diary

volume XXIX. No. 2 March–April 2015

JASHN-E-REKHTA FESTIVAL : CELEBRATING URDU

Mushaire ka Badalta Rang-Roop Speakers: Munawwar Rana, Akbar Natiq and Satyapal Anand Chair: Ravish Kumar, March 14

Popular poet Munawwar Rana said that the tradition of Mushaira hasn’t changed much over time. However, he regretted the growing trend of bad and shallow poetry and stressed the importance of preserving the highly developed tradition. The genesis of this tradition, its cultural value and relevance in modern times were the main points of discussion. Satyapal Anand said that there has never been any During the discussion, Munawwar Rana noted that tradition similar to that of Mushaira in Europe and this tradition is being increasingly politicised. It has America. There, poetry is ‘read out’ rather than become a norm for politicians to organise Mushairas to performed. campaign for votes. He also spoke about the anonymous Munawwar Rana added that these days in Pakistan, not and not so easy lives led by poets. Poetry and Mushaira many people watch or listen to Mushairas. Speaking is passing through a bad phase. from personal experience, he said that the harmful competitiveness of poets who at times attempt to degrade one another is not appreciated and it is precisely this which deters people from attending Mushairas. He also pointed out the differences in the same tradition practiced in India and Pakistan. In India, even today Mushairas are very popular, but that is no longer the case in Pakistan. Ravish, at the same time, regretted the deterioration of this tradition. Towards the end, the session was opened to questions. The witty responses, sometimes also in the form of beautiful couplets by Rana and Natiq won the audience’s hearts and the powerful poetry by Satyapal Anand touched everyone.

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and the doctor who is an avid reader of his works is Tetwal ka Kutta – a play based on some of the second act of the play. The patient shows some of Manto’s short stories Presented by Wing’s Cultural Society, March 15 his writings to the doctor who, still unaware, ridicules the pessimism in it. The psychiatrist I.M. Shareef is On the second day of Jashn-e-Rekhta, Tetwal ka kuttta shocked when he gets to know who his patient really (Tetwal’s Dog), a play written by Danish Iqbal based on is and changes his attitude. Normal doctor-patient certain episodes of Manto’s life and a few of his short conversation is interspersed with dialogues which stories was enacted. portray the philosophy of Manto’s writings. A disillusioned and dishevelled Manto, given to smoking The second part of the play is the enactment of two and drinking and roaming the streets of Lahore in the of Manto’s famous later short stories. The story of cover of darkness is the starting point of the play. He Thanda Gosht (Cold Flesh) is presented in three lines is shown as unable to come to terms with the fact that through Manto’s narration to the doctor during their India and Pakistan are different countries. Manto is conversation. The third act of the play is the enactment introduced to the audience as a famous writer by way of a self-introduction by the actor Tarique Hameed. of Kali Shalwar (Black Trouser). Manto, at the end of the act, asks the doctor and audience if they found anything Manto’s visit to a psychiatrist on court orders and the pornographic about the story. interesting conversation which unfolds between him The last and major part of the play is the enactment of the short story Tetwal’s Dog, which is also the play’s title. The story is set in Tetwal village of Kashmir during the first war between India and Pakistan. A dog which strays from one side to the other is petted by the soldiers and at the same time suspected to be the informer of the other. The dog becomes an ignition point for the soldiers and they fire at the dog for different reasons, which then dies a ‘dog’s death’ in between neither side. This is then conveyed as a metaphor of humanity and also Manto’s own life.

Moderator Baran Farooqi then threw in a point about Urdu Adab Ki Taanisi Awaz the necessity for writers to remove the layer of cultural Speakers: Azra Abbas, Sukrita Paul Kumar, Amjad Islam Amjad and Tarannum Riyaz conditioning (and thus male-centred prescriptivism) Moderator: Baran Farooqi, March 14 and observe the world like a child to see through things which Ismat Chughtai perfectly did in Lihaf.

At the panel discussion, the first speaker was Sukrita Tarannum Riyaz followed by speaking mainly about Paul Kumar. She discussed the works of Ismat Chughtai, poetry. She made a distinction between loud feminism especially her convention-breaking (and controversial) and subtle feminism and appreciated the latter. short story Lihaf. Her introduction of Begumati Zuban She quoted Ada Jafri as a perfect example of subtle feminism and prescribed that poetry should be such to (a female gendereolect of Urdu) through some of her be appreciable. She then said that though the poetry characters into the world of Urdu literature and its of Parveen Shakir, Kishwar Naheed and the like were significance was further discussed. milestones, there was an element of shrillness in them.

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increasing conservatism. It is important that their voices be heard and not ignored, she said. She added that women-specific experiences like menstruation or pangs of child birth should and have been converted into poetry without which the experience would be left unknown. Amjad said that what happened in the West hundred years back is only now visible in Indo-Pakistani literature.

Baran expressed hope for Urdu literature to reach the state where things like vagina monologues become common and such openness becomes a part of poetic An analogy was drawn between Kiran Desai and Ismat convention here. Sukrita commented about the Chughtai for their blunt use of language. She quoted lack of creativity in the critical sensibility of writers. facts that female writers and poets in the beginning There is a lack of theoretical literature which is why wrote in the name of their fathers, husbands or brothers. unconventional things take too long to be accepted. She appreciated Bano Qudsiya and Qurratulain Haider Tarannum reaffirmed that she considered all these for their subtle feminism in their works like Raja Gidh, things an aping of the West and said that some Agle Jana Mohe Bitiya Na Kijo and Sitaharan, and placed indigenous wave should begin. Baran concluded the them in the highest category. session by letting it be known that there is a dire necessity of feminist theorising in India to open up Sukrita expressed her views about the requirement closed spaces and blur differences. of aesthetic restraint, especially with regard to protest and feminist literature. She rather viewed Shakir and WIKALP Kishwar’s ‘shrill voices’ as an equilibrium reaction to NANDLAL

The tango is a dance that is exquisite to watch when Argentine Music performed well. It originated in the 1890s along the Rio PERFORMANCE: An Evening of Argentinian Music de la Plata, the natural border between Argentina and Piano recital by Mariano Alberto Vasquez Uruguay, and spread first in Europe and then in North Collaboration: Embassy of the Argentine Republic America during the early 20th century. It is now part of March 2 the standard ballroom dance repertoire. Mariano Alberto Vasquez impressed with his piano Artiste Mariano Alberto Vasquez, well-known pianist playing, displaying a very good feel and a good and also tango dancer, presented a piano recital that understanding of dynamic range. An interesting was almost an exclusive celebration of Argentine impromptu touch was the performance by a pair of tango music. Except for one zamba (an Argentine folk dancers who essayed the tango itself on two numbers. dance) and a couple of numbers featuring the chacarera The recital concluded with a rendering of probably (another Argentine folk dance that is considered the the most well-known and widely performed rural counterpart of the cosmopolitan tango), all the tango standard—La Cumparsita—a song written by numbers performed showcased the tango or its variants Uruguayan composer Gerardo Matos Rodriguez in 1916 (tango, tango vals and milonga). when he was just an 18-year old student. Interestingly, it also uses a portion of the song Miserere from Giuseppe The major composer featured was Astor Piazzolla, Verdi’s famous opera Il Trovatore. who is considered the foremost Argentine composer of S. CHIDAMBAR tango music.

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another, and the cycle goes on. The Reel shows a person FESTIVAL : 11TH IAWRT Asian who lives with the war, in the throes of an unending war. It shows that while music is a basic need, war does Women’s Film Festival not permit it. Collaboration: IAWRT, India Chapter; Max Mueller Bhawan-Goethe Institute; the Japan Foundation; Sangat Q: What do you think of this festival? South Asia; Jagori; Zubaan; PSBT, March 3–5 A: That school students came to watch the film. That is very unusual. The 11th edition of the IAWRT Asian Women’s Film Festival showcased the work of women filmmakers Lin Li, UK of Asian origin, bringing together a rich and diverse Q: You began your career in filmmaking later in your collection of films from 18 countries. The festival life. Tell us something about the transition. included a selection of 60 films and sound works, A: I studied psychology at university and then taught for a seminar and exhibitions. These are excerpts from many years. But I really wanted to do something visually interviews with some filmmakers. creative. I started learning to paint and decided to explore a different medium. I did some sculpture, and Yumiko Hayakawa, Japan eventually bought a camera with the facility to take Q: Tell us about your career. How did you become a moving images. I started making short video pieces. filmmaker? Q: Can you tell us more about the work you do today? A: I began my career in journalism and moved to the A: At the moment the core elements of my creative practice UK to study. I had a small video camera and I started are sound and moving image. Apart from making films filming everything in my daily life. One day I came I also do stand-alone sand pieces. Some of my earlier upon a man protesting in front of the Parliament, work includes more meditative short video pieces. At the objecting to troops being sent to Iraq and Afghanistan. moment I am working on experimental documentary I made a film about him and that is how it started. films about peace activists in non-violence and direct Q: What is the philosophy behind the art? action against nuclear weapons. A: The first film here is an anti-war campaign in the Q: How has your experience at this Festival been? UK. My second film is about public housing because A: It’s wonderful. I have learnt a lot from the diversity of I thought housing in Japan is a very important issue films. since rents are exorbitant. Another film describes the structure of Japanese society through the example of a Humaira Bilkis, Bangladesh woman whose son was working in a nuclear plant. Her Q: Tell us how you became a filmmaker and what political activism was not encouraged by her husband. inspired you? A: I am not sure if I can call myself a filmmaker because it Q: What do you think is the power of a film festival like is a process. I was engaged with film society movements the IAWRT? and that is how I think the engagement started with A: I like the selection of films. It brings together people filmmaking. from all across the Asian countries. I think they get inspired and take back the spirit from this festival to Q: Could you share something about your experience their own country. during the shooting of Maine Dilli Nahi Dekha? A: This is my diploma film. I came to Delhi to join a

Lajaward Haqiqi, Afghanistan course on ‘Creative Documentary’. It is not about the Q: What was the idea behind your two animation city of Delhi, it is about me and the experience which I films,The Reel and The Play on Play? had in the last one year. One thing is very important : A: The Play on Play speaks about the world today. People that a film is the tool through which we know about a living in it are in play with another, who is in play with culture, about a country. In a way, films give a message.

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of themselves, synchronised with haunting music, build Films of Norman McLaren up a nimbus, till they become one again at the end. FILM: Norman McLaren Centenary Year 2015 He tried his hand at many types of animation. Begone Introduction: Jessie Curell is a lovely work in which he painted directly Collaboration: Canadian High Commission Dull Care March 17 on film and set it to jaunty jazz music.C'est L'aviron is a riveting black-and-white work created in a studio to simulate the forward movement of a boat on water Eleven films by the Scotland-born Norman McLaren going past cliffs, rock formations, mysterious distant were screened courtesy Jessie Curell of the National Film islands accompanied by a folk song on the sound track. Board of Canada. Among other films shown wereBlinkity Blank about Opening Speech: McLaren is a witty, bizarre live- birds caught in an act of seduction; Le Merle in animation film and a forerunner of the genre. There cardboard cut-outs, about a disintegrating bird; Spheres, is its predecessor, Neighbours, which is masterly in an experiment in changing geometric shapes; Synchromy, technique and prescient in its reading of violence as an attempt to achieve an exact movement of sound being integral to human nature. The treatment is again and image. funny and bizarre. Other examples of live animation are A Chairy Tale about a man trying to sit on a chair Norman McLaren's achievements are all the more that wouldn't let him, and relents only when suitably formidable because he worked in film (analogue) 'wooed'. And there is the exquisite Pas De Deux, a black- animation, by far a more laborious process than and-white dance film like no other where a male and a digital animation. female dance together and gradually in multiple images PARTHA CHATTERJEE

goose chase. The film closely follows the campaign About Aam Aadmi Party from the air-conditioned war rooms to the dusty FILM: An Ordinary Election streets, from the clumsy slums to the systematic upper Directed by Lalit Vachani class neighbourhoods. Probing the party’s resume, Lalit April 1 Vachani captures their ideology, ambitions, principles, perspectives, anxieties and struggle on the election The Aam Aadmi Party, a political progeny of ‘India battleground. We also hear straight from the horse’s Against Corruption’ made a remarkable debut in the mouth who the Aam Aadmi, or the common man, is. Union Territory of Delhi, blitzing the big guns, proving Can the Aam Aadmi Party live up to its own ideals their mettle, not just once but twice. To document of decentralisation and swaraj or self-rule? What is this extraordinary political revolution that took the country by storm, Lalit Vachani has intricately covered the fine line that distinguishes political sincerity from their winning streak in his filmAn Ordinary Election. political expediency? Lalit Vachani, an alumnus of St. The screening was followed by a lively discussion. Stephens College, Delhi University, has directed several other films which have won not one but many awards. The film details the work of the neocrats inside out. An Ordinary Election is yet another masterstroke, a Following the party candidate Shazia Ilmi along with diligent artwork on the jhadu-carrying revolution the other ‘Aam’ party workers in the constituency of which promises to sweep the nation of its flaws and R.K. Puram, the director pictures how they turned make it a better one. every stone to bring about the much needed change in Indian democracy, which once seemed like a wild DAISY DEKA

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performed five short guitar pieces. From the soft and Remembering Zohra contemplative strains of ‘Gymnopedie No. 1’ to guitar FESTIVAL: Happy Birthday Zohra! – A Celebration standards such as Heitor Villa-Lobos’ ‘Prelude No. 4 Collaboration: Pallavi Odissi Nritya Sangeet Vidyalaya in E Minor,’ Yogi Ponappa’s mature restraint received and Women Unlimited, April 27 due appreciation. This was followed by a short talk by Ammi’s niece, Dr. Salima Raza, who recounted short and Is it possible to encapsulate and celebrate the life and humorous anecdotes from Zohra Sehgal’s life. Dr. Raza times of a star that refuses to fade, especially when it brought to life several incidents and experiences that continues to shine for what seems like eternity? Is it had the audience in splits as they remembered Ammi’s possible to pour stardust into an hourglass and ensure tomboyish nature and incredible zest for life. Ammi’s that not a single speck flickers its way to the ground? grand-daughter Madhyama Sehgal gave a spirited Odissi The answer to both these questions is a definitive ‘no.’ dance presentation, and the evening ended with an Notwithstanding these daunting challenges, friends original play which described how Ammi emphasised and family of the doyenne of Indian theatre Zohra the importance of the memory of a play’s message to the Sehgal (‘Ammi’), paid a fitting tribute to her gloriously audience rather than the play itself. multi-faceted life on her birth anniversary in a series of spectacular presentations of music, dance and theatre Zohra Ammi was an institution in herself and the in a manner that touched the heartstrings of its evening made her life immensely real to everyone in the rapt audience. hall, especially the memory of her chuckling voice as she sang, ‘Abhi toh Main Jawan Hoon’ with a twinkle in Compered by reputed Odissi dancer Kiran Sehgal, her eye. the evening started with a western classical guitar presentation by the young talented Yogi Ponappa who DEEPAK CASTELINO

Cuban Golden Classics!! PERFORMANCE: Jazz Concert – Cuban Golden Classic By Van Merwijks Music Machine Collaboration: Embassy of the Netherlands, April 1

What happens when one of the finest European and Latin jazz drummers in the world today get together with a charismatic Cuban pianist, a well-grounded Venezuelan bassist and a dynamic Dutch trombonist? The result is swinging uptempo, foot-tapping Cuban jazz by the Van Merwijks Music Machine ensemble from in motion as his drumsticks flew with finesse over the the Netherlands. Putting together the finest selection skins. Cuban pianist Ramon Valle’s seasoned veteran of Cuba’s best known songs such as El Manicero, La fingers danced effortlessly over his ebony and ivory Comparsa, Tres Lindas Cubanas, A Mi Que and the piano keys, creating intricate story lines without words. famous Chan Chan in fresh contemporary perspectives, Samuel Ruiz’s clear and solid double-bass support made this jazz band’s riveting performance on their inaugural tour of India was, beyond doubt, an incredibly it easy to understand why he is, undisputedly, one of the delightful experience. most sought after Latin bass players in Europe. He has played with just about every major international artist Led by the immensely-talented drummer Lucas Van in Latin music from Issac Delgado to Cheo Feliciano. Merwijk, who has been at the forefront of the European Trombonist Bert Boeren, one of Europe’s finest jazz jazz, Latin and percussion scene for over 30 years, the soloists, is a professor at the Amsterdam Conservatory group belted out classic Cuban jazz standards in a wide and is recognised worldwide for his beautiful tone and array of perspectives and interpretations. Van Merwijk’s well-rounded musical ideas. brilliant mastery of complex and irregular beat structures, with seemingly no room for error, was sheer symphony DEEPAK CASTELINO 6 diary culture

from Hindi to English, who has been the vice-chancellor Rishabhayan of Jain Vishwa Bharati University in Rajasthan. The fact DISCUSSION: The First King and the First Ascetic – that her translation reflects her deep understanding of A Poetic Retelling of Acharya Mahapragya’s Rishabhayan Jaina philosophy—its central spirit, the Anekantavada, Introduction to the book by Sudhamahi Reghunathan. makes it a book of contemporary significance. As a Readings in Hindi and English, April 20 translator she knows that ‘Between one full stop and the Rishabhayan is the story of King Rishabha who organised next sentence, a kingdom can be built’. Though loyal society for the first time and transformed wandering to the original text, like a professional translator she has human beings into the subjects of a kingdom. In this at times given the intended meaning a free play. This sense, it also presents the biography of social organisation, adds to the spontaneity of the text and a beautiful aswad narrated in verse. It’s an epic that seems to be telling us (aesthetic taste) is generated for the reader. the story of the birth of patriarchy in India. It unravels the mystery of pre-historic times where many universes The reading and discussion were enriched by the lay hidden. But the telos of social organisations is not rendering of the verses with interpretation by Samani its perpetuation in the given form; rather, individuals Charitrapragya, vice-chancellor, Jain Bharati Institute are shown the path and logic of overcoming it. King (Deemed University) and Shailaja Chandra, former Rishabh ultimately renounces the world and goes for Chief Secretary, Delhi. Prof. G.C. Tripathy, Director, nirvana, admonishing his sons to take the same path. Bhogilal Leherchand Institute of Indology, summed up the discussion by saying that in a nutshell Rishabhayan is The point of the reading and discussion of this book about dharma–the laws of maintenance and sustenance on 20th April, 2015 was that Rishabhayan, published by of the order of which one is a part. Harper Collins publishers with a Foreword by Shivraj Patil, has been translated by Dr. Sudhamahi Regunathan SAVITA SINGH

The hallmark of Lakshmi Viswanathan’s talk/ Dance Celebrations demonstration on ‘Rasa in Dance – Inspiration and FESTIVAL: World Dance Day Celebrations 2015 Imagination’ was the humour, making a heavy theme easily April 25–26 understandable to young learners. Veering away from obsessive sastra classifications, with quaint translations of The Annual World Dance Day celebrations of a two-day Sanskrit texts into English with words like ‘Horripilation’, festival held by Geeta Chandran and the Natya Vriksha rasa, she underlined, has its birth in poetry. The craft of in collaboration with the IIC, attracted a large turnout, interpreting this (permitting countless fresh revisitations with even the aisles filled with squatting people, right to the poetry) to evoke aesthetic delight or rasa was the from the curtain raiser of a book release. aim of abhinaya, requiring imagination to build Very fittingly, the evening concluded with the up the sense of ‘beauty’, the first ingredient of screening of the sensitive filmVara directed by rasa (even the proud snake slinks away unable international film maker (Rinpoche) Khyentse to stand beside Parvati’s dazzling beauty). The demonstration of excerpts from Norbu from Bhutan. Woven round Padams, Javalis, verses concluding the life of the devadasi, the story with Geetagovind verses Vadasiyati poignantly caught the sacred/ kinchitapi (Music in misra Pilu by profane dilemma of these women, sister Charumati, sung by Subasri on exploited by society while secretly tape) had the typical Lakshmi panache. sought for their sensual art. Amidst excellent editing and fine acting by the seductive Both the young dancers chosen for the daughter of the devadasi are the bhava-soaked festival did their Gurus proud. singing of Geeta Chandran as devadasi.  LEELA VENKATARAMAN 7 talks diary

of speech and the right to offend others. Even as he Charlie Hebdo condemned the killing in Paris, he said he would fight DISCUSSION: Charlie Hebdo – Looking Beyond the with his life to protect the right to defend but could not Dilemma of Absolute or Limited Freedom of Expression bring himself to support the right to offend. Speakers: Sona Khan; K.P. Fabian; Come Carpentier de Gourdon; Harsh Kapoor; Sister Mary Scaria Similarly, Come Carpentier dwelt upon the various Moderator: Suhas Borker divides that existed in pluralistic societies across the Collaboration: Working Group on Alternative Strategies world, and Harsh Kapoor explained through an insight March 2 on French society and its composition what outraged Muslims in that country. He also expressed his surprise In the talk, 'Charlie Hebdo: Looking Beyond the on how the political scene in India could digress from Dilemma of Absolute or Limited Freedom of Expression', the issue of communalism. the idea was to discuss the duality between the demand Sona Khan said the world needed to understand the for absolute freedom of expression—and the dangers difference between Muslims and Islam. While each it holds—and a freedom of expression tempered by person practising Islam was a Muslim, Islam, as was certain censors. clearly said in the Qoran, condemned hurting any All the speakers at the event, moderated by Suhas Borker, innocent person for any reason. convenor, Working Group on Alternative Strategies, Sister Scaria raised more examples, such as the recent seemed unanimous in the larger view that freedom of inflammatory statements of some political leaders, expression, though essential in a democracy, might turn to drive home the point that absolute freedom of out to be dangerous if left unbridled. expression could be dangerous for both the social fabric K.P. Fabian, the opening speaker, highlighted the and individual human rights. difference between the right to defend one's freedom REETESH ANAND

the true art of building than could be learnt from all the Conserving Delhi textbooks of Europe. EXHIBITION: The Grand Programme – Gordon Sanderson, New Delhi and the Architecture of India, During his work with the ASI, from 1911 to 1915, he 1911-1915 visited and documented monuments all over northern Curated by Deborah Sutton and designed by India and also supervised the conservation of sites in Siddhartha Chatterjee and around Agra. An old photograph at the exhibition Collaboration: Sanderson’s family; Lancaster showed a blurred image of Sanderson escorting the tall University; ASI; National Archives of India; and and regal Queen Mary seemingly on the ramparts of The Leverhulme Trust, April 2–12 Fatehpur Sikri on 18 December 1911. This was a few days after the grand Delhi Durbar on 12 December Gordon Sanderson, ASI’s Superintendent of Delhi’s where her husband, George Vth, proclaimed himself Sultanate and Mughal monuments, died at the young Emperor of India and announced that a new city, age of 28 in a fierce battle in 1915 during the First World adjacent to the old Mughal Delhi, would be built as the War, leaving behind his beloved wife Agnes and his baby British imperial capital of India. daughter Jean. A hundred years on, this Exhibition celebrated his poignant life and dedicated work in The British very clearly attempted to establish that protecting and preserving Delhi's historic structures. they were the imperial successors to the Mughals whose Sanderson’s original sketches and documents provided monuments they wished to preserve. Sanderson and the by his three grandchildren, Niall and Duncan Campbell ASI were energetically involved in this enterprise, as and Fiona Macleod, formed the most dramatic core of displayed in this fine exhibition which was inaugurated the exhibition. Some of Sanderson’s satirical drawings by the historian, Shahid Amin. The initiators of the exhibition project were two Delhi friends of Sanderson’s lampooned the mindset of the colonial Public Works family, Bharati Bhargava and Narayani Gupta. Department. Countering his British colleagues, he argued that Indian master-builders could teach more of JAWID LAIQ 8 diary exhibition

From the Mountains EXHIBITION: The Himalaya – A Timeless Quest (People and Environment), April 15–30

The IIC in collaboration with Pahar, American Institute of Indian Studies, Intach and Doordarshan put up their third and final exhibition in the excellently produced ‘Himalayan Series’. This was inaugurated on 15th April at the Art Gallery by Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt, Gandhian environmentalist, who gave an introductory talk. The emphasis this time was on the people and their hopes, experiences, desires and lives. These folk environment of the region and relied on the surveys and songs covered all aspects of life, viz, the topography of material collected by Pahar's Ashkot Arakot Abhiyan the land, life cycle events, social relations, work roles Study Manch in Uttarakhand, amongst others. and activities performed, aesthetic descriptions of The Exhibition had three segments, the first, pictorial beauty, dissent, protest and social change. They were a (photographs, maps, text); the second, three talks/ spontaneous and a powerful method of public expression discussion; and lastly, visual (five short films). all over the region despite modernisation. The photographs by renowned photographers Anup The short films screened on 25th and 27th April Shah, Deb Mukarji etc., were on display at the Art Gallery carried forward the same theme. Following the Rhythms along with an informative text by environmentalist on the lives of the Van Gujjars of Uttarakhand Shekhar Pathak and others, and maps. The photos and their problems of having to adapt to the depicted mountainscapes, habitation—both towns and modern world. A Question of Tomorrow —The Brogpas villages—people from across the region. The beautiful of Ladakh was a eulogy to the vanishing tribe of the flora and fauna were exquisite, being more paintings than descendants of Alexander's army. mere photos. Scenes depicting various aspects of rural Apna Aloo Bazar Becha dealt with a remote Garhwal life gave a vivid insight into the lives of the Himalayan — — villager. Specially poignant was a set of photographs village Jardhar coming to terms with a modern showing various temples, towns and landscapes—before market economy. and after the recent devastating floods that ravaged Ambi Jiji's Retirement dealt with the Garo hills, the region. Temples across the region from Ladakh Meghalaya, where Jhum cultivation (burning forest) and to Nepal depicting different styles and influences and communal ownership is fast giving way to individual the worship along with maps and text explaining the holdings and orchards (kaju and areca nuts) and an end environmental, ecological and water situation in the to an old way of life. Ambi jiji as the last custodian of the region. A comprehensive collage of the environment and village Jhum land views this change with forebearance the people of the Western, Central, Eastern Himalayas and humour. and the Tibetan plateau were vibrantly depicted. Reviving Faith tackled the relationship between nature as A discussion held on 18th April examined the various represented by the forest, and development, represented areas of conflict between development and existing by dams/roads and seeks to make the point that despite heritage and culture and the scope of coexistence between the ravages brought about by modernisation, the the two. This was followed by a talk by Dr. A.K. Gupta sacred forest groves and sanctuaries of the Himalayas of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun (specifically Himachal and Uttarakhand) are still on the existing status of the ecology, environment and venerated by the people. geology and the dangers posed to it by development. The last was an illustrated talk by Dr. Anjali Capila on It was a thought-provoking exhibition that women in the folk songs of the Garhwal Himalayas. celebrated the Himalayas. These were used as a vehicle to express and communicate SIDDHARTH KAK 9 talks diary

cultural export from India to these far off places. Due A Journey into the Heart to the extreme temperature, this area is unique in that it has houses, mummies and objects well preserved for of Buddha almost 1,300 years. Dr. Baums spoke on the daily life of LECTURES: Buddhism Buddhist monks and people living in this region. Around Collaboration: National Monuments Authority and 800 tablets written in Kharoshti script have been found Indian Archaeology, April 14, 16, 17 and 18 in excavations. Some of these manuscripts are actually in Sanskrit text which have parallels in Mahabharata, IIC recently organised a series of four exciting lectures Jataka Tales, etc. Many of these tablets pertain to daily on Buddhist Archaeology with special reference to life, administration of the region and topics such as Gandhar. The first lecture, 'Sarnath: Recent Excavations adoption, divorce, and general commands given by the and Discoveries' by B.R. Mani in the series ‘Indian king. Dr. Baums pointed out that some monks were Archaeology’ was on the archaeological remains of actually householders who did not necessarily wear robes Sarnath, well known for the first sermon that Buddha and performed common activities as well as writing of delivered, one of the four important sites related to these tablets. Buddha. A fresh excavation was carried out from 2013 to 2014 after a gap of 85 years. For the first time, Dr. Pia Brancaccio's lecture, 'The Buddhist Caves of stratigraphy of the site was carried out to establish the Western Deccan in the Late 5th and 6th Century: the cultural sequence of events from Buddha's first Where the Silk Road and the Indian Ocean Meet', gave sermon to the time of Ashoka and beyond, for which a detailed presentation of the strong oceanic trade that excavation was carried out to the natural soil level. existed during that period between India and far-off Dr. Mani has found continuous activity as early countries. The Ajanta Caves flourished under the rule as 385 BCE to late 5 CE to early 12 CE. He gave of the Vakatakata Dynasty in the latter part of 5 CE to early 6 CE. She gave a new insight into the murals and interesting glimpses of sculptures and objects found statues of Ajanta by pointing out details that showed the at this site. existence of trade between these countries. Evidence of 'Buddhism in Niya on the Southern Silk Road' was an designs of cotton dresses in far-off countries like Egypt is informative lecture by Stefan Baums, one of the few depicted in the paintings of Ajanta as also what appears scholars in the world who has read the ancient Kharoshti to be a Persian ambassador drinking wine. She proposed and Brahmi scripts. He gave a fascinating overview of that the paintings also suggest wine trade with Persia the Taklamakan desert and the Southern Silk Road and evidence that nuns were involved in the weaving with emphasis on the ancient site of Niya and the of cloth. The last lecture by Dr. Juhyung Rhi was on 'The Enigma of Gandharan Buddhas' where the focus was on statues from various excavations of Buddhist monasteries. Dr. Rhi showed many examples of Buddha statues and classified them stylistically into five different forms. Rather than enunciating the chronology of the statues, his main concern was emphasising the purpose of these different statues. Though he mentioned that statues were built by artisans for patrons to gain merit, he found it mystifying that many statues displayed a hole on the Ushnish (crown of head). He proposed that the purpose in the statues from the Gandhar area in the Peshawar Valley was perhaps that the holes were filled with Buddha relics, a practice also prevalent in other parts of the world like Southeast Asia. RISHI JINDAL

10 diary culture

because it was dark, Printing Textiles there was no fear of EXHIBITION: Kachchh Ji Chhaap – 500 Years of Block the cloth being worn printing and Batik inside out! Collaboration: Khamir; Soorvani; and Craft Revival There are four Trust, April 8–14 different types of Textiles have always fascinated people. The varieties of Azrakh cloth: Bepoti techniques that can be used to embellish a fabric are for the aged, Dedhi absolutely amazing. for a person less than 15 years of age, Savedi for those less than 10 years, and The craftsmanship on the textiles displayed in the Paniyu for a boy less than 6 years old. exhibition Kachchh Ji Chhaap was astounding. So meticulously are the blocks transposed on each other About block making, which is so integral to the making that the textile becomes a prayer and each complete of a fine textile, it is said that you can only learn this piece is imbued with a beautiful meditative quality. The craft between the age of 8 to 12, after which the fingers works are in such harmony with the environment… you lose their flexibility. The craftsmen carved the designs can see the sun, animals, river, trees and mud, all as a directly on wood, and the printers could actually part of what went into the making of the finished textile. taste the indigo and tell the shade and quality it was Surely this could not be the work of ordinary mortals! going to be. Ajrakh is derived from the Arabic word azrak, which Apparently, one Khatri block printer was named means blue. Ajrakh is the traditional attire of the Mohammed Gulabi by the king of Kachchh. This was Maldhari Muslims. Apparently the Ajrakh cloth is because he made an Ajrakh in a bright shade of pink. No printed on both sides because the Maldhari men got one knows how he made it. dressed before sunrise to herd their livestock, and POONAM B. SAHI

by Subhash Kanti Das were the A Touch of Spring saving grace. SPRING FESTIVAL: Music and Dance, April 9–10 The second evening devoted to dance opened with captivating The Spring Festival of classical music and dance Kathak by Gauri Divakar. commenced with a melodious flute recital by Pravar Groomed under Pt. Birju Tandon. Keeping in mind the theme of spring, Pravar Maharaj, Jai Kishan Maharaj opened his performance with raga Vasant-Pancham. He and Aditi Mangaldas, Gauri must have learnt this lovely creation of Pt. Ravi Shankar is a versatile and energetic from his present Guru, Pt. Barun Pal, a senior disciple performer. She thoughtfully of Pt. Ravi Shankar. Pravar’s remarkable tunefulness and conceived her performance blowing technique spoke of his sound grooming under around the theme of spring Pt. Bholanath Prasanna from an early age. Listening to and opened with Vasant Varnan his elaborate and sensitive treatment of the rare raga, from Kalidasa’s Ritusamhaar in it was difficult to believe that Pravar was a software rag Vasant. The vibrant spirit engineer by profession. He was ably accompanied on of spring prevailed in Tala Vasant of the pure dance the tabla by Shailendra Mishra. segment and the sensitive Abhinay on the poetry of Anand Upakash, a disciple of Pt. Bholanath Mishra, Bulle Shah and Nirala depicting Holi and Vasant, started his vocal recital with raga Marwa, but the accompanied by musicians like Samiullah Khan, aggressive treatment of the somber raga through Yogesh Gangani and Mahavir Gangani on vocal, tabla Sargam and Aakar Taans indicated his inclination and Pakhawaj. towards showing off virtuosity. Naayaki Kanhada also The Festival concluded with a brilliant Bharatanatyam left much to be desired. His training seems sound but recital by Urmila Sathyanarayanan. Upakash needs time to mature. The superb Sangat on the harmonium by Zakir Dhaulpuri and on the tabla MANJARI SINHA 11 talks diary

Sarita Sarangi from the Delhi Commission for Child Children’s Concerns Protection and Child Rights lucidly explained the need TALK: Mental Health – Children and Challenges of for prevention, treatment and promotion, highlighting Modern Day Existence the need for a rights approach in working with children. Speakers: Sarita Sarangi, Heenu Singh, Anju Dhawan Heenu Singh, Incharge Helpline Foundation, conveyed Moderator: Dr. S.K. Khandelwal Collaboration: All India Institute of Medical Sciences a strong message for the public to be alert to the March 24 infringement of children’s rights. She emphasised that there are 24-hour helplines to rescue children who are Current newspaper reports of six-year old children in vulnerable situations. Anju Dhawan from AIIMS hanging themselves, or suicides due to academic stressed on the rising use of drugs, especially among the pressure have made child well-being a central concern. poor, whose lives are complicated by neighbourhoods, Dr. Khandelwal of the Department of Psychiatry, poverty and illiteracy. Common contentious issues of AIIMS, said that about 45 per cent of India’s population neglect and corporal punishment abound despite child is below 16, and soon India will be the nation with the protection guidelines, innumerable state legislations largest population of the young. This set the stage for such as Children’s Policy, Juvenile Justice Act and the the invaluable relevance of understanding the challenges newly devised Protection of Children from Sexual of childhood. The discussion focused on the diversity of Offences. All stakeholders jointly need to generate children’s life situations, contexts and experiences that pushed them to the margins. awareness. Along with this, the Right to Education if properly evoked can radically alter the vulnerability of This talk with a panel of experts with hands-on experience children that could lead to the absence of mental illness, of issues of concern related to children’s mental health, positive emotions and positive psychology. delineated the necessary state assistance in terms of laws, policy and methods devised for the support for children. ASHA SINGH

character of Delhi, and that structures have lost Frontiers of History their ‘Indian-ness’. This fuelled concern as to TALK: The Architecture of Delhi – whether Delhiites even cared for the aforementioned Modern to Contemporary ‘character’. The people of what is primarily a city of Speakers: Anupam Bansal and Malini Kochupillai migrants seem to be too busy to bother about the Chair: Itu Chaudhuri, April 6 new concrete structures rising around them, that too Few cities can boast Delhi’s architectural richness and without a tryst with modernity. Others rejected the variety. They say one stumbles on an architectural notion of a monolithic ‘Indian’ architecture, given marvel at every dozen steps. Architects Bansal and the different architectural legacies of the country. As Kochupillai celebrate this fact in Architectural Guide A.G.K. Menon writes in the Foreword, to the book, Delhi, which covers over 250 buildings from Mughal Delhi’s architectural legacy is remarkable not only tombs to Gurgaon high-rises, providing brief overviews for its antiquity but also its diversity, but few legatees of structures complemented by beautiful photographs. acknowledge its worth. Drawing from their book, the speakers discussed The speakers opined that Delhi needs to ‘stop building landmark buildings of the last 60 years. The focus was and start reusing.’ Instead of demolishing existing on the works of government-approved architects who structures to build new ones, alternative uses of existing attempted bold things, creating their own signatures. It heritage could meet the aspirations of the times. Showing was a trip down memory lane for many present, with successful executions of this theory in developed the rich archive of photographs by Madan Mahatta and countries, they suggested one might rethink high- Ram Rahman. density office complexes, and use them for institutions or even housing. Members of the audience expressed the view that buildings of our times seem to interfere with the ADITYAN G. BHARATI 12 diary music

orchestra played to Air Force Orchestra a packed house as a CONCERT: Special Concert in honour of Marshal of special tribute concert the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh. Mr. Soli J. Sorabjee for Air Marshal Arjan felicitated Air Marshal Arjan Singh. Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra led by Squadron Leader Singh. G. Jayachandran The amalgamation of Concept: Suhas Borker, March 18 Indian instruments The upholding of service traditions in the country’s like the tabla and the defence forces is a hallmark of their system. Though it is ghatam alongside Western drums gave space to each customary in every walk of their lives in the three wings, performer without a clash of sounds, making for perfect it comes into the public eye when the bands of the three compositional acumen. A wholesome departure from services make a public display of their musical acumen the earlier practice of playing only Western compositions at opportunities such as on the Raj Path for Republic was the inclusion of several numbers based on Indian Day. The current rendition by the Air Force Symphony ragas like Shammukhananda, intertwining Indian Orchestra was on a special platform at the Fountain instruments with Western counterparts with melodious Lawns of the IIC, where they presented their distinctive ease. symphonic compositions. These pieces, one noticed, had Overall, what the group lacked in their finesse at kept in mind the strengths of the orchestra. However, highlighting the uncanny musical feel of classical the concert tended to be overstretched, although the presentations, it made up with its razor sharp rhythmic variety of music conveyed an original air, such as the specificity. Conclusively, what the concert indicated was composition Rejoice in Raisina to the well-tested hymnal the immense potential of these fusion experiments to piece Abide With Me. The concert showed that there was highlight the robustness of the orchestra. more on offer for listeners than just a copycat production of compositions from Western sources. Naturally, the SUBHRA MAZUMDAR

However, it seemed at times that power overshadowed Young Voices, Old Masters grace. As a torchbearer of the Semmangudi bani, he FESTIVAL: Purandara Dasa Thyagaraja would do well to remember that the master’s style, while Festival of Music, April 11–12 a vigorous and even percussive one, was remarkably tuneful and imbued with great delicacy. In this reviewer’s The Ramakrishnapuram South Indian Society presented opinion, Abhilash would benefit from a focus on slow, us with two young artistes, G. Abhilash, disciple ‘soft’ compositions and clarity in bringing out the of A.S. Murali, and Aishwarya Shankar, disciple of beauty of each individual note. For his kind of ringing Suguna Varadachari. The Society has chosen to focus voice, Madurai Mani would be another good example to on Purandara Dasa and Thyagaraja together in recent listen to. The tempo variations in Nambi Kettavar Illavo years. There are some parallels between the two great were well executed and the Behag piece was particularly pleasing. Aishwarya Shankar came across as a more composers. Both eschewed royal patronage and narastuti accomplished artiste, a credit to her self-effacing guru, for bhakti. Thyagaraja’s opera Prahlada Bhakti Vijayam Suguna Varadachari, who has done Carnatic music contains praise of the earlier composer and his Dvaitamu yeoman service for decades now. Ma Janaki, Mokshamu Sukhama echoes Dasa’s Dvaitavu Sukhava, for example. Galada, the RTP in Kharaharapriya with Ramapriya The two young artistes singing their compositions were and Kokilapriya in the pallavi were all well rendered. At a welcome reminder that the widespread following for a time when her guru would be lamenting the tragic loss Carnatic music has surprisingly survived modernity’s of her singing companion, Suguna Purushothaman, she onslaught and has a bright future. Abhilash has a strong may well take comfort from Aishwarya’s performance; voice, good stamina and considerable self-assurance. His her legacy is in good hands. singing is robust and energetic. MAHADEVAN RAMASWAMY

13 sri lanka diary

Pradeep Jeganathan offered a ‘biography of the Jaffna Whither Sri Lanka Tamils’, giving a detailed history of this very important PERFORMANCE: Seasons of Change – Sri Lanka’s community in Sri Lanka. Padma Rao Sunderji New Found Optimism offered a snap-shot view of Sri Lanka’s civil war and Speakers: Professor Pradeep Jeganathan; Professor post-war situations, and talked about the disparity Shweta Singh; Padma Rao Sunderji, Amit Bharua and in international media reporting on Sri Lanka and Professor S.D. Muni the perspectives of local people on events that have Chair: Professor Sasanka Perera unfolded. Collaboration: People’s SAARC and IIC, March 16 Shweta Singh talked about the election result in terms of conflict transformation and situated the newly Sasanka Perera initiated the discussion by sketching the emergent possibilities in Sri Lanka in the broader broader political context in which the discussion could context of India’s relations with Sri Lanka as well as continue, beginning with the Presidential Election with regard to South Asia. Amit Bharua talked about in Sri Lanka held in January 2015. He noted that the broader possibilities of democracy in Sri Lanka the unanticipated result giving victory to President and India’s role as a guarantor of Tamil rights in the Maithripala Sirisena offered a much needed democratic context of the recently concluded tour of Sri Lanka by space for Sri Lanka. He noted, however, that the the Prime Minister of India. sustainability of very disparate groups of people from the United National Party, Sri Lanka Freedom Party and S.D. Muni reiterated the need to find new ways of various civic groups and individuals working together looking at Sri Lanka due to changed circumstances, and which made this transition possible remains to be seen, emphasised the need to change the 13th Amendment given their lack of a history in collective action. to the Sri Lankan Constitution.

a major world civilisation, provided a plausible ‘origin Muslims in Sri Lanka story’, and conformed to the British colonial definition TALK: Muslim Identity in Contemporary Sri Lanka of ‘race’ in colonial Ceylon. by Dr. Dennis McGilvray Collaboration: American Institute of Indian Studies One the other hand, the definition of the Muslims in Sri April 7 Lanka as a race was fraught with danger—it identified the community as alien, reinforced stereotypes of them as traders, whereas they were engaged in a wide spectrum The backdrop to the talk was given by His Excellency of occupations. Sudharshan Seneviratne, Sri Lankan Ambassador to India. As Dennis McGilvray pointed out subsequently, Likewise, labelling them by their ethno-linguistic the Muslims of Sri Lanka are a beleaguered community identity as ‘Muslim Tamils’ didn’t work either because today. Even as they assert their Muslim religious identity of high caste Hindu and Christian arrogance and the through the adoption of conservative Islamic practices, fact that a Tamil identity put them at risk of communal they are rapidly becoming the target of groups such as violence in the Sinhala majority regions of the island. the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS). Tracing the troubled search Today, the Muslims in Sri Lanka are pushed into a for collective identity among the Sri Lankan Muslims, corner by the BBS because they choose to assert their he threw light on how the minority community has Muslim identity. There are fears of communal violence distanced itself from both racial and linguistic politics to breaking out, though with a change in government there assert their current generic religious identity as Muslims. could be hope of reconciliation, said Dennis McGilvray. The question of whether they could be defined by their But he also pointed out there was an attack recently on race (as Arabs or Moors), or linguistic identity (Tamil), a Muslim shrine near Balangoda by a Sinhala Buddhist held both advantages and disadvantages for the Muslims militant group called Sinhala Ravaya. An ominous of Sri Lanka. For instance, said Dennis McGilvray, the development. pros of being an Arab race linked the community with KAVITA CHARANJI 14 diary talks

the fragile Himalaya. Everest Ascent Of course, the Expedition had its share of challenges and TALK: India's Historic Triumph of Mt. Everest 1965 at one point an avalanche swept over a high camp where Speakers: Captain M.S. Kohli, Col. N. Kumar, the oxygen bottles got buried. Almost wanting to give Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia, Brig. Mulk Raj, Maninder Kohli up in the interest of safety and low chance of recovering and H.S. Chauhan the oxygen bottles under avalanche debris, Capt. Kohli Collaboration: The Himalayan Club and Indian was reminded by Maj. Ahluwalia that if they stopped Mountaineering Foundation, April 8 now, with six men already on top, they could only equal On the 8th of April the main Auditorium at IIC the record of the Americans who put up six climbers started to fill. At first, one could have mistaken the line on the summit in 1963; so it was worth letting the last of people seeking places as no different to the snake summit team take a shot to create a new record. dancing queue of porters and members starting towards The oxygen bottles were recovered in a stroke of luck and the Everest Base Camp in the Spring of 1965 as seen on the rest is history. With nine men on the summit, it was the film screening of the historic first Indian ascent of a new record and they all returned to a hero’s welcome Everest through the ‘voie normale’ through the Khumbu as if from battle. And battle it was—the elements, icefall and South Col route. crevasses, elementary equipment, heavier oxygen bottles A digitally enhanced version of the film shot on Everest, made it all a story of taking the rough with the smooth, albeit with a few wind sound effects in a studio, was the careful planning and lots of camaraderie with the ever event that caused much admiration for the team's great so often breakouts into ‘bhangra’—both within the effort in sending up nine team members to stand on the multicultural team of Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists and summit in successive waves. The team was adroitly led the Nepalese. by Capt. M.S. Kohli, who has now become legendary But at one hour, this movie is the Test cricket version for much of the impetus for adventure tourism and and if it were to be edited to 18 minutes I guess it may in recent years, his efforts to invoke eco consciousness qualify to be the IPL version! amongst climbers and trekkers to minimise the impact of mountaineering and adventure tourism in MANDIP SINGH SOIN

abroad and return to one’s country, to education, to Fundamental Rights privacy, to legal aid, to speedy trials, to compensation TALK: Enlargement of Fundamental Rights and to a victim of violation of fundamental rights, freedom their Protection by the Judiciary from sexual harassment of women at the place of Speaker: Mr. Soli J. Sorabjee work, to an environment free from pollution, etc. This Collaboration: Transparency International, April 9 remarkable feat was achieved by the Supreme Court that ‘forged new tools, devised new methods, and adopted The lecture by Mr. Soli Sorabjee was scintillating, new strategies’, especially the public interest litigation stimulating, and revelatory of many aspects hitherto that ‘departed from the traditional requirement of locus unknown. Contrary to the general feeling that human standi’. Most of the decisions were inspired and given rights are a product of western thought and articulated by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, he expansive and creative interpretation by Article 21 traced the genealogy of fundamental rights to the which Mr. Sorabjee called ‘an inexhaustible reservoir’. Constitution Bill, 1895, inspired by Lokmanaya Tilak, The test of reasonableness in framing laws that and pursued by the Indian National Congress in 1918, must be ‘right, just and fair’ (Maneka Gandhi) and the subsequent contributions of Mrs. Annie Besant and establishing the basic structure of the Constitution as Motilal Nehru, and the Sapru Committee, 1944-45, democracy, secularism, federalism, rule of law, and an and the final adoption by the Constituent Assembly independent judiciary (Keshvananda Bharti and I.R. in 1949. Coelho) are seminal decisions of the apex court that have The second important and main aspect of the exposition strengthened the foundations of governance. Modesty, was that rights which later on were considered perhaps, prevented Mr. Sorabjee from mentioning his fundamental did not find any express mention in Part III contribution in seeking these judgments. of the Constitution. Mr. Sorabjee delineated these rights Three cheers for the Supreme Court of India. as the right to freedom of press which was an extension of the guarantee of freedom of speech, rights to travel P.S. BAWA 15 talks diary

kings figure as the prophets Dawood and Suleiman in Suleiman Charitra the Quisas al anbiya, the Arabic digests of the lives of TALK AND LAUNCH: Suleiman Charitra Muslim prophets. By Kalyana Malla, translated by A.N.D. Haksar, April 9 The description of Bathsheba’s beauty and her lovemaking with David, the translator tells us, has no The release of A. N. D. Haskar’s English translation equivalent in the Biblical or other versions of the story. of Kalyana Malla’s Suleiman Charitra, an early 16th Imbued with shringara rasa, it should be kept in mind century Sanskrit text commissioned by the Lodhi Prince that Kalyana Malla was known more for his treatise on Lad Khan, and the reading of selected passages by the ars erotica, Ananga Ranga. What Minkowski terms broadcaster and actor Sunit Tandon with the National ‘the distinct Sanskritic imprint’ of the text has Bathsheba Commissioner of Linguistic Minorities Akhtarul delivering a discourse on the perishability of the body Wasey on the dais, jointly ensured a bow to the vibrant coexistence of languages and peoples. and the necessity of chastity to David’s first messenger, his wife suitably named Sukhada, the seduction brought While three-quarters of Suleiman Charitra concerns the to fruition only through stratagem; further, David Biblical story of the adultery of David and Bathsheba delivers a Raja Bhoja like speech after the child born in and ultimately after atonement, the birth of Solomon, adultery is put to death, the adultery itself attributed by the fourth chapter after fulsome praise of Suleiman’s the author to the curse of an angry sage! reign, is appended with a set of cautionary tales drawn from the Arabian Nights (Alf Layla wa Layl), making it The universal story of the fallibility of the upright king the only known Sanskrit rendition of any part of them. and the need for penitence by one and all, retold by Malla through aesthetic and metaphysical categories When the text first appeared in print in 1973, editor familiar to him, comes to bear the unmistakable look of V. Raghavan identified the text as ‘the story of the Indian drama. biblical hero Solomon, the son of David, but based here in the Islamic tradition’. These Old Testament PUNAM ZUTSHI

As his witty sarcasm against the materialistic views The Scientific Sage of most Western scientists drew peals of laughter, he TALK: Buddha, the Scientist reminded the audience that the Buddha’s discoveries are Speaker: Professor Robert Thurman now finding increasing resonance in modern science. Chair: Dharmacharya Shantum Seth For example, the Buddha’s discovery of shunyata, Collaboration: Ahimsa Trust and Buddhapath, March 21 roughly translated as emptiness or void, in other words, objects or phenomena lacking an independent essence, Modern science proudly lays claim to such discoveries reflects in Quantum theory. He discovered as as the theory of Evolution, the theory of Relativity and karma Quantum theory. And these are attributed to great minds an evolutionary theory, including the mind among the such as Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr. forces of nature, not as a mystical or blind-faith belief. But Robert Thurman, Professor of Indo-Tibetan The speaker, once an ordained Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and a Buddhist practitioner and a frequent visitor to India, said the scholar and author, says that nearly 2,400 years before Buddha had found that interdependence is the law of these scientists, the Buddha had explained these ideas nature and we all exist interdependently, and efforts to in his path-breaking teachings. Through his deep find an unchangeable, permanent identity are futile. penetrative analysis, he had realised that the experiential Such experiential truths have found resonance in the understanding of the true nature of reality can cure scientific study of the sub-atomic state. His discovery pervasive suffering. that all that appears as solid and permanent is actually In an illuminating talk, Thurman told a packed unstable and impermanent led to his understanding of auditorium that Western scientists in their arrogance relative truth and absolute truth. His profound wisdom ignored the experiential realisations of many masters of of the interconnectedness of all existence created in him India. The Buddha taught that all phenomena arose out boundless compassion. of causes and conditions, and not as a revelation of a god figure. SUDIP MAZUMDAR 16 diary exhibition/notices

EXHIBITION: Salvaged Shadows by Robin Passi lamp stands and January 4–13 candle holders made from Robin Passi's exhibition Salvaged Shadows reflects his metal clutch firm and enthusiastic views regarding the importance of plates, old metal recycling. Robin has sourced with diligence and a keen springs, wire eye, old scrap metal parts found at various scrap yards. scrubs and rods. He has then gone on to transform, and 'energise a new A side table for life and purpose to discarded materials'. resin and disused scrap metal has more of an industrial feel but makes for an interesting juxtaposition alongside This is clearly visible in the vast eclectic selection, from the whimsical glass-topped coffee table made out of the strategically placed old rusted iron sticks which have inner bearings. a gleaming white automotive paint sheen, bulbous metal plates suspended from thread, to functional pieces such In Salvaged Shadows, Robin uses the concept of re- as the cleverly constructed array of differently designed purpose, giving the material new life and meaning. Annual Subscription Members who have not paid the annual subscription so far are requested to do so immediately along with all previous dues. An extract of Rule 9 of the Memorandum of Association and Rules & Regulations is given below for information: ‘Subscriptions towards membership are payable in advance for each financial year and shall be due for payment on the Ist of April of each year. It shall be the responsibility of the members to ensure due and timely payment of subscriptions.’ Do please write your Membership number and 'Annual Subscription for the year 2015-2016' on the back of the cheque. In case you choose to deposit cash or make electronic/online payment, please inform the accounts department that the amount deposited is towards annual subscription for the year 2015-2016. Please keep your mailing address/email and mobile numbers updated. Membership Card In view of the prevailing security environment and suggestions from members to check gatecrashing, the Security and other staff at venues has been instructed to check the membership cards randomly. Therefore, Members are requested to carry their membership cards at all times while attending programmes and using IIC facilities to avoid embarrassment. Kindly cooperate in case you are requested to show your membership cards to the staff. Also, please have old membership cards updated. Annual Payment for IIC Quarterly 2015-2016 The IIC Quarterly (two single and one special double issue) addresses vital contemporary issues relating to governance, civic and international affairs, ethics and society, education, law, environment, indigenous knowledge systems, literature, cinema and the arts.

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17 notices/futures diary

Member/Non-Member Rs. 750.00 $ 55 (Institutions) Bank charges for outstation cheques Rs. 50.00 $ 15 (*Note: Euros and GBP equivalent to US $ are accepted) Obituary L-0117 Dr. Rajaram Jaipuria M-2175 Dr. Kailash Vajpeyi A-0948 Shri R.K. Jain M-2720 Prof. M.N. Joglekar A-2044 Smt. Perin R. Chandra M-3306 Dr. Surinder P.S. Pruthi A-2583 Shri K. Venkataraman M-3956 Shri Shyam Chowdhary A-4107 Ms Shanti Rana OA-541 Shri Rakesh Kumar Sinha M-1615 Prof. Ishwar Dayal Highlights for May-June 2015 Lectures 25 May 2015 at 6:30 pm in Seminar Rooms II-III, Kamaladevi Complex 20 May 2015 at 6:30 pm in Annexe Lecture Room II Mental Health Music Appreciation Promotion Media, Mad Tales, and Mental Health Taal and Percussion in the Sattriya Tradition The Sattras of Assam reveal a rich taal and percussion Speakers: Ziya Us Salam, film critic, author; and Anusha performance tradition, built around the Khol and the Rizvi, Film and Theatre personality (Director of Peepli Cymbals. This illustrated lecture by Dr. Arshiya Sethi Live) and Dr. Bhabanand Borbayan reveals the origins, and Moderator Dr. S. K. Khandelwal some of the patterns, and intricacies of Rhythm in the Sattriya culture There are many striking similarities between cultural and temporal parallels between cinema, theatre and mental Dr. Arshiya Sethi, a well known writer on cultural issues, health. Over the years, the depiction of psychiatrists, has studied Sattriya Culture for her doctoral dissertation. or a mentally ill person has been treated simplistically Bhabhanand Borbayan, a practising monk from the or sensationally. Although print media now regularly Uttar Kamalabari Sattra, Majuli, competed his Doctoral publishes articles on mental health, the approach is dissertation on 'Tala Patterns of Sattriya Dance', from to sensationalise. Of all the stigmatised conditions in Rabindra Bharati University society today, mental illness is nearly at the top of the list Discussion and should remain at the forefront to help the cause of 19 May 2015 at 6:30 pm in the Multipurpose Hall, mental health. Kamaladevi Complex 26 May 2015 at 6:00 pm in Seminar Rooms II-III, In Search of Freedom – Journeys through India and Kamaladevi Complex South-East Asia IIC Quarterly Journal Release Readings and discussion around Sagari Chhabra’s new Thirty Years of SAARC: Society, Culture and Development book on India's unknown and unacknowledged freedom fighters and the concept of freedom Edited by Rajiv Kumar and Omita Goyal Launch of book by Smt. Momota Mehta, freedom Dr. Karan Singh, MP will release the special issue of the fighter and Shri Kuldip Nayar, democratic rights’ activist IIC Quarterly (Winter 2014-Spring 2015) and eminent journalist Followed by a panel discussion Dr. Vibha Chauhan will be in conversation with the author followed by readings 18 diary futures

Exhibition 16 July at 6.00 pm Bharatanatyam Recitals 22-28 May 2015, Annexe Art By Praveen Kumar from Gallery, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Bangalore, disciple of Guru Hola Mohalla Smt. Narmada and Prof. C.V. An exhibition of black and Chandrashekar white photographs by Jagdev 7:00 pm Singh from Delhi By Renjith Babu from 3-9 June 2015, Annexe Art Chennai, disciple of Prof. Gallery, 11:00 am to C.V. Chandrashekhar and the 7:00 pm Dhananjayans Aura – The Mystery An exhibition of paintings in Chinese black ink 17 July at 6.00 pm By Rajendra K. Saini from Delhi Bharatanatyam Recitals By S. Vijay Kumar from Chennai, disciple of 10-21 June 2015 in the Art Gallery Smt. Sujatha Parameswaram Kamaladevi Complex When the Pleats Dance! At 7:00 pm An exhibition on the history of Bharatanatyam costumes By Lokesh Bharadwaj from Delhi, in the last four decades beginning with the devadasi’s disciple of Shri Justin McCarthy costume, to the Kalakshetra costume to the more Film Festival contemporary versions that project the dance The Justice Project – Bangladesh, Curator: Sandhya Raman Nepal, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka Performances Under the Justice Project, more Summer Festival of Music and Dance than a dozen researchers and five 24-25 June 2015 at 6:00 pm in the Auditorium filmmakers from Bangladesh, India, 24 June 2015 at 6:00 pm Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have Carnatic Vocal worked over the past two and a half years to research the theme of By B. Lakshmy Surya Teja from Vishakhapatanam, justice and conflict. The project aims disciple of Isai Peroli and Dr. Pantula Rama at building a series of dialogues across the five project Hindustani Music countries through films and research papers that map a – Santoor Recital range of contests on the idea and practices of justice as By Shruti Adhikari they shape in different sites of South Asia. The project from Bhopal, has been co-ordinated by Aakar, a Delhi based trust and disciple of Pt. Shiv with the support of IDRC Kumar Sharma Screenings will be held on 25 and 27 May 2015 at 6:30 25 June 2015 at pm; and 29 and 30 May 2015 at 6:00 pm. Directors of 6:00 pm each of the films will be present to introduce their films Manipuri Recital and lead a discussion after By Suman Sarawgi from Kolkata, disciple of Smt. Priti Patel and Smt. Sruti Banerjee Films produced by Rahul Roy who will introduce the project Kathak Recital By Ashavari Rahalkar from Pune, disciple of the late Castaway Man (Nepal 2015) Directed by Kesang Tseten who will introduce the film Pandita Rohini Bhate and Guru Pt. Rajendra Gangani Dor Bahadur Bista, Nepal’s most controversial 16-17 July 2015 at 6:00 pm intellectual of modern times, disappeared without a trace Monsoon Festival of Dance – Purushaakaram: in 1996. The documentary investigates his disappearance The Male in Bharatanatyam

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and in doing so unravels The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus the caste based injustices Conductor: James Levine in Nepal 8 June 2015 at 6:30 pm 27 May 2015 at 6:30 pm Silence in the Courts Manon (Sri Lanka 2015) Music of Jules Massenet Directed by Prasanna Choreography: Kenneth MacMillan Vithanage who will With Jennifer Penny, Anthony Dowell, David Wall, introduce the film Derek Rencher Two women from rural Sri The Royal Ballet, Covent Garden Lanka, raped by a Judge Conductor: Ashley Lawrence nearly two decades ago, try in vain to seek justice. As 12 June 2015 at 6:30 pm their plea is turned down and subverted by the country’s Thaïs highest authorities, noted journalist Victor Ivan begins Jules Massenet’s opera to write investigative stories highlighting their plight. The film is an investigation into the familiar state of With Renée Fleming, Thomas Hampson, impunity that marks almost the entire region of Michael Schade South Asia The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Chorus and Ballet 29 May 2015 at 6:00 pm Conductor: Jesús López-Cobos A Walnut Tree (Pakistan 2015) 15 June 2015 at 6:30 pm Directed by Ammar Aziz who will introduce the film Die Kamiliendame (The Lady of the Camellias) An old man reminisces about a distant homeland. He wants to return. Internally displaced from Swat as a Ballet by John Neumeier result of the ongoing conflict between the Pakistan army Music by Frédéric Chopin and the Taliban and forced to live in a camp, the family With Marsha Haydéé, Ivan Liska is caught between memories of what life was, an insecure Hamburg Ballet, NDR Sinfonie Orchester present and a bleak future Conductor: Heribert Beissel 30 May 2015 at 6:00 pm The Factory (India 2015) 22 June 2015 at 6:30 pm Directed by Rahul Roy who will introduce the film La Fille du Regiment (The Daughter of the Regiment) 147 workers of India’s biggest automobile manufacturing Gaetano Donizetti’s opera company Maruti Suzuki are on trial for the murder of With Juan Diego Flórez, Patricia Ciofi a senior manager and 2500 workers dismissed. It has Orchestra and Coro del Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova been two and a half years and the case drags on. The Conductor: Riccardo Frizza film follows the fate of the undertrial workers, families and dismissed workers to investigate the underbelly of 26 June 2015 at 6:30 pm industrial conflict and the elusive nature of justice Don Quixote Summer Sonata – Films on operas and ballets Ballet by Mikhail Baryshnikov Curator: Dr. R.P. Jain who will introduce the screenings With Cynthia Harvey, Mikhail Baryshnikov, 6 June 2015 at 6:30 pm Richard Schafer, Brian Adams Don Pasquale Gaetano Donizetti’s well-known opera with John del Choreography: Mikhail Baryshnikov Carlo, Mariusz Kwiecien, Matthew Polanzani, Anna Music: Ludwig Minkus Netrebko, Bernhard Fitch Conductor: Paul Connelly

The issue of the Diary 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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