Kaushik, former Chairman, Maulana Azad ample testimony to a confluence of shared interests and Institute of Asian Studies, spoke nostalgically of his emotions. long, personal association with Tajikistan, emphasising similarities in language, linguistics and common INDRAJIT 13 review diary

beautiful Kashmir Valley is a prime tourist destination Relief and Rehabilitation of the world. It made vivid the immense sufferings of the FILM: Operation Meghrahat–A Leap from Despair to ordinary people of Kashmir from the colossal impact of Hope the gigantic and partly man-made natural disaster. The Directed by Brigadier A. A. Mehmood, May 18 Valley has witnessed many massive flood disasters in the past but the September 2014 floods were, however, the The documentary film Operation Meghrahat: A Leap from worst in terms of devastation, destruction and massive directed by A.A. Mehmood, Brigadier Despair to Hope displacement of human beings. The floods in the Information System, HQ, 15 Corps of the Indian Army, famous Jhelum river in particular went beyond all limits was screened at the IIC. The film was produced by General causing vast destruction and damage to life and property. Staff Information Branch, HQ 15 Corps at Srinagar. It Some of the factors behind the floods were large-scale dealt with the massive and unprecedented September 2014 floods in the Kashmir Valley and brought out the deforestation and mining activities in the upper reaches spectacular rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations of the Himalayas; lack of de-silting of rivers; overflowing by the Indian army with the support of the National of spill channels; expanding villages and massive land Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), the Indian Air Force, the system changes; unplanned and injudicious construction Indian Navy and the active participation of Kashmiri of buildings in catchment areas; and unprecedented and youth. All made immense contributions to minimising rapid climatic changes. The film documented in clinical the loss of human life and the destruction of property. detail the rescue, relief and rehabilitation services carried The film screening was followed by a lively discussion. out by the army and others. The film made a powerful impact, especially since the K.S. SUBRAMANIAN

While in conversation with Vibha Chauhan, Sagari Unknown Freedom Fighters reminisced about her travels to various countries in DISCUSSION: In Search of Freedom–Journeys through South-East Asia while researching her book where she India and South-East Asia by Sagari Chhabra met and recorded the testimonies of former volunteers Collaboration: HarperCollins, May 19 and freedom fighters, a part of the expatriate Indian It was an emotional moment for Sagari Chhabra. The population in South-East Asia, including iconic women former journalist-turned-author took us through her cadets of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment (the all-women cathartic journey, speaking during the launch of her brigade of the Indian National Army founded by captain gripping book, In Search of Freedom–Journeys through India Laksmi Sehgal under the guidance of Netaji Subhas . and South-East Asia Chandra Bose to fight the British in Burma) such as The spirited author shared her experiences and challenges Janaki Devar, Rasammah Bhupalan, the Navratnam in attempting to meet these veterans, frequently sisters, as also male cadets Gandhi Nathan and D.R. in military junta-controlled Burma, where she was Sharma, among others, who were struck by Subhas frequently placed under surveillance. Sagari brought the Chandra Bose’s charisma and his slogan, tum mujhe khoon stories of these unknown and unacknowledged freedom fighters from Burma, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, do main tumhe azaadi doonga. from the margins to centre stage. Even though most had Sagari’s experiences invoked intense audience reactions. never set foot in India they were willing to die for India’s Most were overwhelmed with emotion to learn about freedom. the sacrifices of these fiercely loyal patriots who today The book was released by living legends Lt. Mamata B. remain forgotten, some even stateless as citizens of no Mehta, veteran freedom fighter and member of the Rani country, and were enthused to mobilise support for Jhansi regiment, and Kuldip Nayar, eminent journalist, these surviving freedom fighters. accompanied with the unfurling of the national flag and singing of the national anthem. GAURIKA KAPOOR

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Obituary A-1774 Shri B.S.V. Rao M-1354 Shri A.C. Wadhawan A-2042 Shri Charles M. Correa M-1505 Shri M.N. Buch A-2575 Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S.K. Pillai M-1900 Professor K.C. Sivaramakrishnan A-2638 Shri S.N. Acharya M-2278 Shri Suresh Kumar Neotia A-2933 Smt. Tara Dayal M-2977 Justice Ajoy Nath Ray A-5197 Brig. Yash Pal Sethi A-5390 Shri M.M. Jain A-5618 Smt. Mohini Bhatia Notices Annual Subscription: As per Rule 9 of the Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations of the IIC, it shall be the responsibility of the Members to ensure due and timely payment of subscription. Members were required to pay their Annual Subscription by 31 May 2015. In case Members have not paid the Annual Subscription, they are requested to pay the same latest by 31 July 2015. The names of Members whose subscription falls in arrears shall be suspended from the rolls and shall be liable for the prescribed penalty in order to restore the membership.

Errattum: The review of the Special Concert in honour of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh (18 March 2015) published in the IIC Diary, March-April 2015 did not mention that the programme was conceptualised by Shri Suhas Borker. The omission is regretted.

Block the Dates: The much-awaited IIC Experience 2015 will be held from 29 October to 4 November

Highlights for July-August 2015

Lectures in crafting the biography of ancient India’s most 27 July 2015 at 6:30 pm in Conference Room I extraordinary emperor which has recently been published Bollywood Does Shakepeare as Ashoka in Ancient India (Permanent Black) Illustrated lecture by Dr. Pravina Cooper, Lecturer, 11 August 2015 at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium Comparative World Literature, California State Prem Bhatia Memorial Lecture 2015 University, Long Beach To be delivered by Dr. Pratap Bhanu Mehta, President, Dr. Cooper will examine the ideological implications of Centre for Policy Research Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider, Omkara and Maqbool; how and Discussions to what ends does Bhardwaj’s work align with the central 8 August 2015 at 6:30 pm in the Annexe Lecture moral dilemmas at the heart of Shakespeare’s Renaissance Room II texts and to what extent does his work re-write them? Indian History and Civilisation 30 July 2015 at 6:30 pm in Conference Room I Launch and discussion on the Collected Works of Indian Archaeology Professor S.C. Malik Divine Mohra of Himachal Pradesh Edited by Professor Alok Tripathi Illustrated lecture by Dr. Kirit Mankodi about the Devatas Speakers: Dr. Rakesh Tewari, Director-General, or , worshipped in Himachal Pradesh Mohras Archaelogical Survey of India; H.E. Professor Sudharshan 31 July 2015 at 6:30 pm in Conference Room I Seneviratne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka; Dr. Nalini Frontiers of History Thakur, School of Planning & Architecture; and Struggling with History, Living with Ashoka: My Shri Jawhar Sircar, CEO, Prasar Bharati Encounter with Biography Performances Speaker: Dr. Nayanjot Lahiri 20 July 2015 at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium Chair: Dr. Rudrangshu Mukherjee Concert Nayanjot Lahiri will speak on the joys and challenges Presented by The Fidelio Trio–Darragh Morgan (violin);

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Adi Tal (cello); and Mary Dullea (piano) Documentary, Sydney Film Festival 2014; and Best With Patricia Rozario, soprano Documentary award, Canberra International Film Festival 2014 The artists will present works by Shostakovich, Jonathan Dove (with verse by Vikram Seth), Haydn and Saint- Pat Fiske will introduce the film and screening will be Seans followed by a discussion 6 August 2015 at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium At 7:45 pm Mohini Scarlet Road Bharatanatyam recital by Justin McCarthy from Delhi Directors: Catherine Scott and Pat Fiske Exhibitions 25 July 2015 from 10:00 am onwards in the 17 to 23 July 2015 at the Annexe Art Gallery, Auditorium 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Jabbed–Love, Fear and Vaccines Flight to Freedom Director: Sonya Pemberton An exhibition of Chigiri-e paper art At 12:00 noon By Jyotirmoy Ray from Delhi Sons and Mothers Inauguration by Shri Rajeev Lochan, Director, National Director: Christopher Houghton Gallery of Modern Art on Thursday, 16 July 2015 at 6:30 At 2:00 pm Chigiri-e is created in collage style from torn pieces of First Footprints–Episodes 1 and 2 washi paper. It is an artist’s impression of hope that takes Directors: Martin Butler and Bentley Dean its flight to freedom not by rejecting the shattered ugliness Winner of the 2013 Walkley Documentary Award but by creating harmony from torn paper Martin Butler will introduce the screening Film Festival Episode 1—Super Nomads: 50,000 to 30,000 Stories From Australia–A Festival Of Award Years Ago Winning Films: The story of how people arrived and thrived in Australia. 23 to 25 July 2015 With startling new archaeological discoveries revealing A festival of eight exceptional documentary films from how the first Australians adapted, migrated, fought and Australia organised in collaboration with The Walkley created in dramatically changing environments. Foundation. Two of the filmmakers will be present to At 3:10 pm personally present their films. The festival includes a Episode 2—The Great Drought; 30,000 to 15,000 discussion Years Ago At 6:30 pm For thousands of years people lived with Australia's Introduction strange and ferocious mega fauna, but all beasts went Ms Jaqui Park, The Walkley Foundation extinct during the last ice age. Temperatures were 6 degrees colder; it was dry and windy and lasted over Mary Meets Mohammad 10,000 years Directors: Heather Kirkpatrick and Kristy Dowsing At 4:10 pm At 8:00 pm Discussion Code of Silence Speakers: Pat Fiske and Martin Butler, Australian Directors: Dan Goldberg and Danny Ben Moshe filmmakers; Liz Jackson, senior Australian journalist; Winner of the 2014 Walkley Documentary Award Safina Uberoi, Indian-Australian filmmaker based in 24 July 2015 from 6:00 pm onwards in the Australia; and others Auditorium At 6:30 pm Love Marriage in Kabul The Sunnyboy Directors: Pat Fiske and Amin Palangi, Bower Bird Films Director: Kaye Harrison Winner of the Foxtel Audience Award for Best Treehouse Productions, JOTZ Productions

This issue of the Diary has been assembled and edited by Omita Goyal, Chief Editor; Ritu Singh, Deputy Editor; Rachna Joshi, Senior Asstt. Editor. Published by Ravinder Datta, for the India International Centre, 40, Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi-110 003. Ph.: 24619431. Designed and printed by Viba Press Pvt. Ltd., C-66/3, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-II, New Delhi (9810049515) 16