diary

volume XXIX. No. 1 January–February 2015

eminent speaker also threw light on the statehood A Language on the Move of Gujarat. DR. C.D. DESHMUKH MEMORIAL LECTURE 2015: A Language on the Move – Gujarati as an Internal Agency Regarding the rise of regional or modern Indian for Formations and Transformations of Identity of an languages, the poet listed three kinds of theories. One, Indian Regional Culture patronisation and protection, the priestly language of Speaker: Dr. Chair: Soli J. Sorabjee Sanskrit led to the rise of literature in regional languages. January 14 Second, the Bhakti literature which rose in revolt against the casteist and brahminical Sanskrit literature. 14th January 2015 was a glorious day for the Third, regional languages were seen as opposed to International Centre, as it marks the birthday of Shri Boli, tribal and other marginalised literatures. Calling Chintaman Dwarkanath Deshmukh. The first Governor it as the Peoples’ Literature, he remarked that early of the Reserve Bank, Finance Minister in Pt. Nehru’s Gujarati literature in its nascent stage was composed by cabinet, Chairman of U.G.C., V.C. of Delhi University, authors of multilingual orientation like the Jain monks Founder President of IIC, Shri C.D. Deshmukh was a brilliant student of Sanskrit and Marathi and a great Vajrasen Suri and Shlibhadra Suri who composed the lover of Indian Literature. poems Barahesarbahubalighor and Bharatesarbahubaliraas, respectively around 1170 A.D. These poems showed To commemorate this occasion, Dr. Sitanshu anxiety for the people and confrontation between the Yashaschandra, an eminent Gujarati poet, playwright, and academic, delivered the C.D. Deshmukh Memorial two brothers, Bharata and Bahubali. lecture, titled A Language on the Move: Gujarati as an Going further in the linguistic journey, Dr. Sitanshu Internal Agency for Formations and Transformations of Identity Yashaschandra emphasised the importance of Gujarati of an Indian Regional Culture. language during medieval times. He beautifully Formally introduced by Soli J. Sorabjee, President, IIC explained the meaning of the famous Gujarati Bhajan, to the distinguished guests and keen listeners gathered titled Vaishnava jana to tene kahiye je, by Narsinh Mehta in the C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, Dr. Sitanshu as the devotees of Vishnu are the people who feel the Yashaschandra described the fine details of the life cycle pain of others, help those who are in misery and never of a language, from its genesis to its extinction and how let ego or conceit enter their minds. This prayer was it is influenced by the various internal and external agencies – Gujarati language in particular. He explained included in the daily prayer of our Father of the Nation how Gujarati emerged in the 15th century; it was then M.K. Gandhi who also livened the language through referred to as bhakha by the eminent poet ‘Bhallar’ when his writings. the literary convention clearly stated that literature Dr. concluded the evening with her could only be written in one of the three pan-Indian vote of thanks. languages, namely Sanskrit, Prakrit and Apabhransha. Quoting Gujarati as a ‘language on the move’, the DAISY DEKA

1 exhibition diary

Diversity and Strength EXHIBITION: Diversity and Strength—Photographs of Women in India. By Nicolaus Schmidt from Germany Collaboration: Ankur Society for Alternatives in Education; HAQ Centre for Child Rights; Azad Foundation; Dr. A.V. Baliga Memorial Trust; Terre des Hommes Germany-India Programme; and Heinrich Boell Foundation, January 17–27

The exhibition, ‘Diversity and Strength: Photographs of Women in India’ by Nicolaus Schmidt was on view between 16th January to 27th January 2015 in the IIC Art Gallery. The exhibition was inaugurated by yearning for a life of dignity despite many difficulties. Mr. Michael Steiner, Ambassador of the Federal Republic The photographs revealed that even the poorest women of Germany and eminent women’s right activist and are capable of displaying a surprising self-confidence. author Ms. Kamla Bhasin was key note speaker for the His series of portraits reflected the situation of women exhibition. Seven women featuring in the exhibition caught between tradition, religion and modernity. from different states were also present in the exhibition. Nicolaus Schmidt, born in 1953, is a German This exhibition was the result of a long journey photographer and historian. He created the Cerro Rico which the photographer took through the states of Aktion with 100,000 tin cans in 1982. His photographic Maharashtra, , Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, work has resulted in several books. Madhya Pradesh and Delhi. The photographs were a glimpse of the struggles of Indian women and their KISHORE K.

The lanes of Ballimaran so much like the Poetry and Painting confusing arguments EXHIBITION: The Seduction of Delhi. An Exhibition With patridge stories at the lane’s corner. of Poetry and Paintings – poetry by Abhay K; with paintings by Tarshito The sounds of applause amidst the gurgling sounds of Collaboration: ICCR, January 21–28 chewed beetal leaves. With worn out rug curtains hung outside a few doors Ballimaran ke mahalle ki wo pechida daleelon ki see galiyan The bleating sound of a goat Saamne taal ke nukkad pe bateron ke posheede And the lifeless darkness in the hazy evening. Gud-gudaati hui paan pi peekon mein wo daad wo wah-wah That creep along the walls. Chand darwaaze par latke huye boshida se kuch taat ke parde Ek bakri ke mamiyaane ki awaaz Like the old lady from the alleys of Chooriwalan Aur dhoondhlaayi huyi shaam ke be-noor andhere Who hunts for the doors by the partial vision in her eyes. Aise deewaron se mooh jodkar chalte hain yahan Chudi-waalan unke katri ke badi bee jaise In one such dull, dark street Qasim Apni boojhti hui aankhon se darwaaze tatole Where a row of lit lamps starts, Isee be-noor andheri see gali qaasim se And a new page of poetry begins Ek tarteeb chiragon kee shuru hoti hai There, the whereabouts of Asadullah Khan Ghalib Ek quran-e-sukhan ka safa khulta hai are found. Asadallah Khan Ghalib ka pata milta hai.

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Delhi So fascinating, with relics of lost empires and its mystery and magic, remains an enigma to many. Many have succumbed to its charms, some willingly and others not quite so willingly. Abhay K. and Tarshito are the most recent victims of Delhi’s seduction. You can tell from Abhay’s poetry that another being has been ensnared. This is a man who is declaring his love, so apparent in every line of his poems that have been almost dedicated to Delhi. In the poems, a sense of history mingles with the betrayals. Mingles with the tragedy, and the grandeur. Every monument is described sometimes lovingly and sometimes in pain. So beautiful Tarshito keeps harmony with Abhay’s oeuvre. Minimal and evocative as in the poem below and quiet, yet suddenly bursting into a high note with Humayun’s Tomb accents of gold highlighting the ruins of the monuments A lonely tree, but yet guarding them from complete desolation. A A flock of birds, delightful jugalbandhi, where both artists explore that Sky punctured with domes, part of the city that belongs only to them. A shriek – Tombs in eternal sleep. POONAM B. SAHI

from that blinding magnetic ring Evening of Poetry that galvanizes contrariety READINGS: Images of Life in Changing Times – Poetry into the holiness of being. from The Seventh Quarry Collaboration: The Poetry Society, India January 16 O wandering aimless particles of a once seamless will – NOW NO BEAUTY, NO TRUTH shattered into smithereens Now no beauty, no truth – between a gigantic omnivorous mill, now only the prayer here’s your one chance for but a moment of reunion: of pulling back in, into the miracle of sense. from out ears to be gone the wail of the screaming siren KESHAV MALIK and into the line of vision drawn the round, self-arising sun – heart preparing to receive the profound Keshav Malik was a renowned Indian poet, critic, arts revivifying sound. scholar, and curator. This special issue of the Seventh Quarry journal was dedicated to his memory. The Then kneel, to kneel only poem Now No Beauty, No Truth was read out by his wife, before those dazzling rays Usha Malik.

3 films diary

Haider, supposedly based on Hamlet, is by far the most Adapting Shakespeare ambitious of the three films. It is set in contemporary FILMS: Maqbool, Omkara and Haider by Vishal against a backdrop of terrorism with the Bhardwaj, January 22 Indian Army and the local state police scaring the Three films by the well-known Hindi film director Vishal living daylights out of the local population. Hamlet Bhardwaj were screened at the IIC on 22nd January. (Shahid Kapoor) comes back to investigate the death All were based on plays by William Shakespeare. The of his father, an upright doctor, believed to have been betrayed by his younger brother (Kay Kay Menon), an first, Maqbool, set in modern day Mumbai, follows the informer and an aspiring politician, while performing plot outline of Macbeth. Instead of the three witches that an appendicitis operation on a supposed terrorist. The comment on house is destroyed by the Army and the doctor is arrested the action as in and never to return. the original, we have in the film two obviously corrupt policemen who count the blows as an underworld Don (Pankaj Kapoor) loses his mistress (Tabu) to his protégé (Irfan Khan) and along with it his crime empire and his life. Since it is a morality play, as most thrillers modelled The boy finds his uncle singing and dancing to amuse on this genre from Hollywood are, all the baddies die his mother (Tabu). The plot twists and turns with an in the end. It is well-shot and largely well-edited. Like afterthought of a scene to echo the gravedigger’s scene most commercial Hindi films these days, its morality is from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The film for all its intellectual laboured while outwardly pretending to be nihilistic. pretentions turns out to be a revenge story gone awry. Omkara is an even more ambitious film. Allegedly based Bhardwaj has roped in Basharat Pir, the well-known on Othello, it is based in the crime belt of western Uttar Kashmiri journalist as scriptwriter. Pir’s insights into Pradesh. A ruffian (Ajay Devgan) runs off with the Kashmir today are valuable in Indian journalism, but daughter (Kareena Kapoor) of a decent middle-class man here he cannot do more than help the director maintain and marries her. The lad is in the pay of a venal gangster a certain narrative momentum in the first forty five and politico (Naseeruddin Shah). , spurned minutes after which the film fizzles out, losing its by their common boss, makes a strange Iago. The Othello purpose and turning into a dialogue exercise conducted connection is tenuously made in the plot structure in pretty interiors and mournful autumnal exteriors. and all parties concerned die Bhardwaj’s nihilism comes to the fore in Haider. Not a in the end. It single character is trustworthy or appears to be speaking is in reality, a the truth. Regardless of his artistic intentions, he does commercial film manage to convey the climate of relentless despair that about thugs and has gripped Kashmir today. His film, for all that, remains skulduggery, clearly commercial in intent. nothing more. PARTHA CHATTERJEE

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and the challenges of democracy in the film resonated Estonian Documentary Days with the political situation in India as well. FILM: Estonian Documentary Days Day two introduced other forms within the documentary Collaboration: Embassy of Estonia and Estonian genre. Kersti Uibo’s Evald’s Acre takes us into the world Film Institute, February 20–21 of Emmi and Evald Saag, an aged couple. This was The Estonian Film Festival got off to a great start followed by a talk on the poetic film by Ms Uibo in with over 100 film enthusiasts, filmmakers and which she spoke about the value of eliminating the ego students present. Well-known London-based Estonian and emptying oneself so as to become one with that which you are filming. filmmaker Kersit Uibo presented seven outstanding documentaries from her country. The Estonian The audience was amazed by the film Arvo Pärt: 24 Ambassador to India, His Excellency Viljar Lubi Preludes to a Fugue directed by Dorian Supin. It proved graciously thanked all who had worked towards to be an excellent introduction to people in Delhi to the putting together the festival. This was followed by an work of this brilliant composer. introduction by Ms Uibo in which she spoke about the The Winds of the Milky Way directed by Lennart Meri deep connect she feels with India. is a beautiful ethnographic film on the lifestyles and The first film Ash and Money by Ene-Liis Semper, Tiit customs of various Finno-Ugric people. Meri following Ojasoo and Rein Kotov documents an audacious and an extensive career as a filmmaker and ethnographer provocative initiative of the theatre group N099 to went on to become the President of Estonia in 1992. expose the corrupt practices of Estonian politics. In The festival concluded with Disco and Atomic War by Jaak Kilmi and Kiur Arma about censorship and living under the post-screening discussion, many members of the a dictatorial regime during the Soviet occupation. audience commented that they were amazed to see how the issues of corruption, false political propaganda ANUPAMA SRINIVASAN

with the educated elite and people from all walks of life Black and White Facts and making the whole nation come to the forefront FILM: Mahatma Gandhi – 20th Century Prophet and work together with his socially intelligible cure for Director: A.K. Chettiar swaraj is shown. Introduction: Aparna Basu Chair: Keki N. Daruwalla Before we assassinate him, let us look at him not as Collaboration: Sarvodaya International Trust, Mahatma but just as any civilian and his immense trials Delhi Chapter and National Gandhi Museum and errors to hold back the diversifying political destiny January 30 of a country. Before you kill him, watch him closely for his nonviolence that disarmed the mighty. Before we IIC took the privilege to have a requiem for Gandhi make him God, see the magnitude of his simplicity and through this black and white documentary by its repercussions. A.K. Chettiar, when the nation is on the verge of Gandhi reaffirmed that this is a land of spirituality, acknowledging Nathuram as a hero and martyr and whether it is Hinduism, Islam or Christianity or any assassinating the legacy of Gandhi. The film rekindled other religion for that matter; we still could walk and revealed Gandhi’s importance as a human being. together with truth even among the diversified views and His simple way of life, his smile, his dress, his way communal conclusions. The film urges us to remember of mixing with people, revealing his inner strength that this is a land of spiritual depth and that is reflected acquired by experiences and experiments with truth, all over the world and just for that reason we cannot truth alone. The film led us further into the subject justify murder. The minute we do that we are raising a and made us rethink about a person who was neither a voice for arson, murder, killing and bloodshed. king nor had a great army to fight a huge kingdom. His work from South Africa, forming the National Congress MERLIN MOLI

5 brazil diary

combined features of European classical music with A Slice of Brazil Brazilian instruments and rhythms. This came through CONCERT: O’ Brazil – Songs, Sounds and Rhymes quite clearly. A tribute by Ariane Gray Hubert This was followed by two compositions by Gonzaga: Collaboration: Embassy of Brazil, February 10 Gaucho and Suspiro–Tango Brasiliero. Gonzaga was a prominent Brazilian composer and pianist who is Ariane Gray Hubert is a well-known concert pianist, credited with having ‘invented’ the Brazilian tango singer and composer who has performed extensively (known as the maxixe, a dance that was instrumental in all over the world and has won several prestigious the subsequent development of the Brazilian samba and international awards. Her albums include the highly the lambada). acclaimed Piano Rag(a) Time. Ariane then recited six poems by Cecilia Mereiles– The programme was a tribute to two well-known Cosmic Dance, Little Boy, Women of Puri, Morning, Ganges composers of classical music from Brazil–Heitor and Sugarcane Field. These are all selections from Travelling Villa-Lobos (1887–1959) and Chiquinha Gonzaga and Meditating in India and were all written while she (1847–1935) – and poetess Cecilia Mereiles (1901– was travelling across India in the 1950s. Her work was 1964), one of the most famous modern poets in the greatly influenced by India–she even taught herself both Portuguese language. Hindi and Sanskrit. The first set consisted of three Villa-Lobos compositions Ariane concluded her performance with three of her played on the piano: Manquinha, Valsa Da Dor and personal favourites: two French pieces–Edith Piaf’s La Alma Brasiliera (Brazilian Soul)–Choros No. 5, the latter Vie En Rose (sung) and Erik Satie’s Gnossienne #1 (on being one of a series of pieces based on Brazilian street piano) and a vocal rendition of the haunting bossanova rhythms inspired by a set of studies he wrote for iconic classic Insensatez (How Insensitive) written by eponymous guitarist Andres Segovia. Villa-Lobos was probably Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim. the greatest classical composer from Latin America; he S. CHIDAMBAR

horizons and consider other world cultures. He spoke Sound Logic of how the study of music, and indeed of sound in the TALK: The Eco-Musicology of Humans, Animals, wider sense, began to leave the concert halls and spread to Spirits, and Sounds in the Brazilian Amazon a vast range of situations and places. This led to, among Speaker: Dr. Anthony Seeger other things, the development of eco-musicology, or the Chair: Dr. Shubha Chaudhuri, January 8 study of ‘sound systems’ in relation to ecosystems. Collaboration: American Institute of Indian Studies Seeger’s approach to the study of various cultures thus For more than a century, numerous members of the combines anthropology, musicology, politics and much else in a profound awareness that music, like any Seeger family have been at the forefront of researching, aspect of culture and human expression, is linked to a analysing, performing and putting in perspective myriad community’s world view, mode of economic production folk music traditions and their associated cultures, while and existential beliefs. Much of the talk was a fascinating also participating variously in civil rights movements, dip into his famous study, Why Suya Sing, a musical anti-war and anti-racism protests and the like. For those anthropology of a Brazilian tribal community. The of us who grew up listening to Pete Seeger’s Where Have Suya have no love songs, no protest songs or lullabies All The Flowers Gone, there was an element of nostalgia in in their oeuvre. Indeed, they don’t see themselves as the encounter with yet another illustrious scion of this creating sound or music at all, rather as reproducing stellar family. the sounds of the world around them, a world in which Emeritus Professor at the University of California at Los humans, animals and spirits are in many respects Angeles’s Department of Ethnomusicology, Anthony interchangeable. A thought-provoking journey through Seeger began by tracing the origins of his discipline and cultural diversity, with a multidisciplinary scholar as the putting it in an historical and political context, as part highly engaging guide. of the European effort to broaden western intellectual MAHADEVAN RAMASWAMY 6 diary culture

Hindu extremists. In keeping with the theme of protest Poetry and Protest poetry, he read two poems based on two demonstrations, POETRY READING: K. Satchidanandan and Raul Zurita one in 2013 in Turkey and one recently in Kerala. He Collaboration: Almost Island Dialogues, February 15 finally read his poem Stammer: On the evening of February 15, 2015, one poet A stammer is the silence that falls between the word and from Chile, Raul Zurita, and another from India, its meaning, K. Satchidanandan, read at the IIC Annexe. The just as lameness is the introduction to the evening was by Vivek Narayanan. silence that falls between Narayanan said that K. Satchidanandan is the the word and the deed. Indian poet you dream of. He draws on a vast range Raul Zurita of Chile believes that a poem is not the of references, and pulls together a great amount of objective, but the medium. His poetry was conceptual material from around the world, from Kerala and and the choice of form was never arbitrary. He has also from the Malayalam language. He draws on these with written political poetry about the poetry of people contemporary awareness and sensitivity. One gets the blinded by the Pinochet regime. He brought together sense that the speaker is good-humoured, but possibly the very intimate and the very public. Nothing was dangerous. Satchidanandan is a bilingual poet–he writes wasted and the sense of seriousness was very inspiring. in both Malayalam and English. Accompanied by his English translator, Anna Deeny, K. Satchidanandan mentioned that he has translated a Zurita read poems about the desert of Atacama, fish, good part of his poems into English. Theoretically, he is fruit, snow, rain, the Ande and crosses. He ended with not much for self-translation. He started by referring to the poem Song for his Disappeared Love. Perumal Murugan who was silenced by some groups of RACHNA JOSHI

for training to be imparted with ergonomics in mind. Bharata Natya Towards this end, with demonstrations by a mixed WORKSHOP: Fundamentally Yours...The Adavus group of dancers drawn from Delhi (disciples of Justin Collaboration: Kala Bharati and Kri Foundation, February 28 McCarthy) and from , where Nakra resides and mentors every year in winter, the range of adavus created On Saturday, 28th February, India International by her Guru were used to evoke comments and helpful Centre hosted an unusual Workshop, somewhat in tips by Nakra herself and Lamontagne. the nature of a lec-dem, on Ergonomic Training for Lamontagne, who is a core strength and posture fitness Dance, specially for Bharata Natya. Ergonomics is a certified expert, stressed repeatedly on the need for core science that promotes the highest level of proficiency muscle strengthening, on focused muscle strengthening with maximum ease in execution or usage of the as per the requirements of different styles of dance, body machinery. all of which demand of the body things that it is not The two main speakers, Dr. Mamata Niyogi Nakra and naturally equipped to do. She reiterated the urgency for Nicole LaMontagne, had a personal and life-changing an external eye to help in early identification of incorrect brush with injury that impacted their dance potential alignments, before hard to alter compensations set in, and resulted in a life-time commitment to explore the and the need to be open to expert interventions to subject of kinesthesiology in their respective practices. correct them. Kinesthesiology is described as the therapeutic study of the muscles and joints of the body. The discussion with many of Delhi’s dance gurus and dancers also included references to the need for Emerging from a several months long research project at specialised dance floors, even if inexpensive, that would Cirque du Soleil on the methodology for training Indian absorb shocks and save the dancers’ knees and spine Classical dancers, it zeroed in on the basic units of the from damage. dance of Bharata Natya, the adavus, with an analytical perspective drawn from the physics of dance, advocating ARSHIYA SETHI 7 talks diary

Emphasising the strong Indian connection, Dr. Singh A Little Gypsy Music explained how the study of linguistics made apparent TALK: Music Appreciation Promotion: Gypsy Music that the gypsies were originally from North Central An Illustrated talk by Dr. Punita Singh India. A series of persecutions, enslavement and forced January 16 separations led to massive migrations of the ‘Romani’ peoples around 300 BC towards Persia and Eastern Europe, and the music of these peoples, largely original ‘Gypsy’ and ‘Music’ are words that pair together and influenced by their conditions, gave birth to what is harmoniously but conjure up a variety of different known as ‘gypsy music.’ In fact, the designation ‘gypsy’ images and sounds for different people. From traditional emerged in the 15th century when these dark-skinned Romani songs associated with events, festivals and strangers were thought to have come from Egypt! With rites of passage, to music expressing existential angst; the help of meticulously researched audio and video from syncopated foot-tapping flamenco to Manouche recordings of distinctive and varied gypsy music from Swing and Gypsy Jazz; from Hungarian Ciganyzene, Asia and Eastern Europe, Dr. Singh brought alive her Romanian Lautari, Fanfare and Manele, to Bulgarian talk to an extremely appreciative and receptive audience. Chalga and Balkan Pop, gypsy music defies being Citing examples of the playing styles of guitarist Django confined within boundaries. Giving an exciting and Reinhardt (influenced by the ‘Manouche Swing’) or illustrative talk on gypsy music, Dr. Punita Singh, a the more contemporary popular sounds of the Gypsy well-known musicologist, linguist and educator based Kings (influenced by Rhumba-Flamenco styles), in New Delhi enthralled her captive audience at the Dr. Singh brought to the table an extremely vibrant earthy IIC with a remarkably expansive overview of the diverse sound that one had to be superhuman not to tap one’s genres and hybrid styles often clubbed under the rubric, feet in admiration! ‘gypsy music.’ DEEPAK CASTELINO

Jahan’s early, modest life, her trials and tribulations, but Nur Jahan also unveiled hidden facets of this magnificent Mughal TALK: Frontiers Of History: Light of the World – Queen’s persona. Citing various sources such as coins, Nur Jahan in Legend and History royal biographies, accounts of 18th century European Speaker: Dr. Ruby Lal travellers, Persian court chroniclers and of course Chair: Namita Gokhale, January 8 Nur’s portraits, Lal gives a fascinating account of Nur’s first romantic encounter with Emperor Jehangir, her The enigma that was Nur Jahan! Author Ruby Lal’s arrival in Jehangir’s harem, his fierce love for her, their riveting lecture based on her new book, Light of the eventual marriage, her climb to astonishing political World–Nur Jahan in Legend and in History took us back eminence, as well as her iconic status as an extraordinary to the unprecedented and unique Mughal era in India. woman ruler. Unique because this was the first time a Shia Muslim woman ruled a Sunni majority Mughal India between Foreign observers, especially Thomas Roe, ambassador 1614-27, along with her husband, Emperor Jehangir. to the Mughal court during the time of James the Though the Mughal family had a tradition of strong 1st, were mystified at Nur Jahan’s unbridled power as and prominent elder women, royal wives, influential she ruled alongside her husband, Emperor Jehangir, mothers and aunts, this kind of heady feminine power and chronicled the restrictions they faced in reaching is unseen before. him directly. The lecture, aided by rich visual imagery with portraits of Though Nur Jahan’s rise was meteoric and her military Nur Jahan in various moments of her life as a sovereign and political prowess remained unchallenged, reaching Empress, favourite wife and influential matriarch added the zenith of power through the 1610 and 1620s, her immensely to the evening. authority crumbles and she fades into history as soon as the Emperor dies. Dr. Ruby Lal traversed the course of the life of this unique woman ruler and spoke passionately not only about Nur GAURIKA KAPOOR

8 diary talks/exhibition

Gallery in Lisbon, brought Lusofonias in collaboration with the EXHIBITION: Lusophonies/Lusofonias embassies of Portugal, Collaboration: Perve Gallery, Lisbon and Embassies Angola, Brazil and of Portugal, Angola, Brazil and Mozambique Mozambique to exhibit at February 1–15 the IIC. The Kamaladevi Art Gallery came alive with art Divided into three periods installations, mobile art-works, paintings and videos of Lusophonie history–the Colonial, the Independence lucid with thoughts, words and brush-strokes. As varied period and Future Miscegenation and Diaspora, the as they were as works from different artists, countries, or artworks are a product of their time. They are replete varying perspectives, there was a common connection that ran through them. It spoke of a shared history, with a narrative of their personal, social and political culture, language and aesthetics that was predominantly milieu. They are more an expression of emotion, an African in origin. The group art exhibition called, outlet for feelings rather than technique or aesthetics Lusophonies/Lusofonias, as art originating from alone. In the documentary, a plantation worker Portuguese-speaking countries, showed at the IIC. poignantly says, ‘We could be thrown out at any time, there were no job guarantees. To express this uncertainty, The exhibition had over 150 art-works in multi-media we thought of writing and I wrote in sculpture.’ While from a wide range of artists the splashes of colour are vibrant, they tell a myriad tales of different time-periods of dreams and desires. For instance, a documentary shot from Portugal, Angola, Brazil, in Mozambique has a common man saying, ‘My dream Cape Verde, Mozambique is to see people eat and to know abundance.’ and India. Curated by Carlos You can’t but come away moved, with a thousand Cabral Nunes and Miguel questions in your head of the times, the people and Amado, the works presented their situation. were part of the Lusophonia collection from the Perve MADHUMITA GHOSH

the distortions that take place with the experiences of Art and Sciences violence and brutality bringing the thread of realism TALK: Art Matters into art. Panelists: Gopal Gandhi, Vandana Shiva, Ashish Gandhi, Sir Quite naturally, parallel aspects discussed in relation to Moderator: Ashok Vajpeyi art were the role of reason, aesthetics and compassion Collaboration: The Raza Foundation, January 9 and the effects of these on psychology. It was postulated that reason has given a false justification to art, giving Art Matters and the relationship between the arts rise to the tyranny of reason. The effect of violence and and the sciences was the theme organised by the Raza brutality in turn gives rise to a bizarre and grotesque form Foundation in collaboration with the IIC on the evening of art, which more than shock value may be disturbing. of 9 January 2015. The panellists included Gopal Yet, the genocides in history have been justified by a Gandhi, Vandana Shiva, Ashish Gandhi, Sir Mark Tully rational and considered approach to the act of genome and Ashok Vajpeyi. While the underlying theme was the cleansing. Art in general carries the burden of influence relationship between the arts and the sciences and the relevance of art in life if looked at through the triple from the past which is not relevant for the present. views of beauty, truth and morality, there was lively The democratisation of art was briefly mentioned as debate and interchange of many personal viewpoints questions were then opened to the audience. of the panellists on the inclusion of art in daily life, MEKHALA SENGUPTA

9 talks diary

all indicators that India has got the raw material and Sports and India what it takes to become a great sporting nation. TALK: TCM Sports Lecture Speaker: Rahul Dravid The speaker laid down some conditions for India to Chair: Ayaz Memon achieve consistent sporting greatness. The country must Collaboration: Twenty First Century Media provide facilities required for training and producing Private Ltd. elite athletes. We must focus on junior sports which need January 20 to be better organised. The government must play an active role in sports, as also invite private participation Is India at the cusp of sporting greatness? Do we have in the management of sports and make available public reasons to feel bullish about it? spaces for sports across the country. Citing the several Rahul Dravid thinks so. Talent emerging from smaller medals won by Indian athletes at recent Asian and towns and cities across the country; sporting heroes in Olympic games, Rahul Dravid emphasised the need to other sports like tennis, badminton, wrestling, shooting; focus on sports facilities for the disabled as well. and sportswomen in the limelight in recent times are RAHUL RAJAGOPALAN

provide added nutrition; how pharmacogenomics can Medico-legal Musings on help choose effective medication for schizophrenics, multiple sclerosis or cancer patients; early the Master Molecule identification and treatment for primary congenital TALK: DNA – Molecule of the Century – Impact on Human Society glaucoma; instant genetic diagnostic testing when Speaker: Dr. Seyed E. Hasnain you visit your doctor; in vivo gene therapy to replace Chair: Fali Nariman defective genes causing chronic conditions; the pros January 19 and cons of stem cell banking; and how cloning is allowing people to have their cats and dogs with them World renowned molecular biologist Dr. Seyed for the length of human lifespans. Also, how DNA Ehtesham Hasnain raced through the universe of can tell us if humans actually originated in and spread medical applications of DNA technology. Beginning from Africa; how it is replacing fingerprinting as the with a fresh introduction to DNA itself, he then 21st century’s clinching evidence in the legal domain; covered a mind-boggling array of topics: genetic confirming the authenticity of Indian Basmati and engineering, recombinant DNA technology, the veracity of Clinton’s seminal misdemeanour; and, GM foods, the Human Genome Project, genetic importantly, getting prisoners on death row released predisposition, predictive and personalised medicine, by proving their innocence. The ethical and legal gene therapy, stem cell therapy, cloning, tracing quandaries of surrogacy and multiple donor asexual human migration, DNA fingerprinting and the impact of the DNA revolution on new concepts in reproduction, commercialisation and patenting of biology. All this made possible by the 0.1 per cent genetic information and human body parts, eugenics difference in the otherwise 99.9 per cent identical and discrimination were also brought out. Renowned DNA profile that characterises the entire human race! jurist Fali Nariman’s introductory reference to Sir Henry Finch’s statement that ‘The sparks of all We learned of new treatments for haemophilia, the sciences in the world are raked up in the ashes diabetes, breast cancer, asthma and Alzheimer’s and of the Law’ thus proved in the end to be a most improved kidney transplants; of drought and pest apposite one. resistant crops, flavour saver tomatoes that can stay fresh for months and fortified ‘golden rice’ that could MAHADEVAN RAMASWAMY

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knowledge management techniques or processes of Knowledge Management knowledge creation. Here, the role of librarians is DISCUSSION: Knowledge Society – India’s New essential to the preservation of these processes in order Revolution to provide access to knowledge. They add value to these Introduction: Dr. Usha Mujoo Munshi resources and help in the development of research, Speakers: Professor Debal K. SinghaRoy; culture and literacy. Mr. William Middleton; Dr. Biplov Srivastava; Dr. Praveen Arora Knowledge economy is at the core of knowledge and Chair: Kapila Vatsyayan, including Kavita A. Sharma economy even though it is increasingly ICT-driven January 15 access; this can’t dilute the character of knowledge itself. Greater investment is required in R & D to spur the The panel on the knowledge society chaired by Kapila growth of knowledge. Thus, an inclusive knowledge Vatsyayan discussed various ideas regarding the meaning society does not mean an overwhelming emphasis on and creation of knowledge in contemporary society. The mechanised systems where the mind has no role to play. desire for a knowledge revolution will involve funding We need our own tools of discourse, which may be and care of libraries—something that is sadly missing. applicable to different worlds and different experiences. Libraries have always contributed to the transformation of society, people connected to education through The relevance of digital systems like cognitive libraries by seeking books. Unfortunately, old and technologies that impact the ways in which humans ancient libraries are dying due to lack of care and interact with the creation and sustenance of knowledge patronage. The knowledge movement would thus cannot be undermined. The emergence of the digital require the preservation of these traditions and literature media has led to questions regarding the relevance and so that the idea of knowledge itself can be preserved. survival of libraries. The future of the knowledge society seems distinct from what it is now. It is in this vein that support towards learning and innovations will lead to helping society at large, including ANINDITA MAJUMDAR

available option of hiring a surrogate to gestate their Indian Surrogacy baby through the use of IVF. However, the resulting PANEL DISCUSSION: Baby Makers – A History of ethical considerations have led to questions regarding Indian Surrogacy by Gita Aravamudan (Noida: Harper the surrogacy arrangement and the ways in which it is Collins, 2014) practised in India. Speakers: Dr. Ruma Satwik; Dr. Supriya Bezbaruah; The panellists discussed many of these issues including Gita Aravamudan the lax legislation governing the arrangement—and Chair: V.K. Karthika, January 27 even though surrogacy is legal in India there is no law regarding the same, except for a Draft Bill framed by The panel discussion on the book the Baby Makers by the Indian Council of Medical Research. The role of Gita Aravamudan involved a dialogue regarding the surrogacy agents, IVF specialists and the foreign couples practice of commercial surrogacy in India. Drawing who are coming in to India to hire Indian women as from the book and its research on surrogacy in India surrogates at very low prices has led to fears regarding involving the hiring of women belonging to a lower exploitation of the poor by rich couples and doctors. socio-economic background to act as gestates to infertile As a burgeoning industry, commercial surrogacy couples in exchange for compensation, the discussion has become less of a medical practice and more of a focused on varied aspects of this emerging practice. commercial enterprise. The problem of infertility and the resultant social stigma Within such a framework, the panellists spoke of the has led to the rise of assisted reproductive technologies merits of the book that looks at the couples and the such as IVF or in-vitro fertilisation to facilitate artificial surrogates with empathy and understanding, seeking reproduction. The commercial surrogacy arrangement is to understand why they enter the arrangement and the being used by infertile couples who have been unable ways in which they navigate it. to have children through IVF and fall back on the last ANINDITA MAJUMDAR

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languages spoken by as few as 4,000 people, some by India Website even less. The eastern state of Odisha alone is home to TALK: The Everyday Lives of Everyday People – some 44 tribal languages. The People’s Linguistic Survey Journalism from Below in the Digital Age of India reckons close to 220 languages have died in Talk and demonstration by P. Sainath the past 50 years. ‘Saimar’ in Tripura is down to its last Collaboration: Business and Community Foundation and ActionAid, January 5 seven speakers. The same diversity characterises rural Indian P. Sainath introduced and officially launched the occupations, arts and crafts, culture, literature, legend, rural archive of India website in Delhi (http://www. transportation. As the Indian countryside rushes ruralindiaonline.org) to a full house of 300 plus people through an extremely painful transformation, many of at an event hosted by IIC, BCF, ActionAid, Save the these features disappear, leaving us poorer. Then there children and Youth ki Awaaz. His session was full of are professions known only to a few nations. Like toddy- examples of the living archive of the world’s most diverse tappers who climb up to 50 palm trees daily, each one and complex countryside. thrice, in season. P. Sainath talked about rural India as there are 833 He said PARI is both a living journal and an archive that million people, distinct societies, speaking well over 700 is also creating a database of already published stories, languages, some of them thousands of years old, while reports, videos and audios from as many sources as the Constitution lists 22 languages, like Khasi and Garo possible. Interestingly PARI captures social issues and of Meghalaya state. Each of the six Indian languages is challenges such as farmer’s suicides, agrarian distress, spoken by 50 million people or more. Three are spoken migration, livelihoods, etc. by 80 million or more. One, by close to 500 million. At the other end of the spectrum are unique tribal AMIT SHARMA

earlier efforts to speak of child rights had done little to Child Rights… impress authorities, he had received over eleven thousand TALK: Child Right – The Way Forward invitations to speak at various fora. One important Speaker: Kailash Satyarthi fallout of the award is that child rights organisations Collaboration: ARSIPSO, January 2 across the world now feel empowered and have a sense Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, who received the Nobel of hope for the future. Peace Prize together with Malala Yousufzai in 2014, The speaker cautioned against the current moral deficit delivered a very moving speech about his experiences affecting all walks of life and institutions of all kinds. over three decades working for the rights of children. He He called on people to work towards a transformative expressed concern about the violence being experienced compassion which can find solutions. He also by children–in Peshawar, in Assam, by Boko Haram and highlighted the need for political will to prioritise issues ISIS, in fact in all parts of the world. He termed the facing children. denial of schooling to a child, for whatever reason, as violence inflicted on the child. Despite numerous laws Kailash Satyarthi ended by recounting his close and conventions prohibiting child labour trafficking, it association with and regard for the police. He spoke still persists and has today become a US$ 150 billion of his experiences in releasing children from bonded illicit trade–higher than the global trade in drugs and labour and the role of the police in facilitating this. small arms. In closing, he called for early police reforms and a greater connection between the issue of child rights and Kailash Satyarthi said that the Nobel was not so much the police. for him but for all children, and has helped draw attention to child rights on the global stage. While his SUNANDA GHOSH

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Dr. Pathak then took the audience through a A Long Walk in the Woods comprehensive slideshow that highlighted aspects of TALK: Askot-Arakot Abhiyan 2014 the 2014 journey and if there was a leitmotif, it was Collaboration: PAHAR the 2013 floods and landslides in Uttarakhand and January 5 the devastating impact that it had on the ecology and If a walk in the woods is what travel writer Bill Bryson the terrain of the state, a result aggravated owing to understatedly called his journey across parts of the human activity. Appalachian Trail, then the Askot Arakot Abhiyan Encountering the same people on the journey whom (movement) 2014 that traversed the entire state of they had met ten years earlier gave them interesting Uttarakhand from Pangu, near Askot in the east, to insights into their lives and how individuals had shaped Arakot, near the Himachal border in the west, was the communities and societies they were living in surely a longer one. over a period of time. In addition, the trek enabled an The evening began with an introduction of the Abhiyan understanding of local mores and customs, vernacular and its roots in 1974, when Sundarlal Bahuguna urged architectural traditions, indigenous technologies, status and others to undertake the journey to of women and education, music, religious practices etc. learn more about the peoples and villages of the state. Among the problems foregrounded by the talk was the Since then, the expedition has taken place every ten curious demand for Yarsagumba (caterpillar fungus) used years, most recently in 2014. Made up of a diverse group in Chinese and Tibetan medicine for its healing and of people, who entirely depend on the largesse of the aphrodisiacal properties, and how its illicit trade was villagers, the journey covered 1,150 km, across alpine impinging on the environment of the region. pastures, pilgrim routes, grazing fields, defunct trade routes, tribal zones et al. AJAY JAISINGHANI

labour, Gandhi’s fight against imperialism, the support The Return of the Native of the diaspora to the freedom movement, and a INAUGURATION: Indian Diaspora and Cultural Heritage sophisticated evolved understanding of India’s diaspora – Past, Present and Future ―the success and prosperity of which is our greatest Collaboration: ICCR, February 11–13 asset was stressed upon.

The inaugural session was a tour de force that was at Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj eloquently once scholarly and thought provoking. Kapil Kumar, echoing the conference as timely, highlighted the Academic Coordinator provided an overview, by intrinsic role of the Indian diaspora which gives a distinct foregrounding the importance of an exploration of entity, and an essential Indianness to the spirit that is India’s past and present from the perspective of the India. The diaspora according to her, must be vanguards diaspora. Though he eulogised how the fourth and fifth of the quintessence of Indian ethos, heritage, antiquity generations Indians have sustained our cultures, their and diversity. She expatiated on the seminal role the sacrifices have not found a place in our history books. Indian emigrant plays in diplomacy and as preservers of Indic traditions, folklore and the arts. Indian ideals Professor Lokesh Chandra, President ICCR, in his of non-violence, tolerance, and multiculturalism and eloquent rendition referred to India as part of the their enduring interface with our diaspora abroad were collective imaginary of world civilisations, memories of reflected in her passionate address. which are registered in the diasporic archives–thereby prompting the ICCR to host this conference. He Satish Mehta, DG ICCR, articulated India’s stressed upon the vibrant rejuvenation of our shared strengthening bond with its diaspora of more than 25 million residing in over 110 countries and the intangible cultural heritage and identified several factors unmistakable truth that our contributions to human contributing to the exoticism of such narratives. The civilisations have had few parallels. flow of culture beyond Indian boundaries, the interplay of colonial exploitation and the resultant indentured BEEBA SOBTI 13 talks diary

project its military power across a wider expanse of the Centre and Periphery East Asian and Indian Ocean region, Saran said, it was TALK: India and East Asia – Moving from the clear that India was now engaged in a countervailing Margins to the Centre strategy which brings together countries that have Speaker: Shyam Saran shared concerns over the rapid buildup and upgradation Chair: Vijay Naik of Chinese military capabilities. Collaboration: IAFAC, February 14 India has embarked on the ‘Look East Policy,’ which has ‘India has proposed the creation of a regional and now been renamed as ‘Act East Policy’ by the present multilateral security arrangement in East Asia which government. Referring to point, Saran said, ‘since India is based on mutual security assurances. This strategy launched its Look East Policy in 1992, South East and includes closer security arrangements with US and other East Asia have acquired an increasing salience in the major regional powers such as Japan, ROK, Australia country’s foreign policy calculations. I treat East Asia and ASEAN countries, in particular, Indonesia.’ This as comprising South-East Asia and the Far East.’ But was revealed by former Foreign Secretary and chairman India figures less in the calculations of the countries of of Research and Information System for Developing the region than they do in India’s calculations. India is Countries (RIS) Ambassador Shyam Saran while also less connected with the region in terms of transport delivering the Third Annual Lecture of the Indian and communication links. Unless this asymmetry is Association of Foreign Affairs Correspondents (IAFAC). addressed, one will not be able to claim that India has Adding that this falls well short of Cold War style moved to the centre of East Asia. containment, but is aimed at the ability of China to VIJAY NAIK

and dowry. The eloquence with which she articulated In the Courtroom her perspective was quite commendable. BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP: Talking of Justice – The points made by her were reinforced with suitable People’s Rights in Modern India emphasis by Indira Jaisingh, the eminent lawyer and by Leila Seth (New Delhi: Aleph Book Company, 2015) activist, who illustrated her presentation by drawing Discussants: Leila Seth; Dipankar Gupta; Indira Jaisingh upon her impressive experience in the court room and and David Davidar, February 25 outside in committees and commissions. Her primary Publisher and novelist David Davidar set the tone for focus was on the age of consent for consensual sex and the evening by very briefly but brilliantly introducing the rise in violent crimes against women. Leila Seth and her work, Talking of Justice―People’s Sociologist Dipankar Gupta who came in next Rights in Modern India (Aleph Book Company, acknowledged the debt he owed to the late Justice Verma 2015). He peppered his introductory remarks with who had made him realise that justice has to be tempered stimulating literary references. Leila Seth, a woman with compassion and why equity has to be accorded of many parts, who hides a feisty young spirit in her primacy. He provided the contextual framework of the frail frame that belies her age kept up the scorching sociology of violence and injustice. He felt that there was pace. She bore her erudition lightly, delighting the perhaps no need to formulate new policies–there was a audience with stimulating cross-cultural literary much greater need for the state to be sensitive to the allusions as she introduced the topic. She emphasised rights of citizens and afford all citizens equal protection that her book was not about solutions but strove to without any gender bias or discrimination or other focus on issues that merit public debate urgently― bias–kinship or creed. female foeticide, reservation for women, common civil code, sexual harassment in the place of work INDRAJIT

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a robe to a guest was another way of engagement Frontiers of History with this rite in which the recipient became obligated TALK: Salt, Robes and Blood – A Historical Code of in complex ways. These two seemingly disparate Honour and Loyalty that Stretched from Spain to China rituals were the remnants of a vast system of loyalty Speaker: Stewart Gordon Chair: Sunil Kumar, February 19 and reciprocity that allowed men to move across a huge swathe of Asia and find employment as This was a wide-ranging talk by Stewart Gordon soldiers, clerics, administrators, philosophers, even on notions of honour in the pre-modern world. ambassadors. Analogous to the system of chivalry in Emphasising the role of ‘salt’, ‘robes’ and ‘blood’ Europe, but separate from it and of much broader (kinship) he traced how in cultures across North scope, traces of these rites are still prevalent. The talk India, Central India, and the Deccan, the term emphasised how these rites help us to understand and ‘Namak Halal’, that is, to act loyally to one’s ‘salt’ unravel complex social ties in the past. was widely prevalent. The gift of a shawl, a scarf or PARTHO DATTA

in Shimla–on foot, on the jhampan, on horseback Frontiers of History (1825) and a photograph of a shrouded bullock cart TALK: A Whimsical Journey Through India for exclusive travel by women from Central India Speaker: Malavika Karlekar (1900). These seemingly unrelated forms of travel Chair: Sabeena Gadihoke, February 27 indicated the vast web of circulation of people, goods and administrative personnel which contributed in A journey through India using lithographs, aqua tints, no small measure to the legitimacy and stability of photographs and postcards from the 19th century to British rule in India. Other images like Madras from more recent times, this fascinating presentation by the Pier (photograph, 1910), Back Bay from Malabar Malavika Karlekar was a way of relating collectible Hill, Bombay (coloured postcard, 1905), Eden Gardens, images generated for domestic consumption to Calcutta (photograph, 1886), Double Loop of the the wider public discourse about state, society and Darjeeling Railway (coloured postcard, 1910), Brass community. The talk began with images of a dak peon Bazar, Banaras (photograph, 1920) emphasised the (1920s), a lithograph of various forms of locomotion relation and importance of a sense of place to the exotic and the picturesque. The adoption of new technologies of photography and printing and their wide circulation in India helped in creating an informal and rich archive. With supporting evidence from travelogues, autobiographies, gazetteers, the crucial importance of the visual in complementing and qualifying received views about the Indian past was established. PARTHO DATTA

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traditions—monarchical and political—celebrated the Media and Empire shift of capital and established power in the guise of TALK: Communications, Media and the Imperial pageantry to circumvent Indian criticism. ‘Broadcasting Experience – Britain and India in India in the interwar period’ examined the short-lived Speaker: Dr. Chandrika Kaul attempt at commercial radio in India and its aftermath. Chair: Sevanti Ninan January 7 The third case study looked at ‘Mountbatten and the Decolonisation project.’ Mountbatten was media-savvy The contents of the book were placed within a national and his use of persuasion earned his method the epithet and transnational information framework of an exchange ‘Operation Seduction’. That the Independence project network that British India was linked to. The session must be celebrated was Nehru and Mountbatten’s was named after the book of the same name authored decision that involved creating an enduring, jubilant by Dr. Kaul. The background leading to the rise of the image of Indian Independence, omitting the narrative of media as an instrument of the was followed communal riots and the horrors of partition. In the last by four case studies from the book. case study, Gandhi’s association with Jim Mills and The A combination of reasons for using media while ruling Chicago Tribune’s William L. Shirer were crucial in shaping India included defensiveness about their Empire, the positive American media response to Gandhi and increasing criticism from the United States and the Indian Independence. Through these politics of press, need for support from Indian moderates and other posturing and seduction, Dr. Kaul demonstrated that collaborators to counter Nationalism. The case studies politics and the perceived image are connected through cover the time frame of 1911 to 1947. The first case the use of persuasion, media and communication. study was the Delhi Durbar. The international, British and Indian Press covered it. A confluence of two RAKSHA THAKUR

The phenomenon of gravity was explained by Newton Abstract and Real as a force between two objects arising from their mass. TALK: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LECTURES – Similarly, Kepler’s equations explained planetary The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics motions. Electromagnetic force, which includes Speaker: Professor Manindra Agrawal electrical and magnetic forces, is the second major Chair: Professor S.N. Maheshwari, February 6 force in nature. Maxwell’s equations explained major technological developments. Navier Stokes captured In the Science and Technology series, Professor in his equations the movement of liquids and gas Manindra Agrawal of IIT Kanpur gave an illuminating which explain earthquakes and tsunamis and explained talk on what he called the ‘unreasonable effectiveness’ the working of aircraft and cars. Professor Agrawal of mathematics. The session was chaired by former mentioned that with the knowledge of pressure, Professor S.N. Maheshwari of IIT Delhi. The velocity, density and viscosity we can calculate pressure distinguished speaker explained that mathematics is not everywhere; changing velocity changes pressure, other just a manipulation of abstract symbols. When mapped things being equal. He pointed out that mathematics to real quantities, it can have dramatic effects. He said helps us go beyond nature by allowing the invention of that almost all scientific achievements can be traced to new concepts in fields which have nothing to do with the association of abstract symbols with real quantities. nature. For instance, the storing of information (CDs He stated that mathematics has influenced our lives and DVDs) and the encrypting of information (Credit in understanding and predicting natural phenomena; Cards). He explained the role of standard numbers and in manipulating nature; and in designing non-natural non-standard numbers, including error tolerant ones phenomena. He explained that different aspects of used in storing information (CDs and DVDs) and the nature such as motion, gravity and electromagnetism use of residues with the help of Reed Solomon Codes. are explained by the use and manipulation of abstract mathematical symbols and equations. KADAYAM SUBRAMANIAN

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narrative theory of nextism to remain in vogue in the Arabian Nights world of literature. DISCUSSION: Release of IIC-Asia Project, Primus Publication, Essays on the Arabian Nights The next speaker on the panel Dr. Syed Akhtar Husain by Professor Harish Trivedi seconded the proposal of Soli Sorabjee to call the Arabian Panel Discussion: Dr. Syed Akhtar Husain; Dr. Rizwanur Nights as 1001 Nights and observed that there were never Rahman; Professor G.C. Tripathi and Professor Irene 1001 stories in the Nights. It was a metaphorical way J. Winter Chair: Soli J. Sorabjee, February 26 of presenting the innumerability of the stories in the literary corpus which was edited and printed at Fort At the outset, Mr. Soli Sorabjee acknowledged that William College, Kolkata and Bulaq in Egypt. He also Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan was the spirit behind the venture of interpreted the paintings of Abanindranath Tagore on the cover page of the book. The third speaker on the this latest Asia Project publication and deserved special panel Dr. Rahman gave the detailed account of the thanks. He asked Professor Harish Trivedi to release the reception of the Nights in Arabic literature and said book which Soli Sorabjee prefered to call Thousand and that there were even untold stories of Sherazade in the One Nights. Harish Trivedi commended the Asia Project modern Arab World. publication as truly Asian or Pan Asian as the volume contained the reception of the Nights in all the parts of The fourth speaker Dr. G.C Tripathi gave a graphic Asia. He particularly noted the Arabian Nights in Indian presentation of the Nights in Sanskrit and Hindi literary languages namely Tamil, Malyalam, Urdu and Sanskrit. traditions and discussed the Essays on the Arabian Nights He observed that the Nights originally stemmed from in the Indian context of history, linguistics and culture. Sanskrit in the late ancient period and was rendered The last speaker on the panel was Professor Irene J. into Sanskrit again in the late medieval period of Indian Winter who had spent years in Iran and Iraq in her history, thus forming a full circle. He was amused to excavation work. She had brought the copy of Arabian read the reception of the Nights in the Far-East and Nights published in 1930 which her mother gave her Japan and noted that like the magic carpet it travelled to read. Professor Winter appreciated the efforts of into various climes and countries of the world. But the Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan for bringing academicians from most important aspect of 1001 Nights was its narrator Harvard, JNU and other universities in the orbit of Sherazade giving birth to three children which deterred the Asia Dialogue and realising the aims and objectives the King from killing her and allowing the literary of the Asia Project successfully. Different peoples like Indians, Persians, Arabs, Chinese etc. all played their role in the evolution of the human saga and stories which we read in 1001 Nights today.

Dr. Jain, proprietor of Ratnasagar Publications proposed a vote of thanks and particularly thanked Mr. B.N. Verma of Primus Books for his efforts to bring out the volume in an elegant and impressive form.

NADEEM AKHTAR

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seeking its European destination. Ukraine agreed to Whither Ukraine surrender the nuclear weapons on its territory under the TALK: Ukrainian-Russian Crisis and Threats to 1994 Budapest treaty whereby Russia, United States, International Order and Security and the United Kingdom guaranteed the inviolability Speaker: H.E. Mme Vaira Vike-Freiberga of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Russia has violated the Chair: H.E. Mme Darja Kuret Collaboration: Embassy of Latvia 1994 treaty by sending troops across the border and February 24 supporting separatists in eastern parts of Ukraine. President Putin felt ‘humiliated’ when the Soviet H.E. Mme Darja Kuret, the Ambassador of the Republic Union fell and Russia ‘lost territories’. He has denied of Slovenia, introduced the distinguished speaker, the existence of Ukrainians as a separate people. When H.E. Mme Vaira Vike-Freiberga, former President of President Yanukovych was about to sign an association Latvia. President Vike-Freiberga started by paying high agreement with the European Union, President Putin tribute to India for its robust democracy, significant invited him to Moscow. President Yanukovych came poverty-alleviation strategies, and high scientific and back with a deal for cheaper gas from Russia and technological achievements. cancelled the signing of the agreement. Subsequently, Introducing the crisis in Ukraine, President Vike- Yanukovych fled as agitation against him spread; Russia Freiberga traced in some detail the historical background, ‘annexed’ the Crimea and started to ‘destabilize’ Ukraine. dwelling on the difference in the trajectories of Ukraine The UN Security Council is paralyzed as Russia holds on the one hand, and the Baltic states on the other, in veto. their relations with the former Soviet Union and its The variety and the nature of the questions asked, the successor, the Russian Federation. Ukraine had made detailed answers given, and the follow-up discussion five unsuccessful attempts to free itself from domination brought out the complexities in the unfolding crisis that before its successful bid after the collapse of the Soviet calls for a peaceful and negotiated end in the interest of Union. Russia had deliberately tried to integrate the all concerned. economies of the two countries. Ukraine had consistently taken into account Russia’s security sensitivities while K.P. FABIAN

Highlights for March-April 2015

Lectures Discussion 10 April 2015 at 6:30 pm in Seminar Rooms II - III, 24 March 2015 at 6:30 pm in Seminar Rooms II-III, Kamaladevi Complex Kamaladevi Complex

The Science And Technology Lecture Mental Health Stem Cells, Myths and Realities Children and Challenges of the Modern Speaker: Dr. Jyotsna Dhawan Day Existence 23 April 2015 at 6:30 pm in Annexe Lecture Room II Speaker: Sarita Sarangi, Member, DCPCR; Heenu Singh, Incharge, Childline India; and Professor Amju Music Appreciation Promotion Dhawan, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS Musical Revolution: The Symphonies of Beethoven Moderator: Dr. S.K. Khandelwal An illustrated lecture by Karl Lutchmayer, British-Goan concert pianist, lecturer and writer (Collaboration: All India Institute of Medical Sciences)

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Exhibition Jazz Concert – Cuban Golden Classics 24-31 March 2015, Annexe Art Gallery, By Van Merwijk’s 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Music Machine from the Netherlands – Lucas Sacred Geometries van Merwijk, drummer, Works on paper by percussionist and band Neha Sharma leader accompanied by Ramon Valle, Cuban 22-28 April 2015, Annexe Art Gallery, 11:00 am to master pianist; Bert Boeren on trombone; and Samuel 7:00 pm Albert Ruiz, bass player Here and Now from Venezuela 9-10 April 2015 in the Auditorium at 6:00 pm An exhibition of black each evening and white photographs Spring Festival of Dance and Music By Sumit Basu from Kolkata The festival brings together young dancers and musicians to present their work. Four young-upcoming Performances artists will be presented―the first day will be devoted to music followed by two different dance forms 28 March 2015 at 6:30 pm in the Fountain Lawns Films Flute Concert 23 March 2015 at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium By Pandit Rajendra Prasanna, exponent Dr. Lohia of the flute and Director: Yashwant Giri shehnai. Recipient of the Uttar Film on the life of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Pradesh Sangeet 1 April 2015 at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium Natak Akademi Award (1995) An Ordinary Election Directed by Lalit Vachani who will introduce the film Accompanists: Rishab Prasanna (flute) and Shubh Maharaj (tabla) An Ordinary Election tells the extra-ordinary story of the Aam Aadmi Party’s debut election campaign 53rd Spirit of India 2015: 15th Margaret Dhillon in the constituency of R.K. Puram, Delhi. An Memorial Concert organised in collaboration with the intimate, ground-up perspective of the anxieties, Natraj Cultural Centre, Melbourne ambitions, struggles, and intrigues from the electoral 1 April 2015 at 6:30 pm in the Fountain Lawns battleground itself.

The issue of the Dairy has been assembled and edited by Omita Goyal, Chief Editor, Rachna Joshi, Senior Asstt. Editor and Ritu Singh, 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 by Viba Press Pvt. Ltd., C-66/3, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-II, New Delhi, Ph.: 41611300/01, 9810049515)

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