CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Current affairs Vaccines are here: A shot of Hope by Anya Sitaram

On December 8, when 90-year-old Margaret Keenan became the However, there was a glimmer of hope. Across the border in Mali first person in the world to have the licenced Pfizer-BioNTech at the Centre for Vaccine Development in Bamako, a clinical trial vaccine against COVID-19, there was a nationwide sigh of relief for a new vaccine against Meningitis was under way. We filmed a that there may a way out of the pandemic. Nurse May Parsons two-year-old boy called Samba Coulibaly, one of the first children who administered the jab said there was light at the end of the to receive the jab and the charismatic scientist leading the research tunnel. So poignant was the television footage, that Health Professor Samba Sow. Secretary Matt Hancock appeared tearful live on television. By middle of February, UK has met the milestone of vaccinating over In 2014 I went to Mali to see the fruits of the vaccine research. 15 million people. As the second wave of the virus grips the UK The results of the latest trials showed that the new vaccine was vaccines are hailed as our only hope. safe and effective in children aged 9 months. Accompanied by Dr Marie-Pierre Preziosi, then director of the Meningitis Vaccine After years of making documentaries on deadly diseases in the Project, our first port of call was at the home of little Samba, the developing world in which vaccines are the life-saving holy grail, toddler we had filmed seven years before. Now aged ten he and it felt surreal to witness scenes his three older siblings had all of celebration here in England had the MenAfrivac inoculation at the roll out of an injection. in 2011 as part of a mass So successful are vaccines that vaccination campaign. the diseases which they protect against have mostly Dr Preziosi told me: “In those disappeared. It brought to mind days way back 7 years ago we a documentary I produced a few had absolutely no idea what years ago called “Meningitis: A would be the results and now Shot of Hope”. Telling the story only 7 years down the line we of MenAfrivac, a vaccine tailor- have more than 200 million made for African meningitis, I people have received the vaccine recall debating with colleagues across the entire meningitis belt”. the title of the film. Often the last step in the documentary It had been 7 years since vaccine making process, titles are one trials had begun, but the efforts of the most important and to find a vaccine had begun back difficult decisions to make. Little did I know that the name we in 1996 after Africa’s worst meningitis epidemic in which 25,000 came up with in 2014, which seemed fitting to a tale of scientific people died. African leaders called on the World Health endeavour, philanthropy and global collaboration would resonate Organization to urgently introduce a more effective and affordable here in the UK several years later. vaccine. With little prospect of profit to interest Western

Meningococcal Meningitis is highly contagious and kills about pharmaceutical companies, the Bill and Melinda Gates one in ten people who get it. Even with treatment, as many as a Foundation, set up the Meningitis Vaccine Project (MVP) a quarter of survivors suffer hearing loss, intellectual disability, or partnership between the World health Organization and the not- epilepsy. Meningitis A had caused repeated epidemics in sub- for-profit health organisation PATH. MVP partnered with the Saharan Africa—in a region known as “the meningitis belt” which Indian vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute. With the technology stretches from Senegal to Ethiopia. for the vaccine given at virtually no cost by the US National Institutes of Health, the partnership was able produce vaccines at less than 50 cents a dose. In 2007 we sent a film crew to Burkina Faso to tell the story of the search for a vaccine against Meningitis A. Our camera crew Cost was not the only obstacle to introducing the new vaccine. arrived in the middle of an epidemic that was to kill 4,000 people Just like the vaccine hesitancy swirling around COVID vaccines, in Burkina Faso that year. We filmed health centres so rumours against MenAfrivac were rife. A champion for the cause overwhelmed by the sick and dying that patients were camped was the diminutive figure of little Samba’s mother. Having lost a outside. A young woman lying on the ground outside one rural sister to meningitis in a previous epidemic, she was a stalwart health centre told us how she was stricken with vomiting and a advocate for a vaccine. terrible headache. Worse still, her daughter who had also contracted the disease had died. There were desperate scenes of At a community meeting in Mali’s capital Bamako she was not panic as people jostled to get emergency vaccinations, the only afraid to tell the crowd: My child was vaccinated by Dr Sow’s tool available to combat the disease. But the existing vaccine only team. gave protection for two or three years and did not work on Continued on page 3 children under the age of one.

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Contents Editorially speaking

Thanks to all our readers and contributors for making it possible to Vaccines are here: A 1 Anya Sitaram publish this issue with its interesting content. I specially thank all our shot of Hope contributors who have sent their submissions on time, which Kavita Mohan Malathy, the sub-editor, has been doing the sterling job of editing. 3 New Dawn in the U S Things have been changing very fast in the last few months and there Remembering Soumitra Sunayana Panda 4 is light at the end of the long dark tunnel. In the UK alone, more than Chatterjee fifteen million people have been given the vaccine already. In the Movie review: Oru rest of the world too vaccination programs have been of great 5 Nesa Arumugam success, despite many hurdles in obtaining the batches of vaccines Cappuccino Kadhal - and giving them to people rapidly. In this context we should all commend and congratulate the medical and scientific community 6 ‘VANITY FAIR’ Kusum Pant Joshi who have been working on the massive vaccine projects tirelessly over the past year and bringing their vaccines to the market at record 7 OPEN THE GATE Lakshmi Kannan speed. Even though many people were sceptical about the vaccines for various reasons now we can see that the proportion of people The Carnatic Parthiban 8 who come forward to take the vaccine is rising and the rate of new Conundrum Manoharan infections are rapidly falling. Let’s hope that we will be able to reclaim our normal life soon by patiently waiting for that to happen 9 Ideal Couple Subhash Chandra gradually. As mentioned in the front-page article by our new A Tale of Two Vaccines Suresh contributor Anya Sitaram, one thing I would like to emphasise in this 10 context is that these vaccines should reach poorer countries too as Subrahmanyan soon as possible rather than keeping it as a privilege for the richer In Conversation with Meenakshi Mohan 11 countries alone, so the whole world will see the benefit of it and Nadia Hashimi prevent the emergence of ferocious new variants that could infiltrate Book review: INDIA by REGINALD our lives once again. 12 Al-Biruni MASSEY'S As many of you have known, it is a real challenge for us to run this Book review: NIGHTS Girija Madhavan magazine without much financial support. Our cost of acquiring and 13 maintaining resources required to run the magazine is steadily OF THE MOONLESS SKY increasing, so I would like to appeal to our readers and writers once 14 Kinetic dreams again to help us by financially supporting us through long term Sunil Sharma sponsorships. Rini Kakati (1945-2020) Kusum Pant Joshi As you may have noticed we are now receiving submissions from 15 many younger generation writers and some of them are the children Review: ‘A poem that of our existing writers too. In this issue, you will find articles from 16 Anya Sitaram who is our sub editor Malathy’s daughter and Kavita painted the sky’ Leonard Dabydeen Mohan who is the daughter of our long-standing contributor Yogesh Patel Meenakshi Mohan If this trend continues, it is a good sign that we 17 Through the poetic lens are breaking generation barriers and becoming a magazine that welcomes writers from all generations. 18 Poem by Roopam Misra

Please write to us as we always welcome your valuable feedback. It is not Fair by Sujata Sankranti 19 Keep safe, stay well.

Vijay Anand 20 Book review Anjana Basu

CONFLUENCE SOUTH ASIAN PERSPECTIVES A Poem: Let Us Now 21 ISSN: 2633-4704 Praise Cormorants Zilka Joseph 23 Cray Avenue, Orpington BR5 4AA United Kingdom Hindu Wedding Malathy Sitaram 22 Telephone: 01689 836 394 / 07801 569 640 MasKED Tapai Gupta 23 MANAGING EDITOR PERFORMANCE Dr. Vijay Anand PhD, MRSC

MY AMERICAN 24 Cyril Dabydeen SUB-EDITOR STUDENT Malathy Sitaram

FOUNDER EDITOR Late Joe Nathan CONFLUENCE

Editorial: SOUTH ASIAN PERSPECTIVES [email protected]

Design: Confluence Publishing Ltd WWW.CONFLUENCE.ORG.UK The views expressed by interviewees or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect Confluence editorial policy. No part of this WWW.CONFLUENCE.MOBI publication or part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the express permission of the publisher in writing. © Copyright, Confluence Publishing 2021

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Current affairs 3 New Dawn in the United States The Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris by Kavita Mohan

the day. Biden’s call for unity was poignant has enacted more than three dozen We will rebuild, reconcile and recover and sincere. The swearing in of Kamala Harris executive actions, with multiple orders and every known nook of our nation and as Vice President by Supreme Court Justice relating to the federal response on COVID-19, every corner called our country, Sonia Sotomayor was an extraordinary and providing economic relief, addressing the our people diverse and beautiful will historic moment for the entire country; a climate crisis, reversing Trump-era emerge, signal to young girls everywhere that there immigration policies, revoking the battered and beautiful are no limits to their dreams or ambitions. Pentagon’s ban on transgendered people When day comes we step out of the shade, However, the celebrations were somber, not serving in the military, and taking steps on aflame and unafraid only because of the recently attempted coup, racial equity, among others. Biden has also The new dawn blooms as we free it but also because the specter of 400,000 dead created a task force to reunite families that For there is always light, Americans hung heavy over the day. Biden’s American authorities under the Trump if only we're brave enough to see it inaugural ceremonies started on January 19 administration separated, one of this If only we're brave enough to be it with a nationwide tribute to those who died country’s most shameful and inhumane due to the pandemic. The inauguration itself policies in recent years. And while many of - Excerpted from “The Hill We was not followed by an evening full of glitzy Biden’s key priorities have been to reverse Climb” by Amanda Gorman, inaugural balls, with their closed guest lists Trump-era policies, Biden has been Inaugural Poem, January 20, 2021 and exclusive tickets. Rather, a nationwide noticeably silent with regard to the former televised celebration honored every day president himself, even as Trump has been American heroes, such as teachers and those impeached for a second time due to his role Amanda Gorman’s healing words rang fighting the pandemic at the frontline. inciting the insurrection on January 6. clear and true across a fractured nation on a The day was also orchestrated to set Meanwhile, Biden has continued to push bright, blustery winter day, resonating with the tone for how Americans should expect lawmakers to move forward on his economic millions of Americans who felt that they the incoming administration to behave. Press stimulus plan, which includes a direct could at last take a collective breath of relief Secretary Jen Psaki, in her first White House payment of 1400 dollars to most Americans. as President Joe Biden and Vice President press briefing, emphasized a focus on “truth There is still much work to be done to Kamala Harris were sworn into the White and transparency” to “rebuild trust with the ensure that the country continues on a path House. To paraphrase from Ronald Reagan’s American people.” President Biden also towards progress and in order to control the frequently quoted inaugural address of 40 signed a combination of 17 executive orders, pandemic. There will be no perfect solutions. years earlier, Inauguration Day in America is memoranda, directives, and letters within Conservatives, of course, will find the policies a day that is both a miracle and mundane. hours of taking office, a swift and immediate of this administration leaning too far to the Mundane because it is a ceremony that repudiation of the prior administration, and a left, while progressives will say Biden has not occurs every four years, and a miracle signal to the world that his administration gone far enough. However, the because the routine, peaceful transfer of would focus on science and evidence-based administration has, in these early days, acted power is a foundational bedrock of American policy making and seek to restore America’s with purpose and conviction to steer this democracy that should never be taken for place among its global allies. These actions country on a better course. In the words of granted. The “miracle” of Inauguration Day were intended to begin addressing what the Amanda Gorman, 2021 was particularly hard earned, coming as administration has called the “four And yes we are far from polished. it did on the heels of a violent and overlapping and compounding crises” – the Far from pristine. unprecedented insurrection on January 6 pandemic, the economy, climate, and racial But that doesn't mean we are that was carried out by mobs of Trump justice – and included actions such as ending striving to form a union that is perfect. supporters who had been fed a steady diet of the United States’ withdrawal from the We are striving to forge a union with disinformation concerning the outcome of World Health Organization, rejoining the purpose, the 2020 elections by none other than the Paris Climate Agreement, revoking the to compose a country committed to all 45th President himself. permit for the Keystone pipeline, reversing cultures, colors, characters and The day had a preternatural calm. the travel ban targeting primarily Muslim- conditions of man. Twitter had banned Trump’s account shortly majority countries, stopping the construction Kavita Mohan is an attorney after the insurrection and the nation had of the border wall at the U.S.-Mexican based in Washington D.C., been spared the unrelenting cacophony of border, and taking steps towards creating a where she lives with her his tweets for several days. Amanda coordinated and effective federal response husband and daughter. Any Gorman’s exquisite recitation of her poem, to COVID-19, among others. opinions expressed in this article are hers “The Hill We Climb,” was the clear winner of As of the writing of this article, Biden alone. Continuation from Page 1 Vaccines are here – A shot of hope “Many people said we were selling our kids’ blood; others said that we were sterilizing our children. My kid is ten years old now with no problems.” Overcoming the suspicion of the community was vital to ensure the widespread acceptance of the vaccination. Dr Samba Sow realised the importance of gaining the trust of women, Imams and village elders. “Every time you talk about introducing a new vaccine, you are talking about training vaccinators, training the field workers, and training families, parents, on what is the vaccine and what is the importance of the vaccination.”

The fact that meningitis A no longer threatens lives is testament to the project’s success. The vaccine has since been introduced in several routine immunisation programmes to ensure long term elimination of the disease.

Dr Samba Sow who cannot forget the fear and deaths from repeated epidemics said: “I’m starting to see the end of the tunnel, I’m starting to see the sun, because I have seen children dying from meningitis in this country, not a long time ago and I know that this vaccine is a good vaccine. We made it, we did this let’s celebrate this.”

As countries start to inoculate and the NHS rolls out the biggest vaccination programme in its history, developed countries must ensure that vaccines reach the poorest regions. Leaving them out could risk the development of new strains that could undermine the effectiveness of our vaccines and diminish our Shot of Hope.

Anya Sitaram is a former ITN Health and Science Correspondent, BBC Tomorrow’s World presenter and BBC World news anchor. She now runs award winning production company Rockhopper Media.

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Obituary 4 Remembering Soumitra Chatterjee, an unforgettable actor by Sunayana Panda

Soumitra Chatterjee was 85 years old, so Sen, Ajoy Kar and his performance in these slipping into Alzhimer’s while his son, his fans knew that his chances of coming films were of a very high order. played by Prosenjit, cannot do anything out of the hospital alive were quite slim. Ajoy Kar’s “Saat Pake Bandha” and for him. This film too was very well He was already not in perfect health when “Parineeta” show Soumitra as a very received by critics as well as the public. he tested positive for Covid-19 and was capable actor. The stories were beautiful Another very interesting film is admitted to the hospital, but everyone and they were also well filmed. In “Saat “Punascha”, where he plays a celebrity hoped against hope. And yet, in spite of Pake Bandha” he was paired with Suchitra writer. knowing all this, the news of his death was Sen, the then reigning queen of Bengali Soumitra has admitted in many interviews a blow to Bengalis all over the world. All cinema and in “Parineeta” with the then that he had to work to earn a living even in his fans, whether Bengali or not, felt as if it up coming Moushumi Chatterjee. A third his old age because Bengali cinema could was a personal loss, as if someone they film directed by Ajoy Kar was “Atal Jaler not pay the kind of money that other knew very well, almost a family member, Ahwan” where the well-known actress actors earn in Mumbai. Apparently, he had died. Chhaya Debi played a mother-like figure to himself did not want to ask producers for Soumitra’s character and this film was also Soumitra was a very good actor who had more money because he felt that they a success. the good fortune to be cast by Satyajit Ray would not have been able to afford to pay Even though many know him as a and he brought to life roles which have him more than they did. Aparna Sen said romantic hero, for several generations of become in a conversation immortal. with a news But that was channel that she not the only scolded him for identity he this because she had. He had felt he should acted in 300 have been paid films and in what he deserved. later years he was cast Soumitra in many Chatterjee was ordinary given a state films in very funeral and his stereotyped body was roles too. displayed so that The majority the general public of films in could come and which he pay their respects. acted in the They turned up in Bengalis Soumitra will always be “Felu-da” 1960s and 70s were ones where he played large numbers and there was extensive the detective. Satyajit Ray wrote detective the role of a middle-class man who has an media coverage. It was very touching to stories and when he made them into films aspiration to be in a better position. On see how his body was followed by he cast Soumitra in the main role. Sandip screen he was a hero in the true sense, a thousands of admirers to the cremation Ray, Satyajit Ray’s son, made films based man who had some strong values, an ground, in a peaceful procession with on his father’s detective novels and cast idealism and human qualities which placed people carrying placards with his photos other actors because Soumitra was too old him above the general mass. and singing his songs. to play that role by then. But Soumitra’s

By playing roles where Soumitra Felu-da remains unforgettable as the This mass outpouring of grief shows us Chatterjee projected before the common original Felu-da. that cinema has become a part of our man how he could rise above himself collective consciousness. In our collective socially and psychologically, he became a He was a rare actor who had a career minds we share the experience of part of the psyche of the common man. which lasted for 6 decades. His career was watching those stories of which he was a Fortunately for us, many of his old films so long that one can easily divide his part, so in the actor’s death we experience are now on Youtube and one can see them acting life into three distinct phases: the that collective grief. Through his films at one’s leisure. These films which were young Soumitra, the middle-aged which we loved we are connected to each once playing in cinema halls on large Soumitra and the old Soumitra, as if we other. This is the true role of the arts: to screens are now available to us in the were looking at three different actors. In connect people through the common comforts of our homes. his old age he acted in some noteworthy enjoyment of a piece of artistic work. films, the most popular being “Belaseshe”. Soumitra started off his film career with It is the story of an old man who decides Satyajit Ray but his real commercial Soumitra Chatterjee had a very full life. He to divorce his wife after 50 years of success came with his second film which acted in cinema and theatre, he wrote marriage because he wants to feel free. He was an adaptation of Tagore’s story poetry and he edited a magazine for 20 is asked to spend some time with his wife “Kshudita Pashan” (Hungry Stones). years. Let us celebrate his wonderful life so that a reconciliation is possible. The Directed by Tapan Sinha, that film was a and see what we can learn from it instead couple goes for a holiday but with all their huge box-office success and it catapulted of being in caught in grief and nostalgia. children and their spouses. At the end the actor to the position of a star. After this he started getting offers to act in films they realise how much a part of each other’s lives they have been and the which were then considered as commercial films but which would look divorce is called off. like art films today. He acted with several good directors such as Tapan Sinha, Mrinal After this Soumitra acted in a film called “Mayurakshi” where he is an old man

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Film review 5 J. Jayamohan’s Oru Cappuccino Kadhal - short movie An appreciation by Nesa Arumugam

Some films say it as it is. Oru with the oh-so-modern reason of “we the safe-distance anxiety of Devayani Cappuchino Kadhal by Dr J. Jayamohan grew apart”. Akilan is a Pasupati as Meera’s mother. is one of them. Without flourishes and Kambaramayanam-proud, “I am a proud frills, the film is beautiful in the Tamilian”, yet without the rigid Oru Cappuchino Kadhal by Dr simplicity of its message. preconception of what is ‘right’ and Jayamohan, already a known-name in ‘wrong’. The story of their natural Tamil theatre in Australia, is a simple, This is the story of two young people, gravitation towards each other is so feel-good movie. Its message of “give Akilan and Meera, in Sydney, Australia, telling of this second generation of old-fashioned arranged meetings” a lovingly badgered by their mothers to young Tamils. They are prepared to chance to the young and “give young meet each other with the prospect of it listen to their parents up to a point. people a chance to build their own ending in matrimony. Reluctantly Being bold without brashness is good values” to parents is a timely one. respectful, they meet for a Cappuccino thing. and Green Juice. Second generation The short film like the short story, is a migrant children face conflict of their The unconscious physical moving demanding genre. It requires deft new peer environment of independent towards each other was introduced handling to ring true. Without the thinking with their own ingrained beautifully by Meera showing Akilan her luxury of time to develop a theme in all conservative values of customary weekend Food Stylist pictures. It just its nuances, short- film makers have to deference to parents and elders. was so natural of two modern young cultivate the art of pithy brevity to get people. Janarthan Kumarakuruparan their message across, without These two young people manage to and Dhamayanthi Sritharan are compromising elegance in the telling. manoeuvre through this conflict delightful in their roles. And the later Oru Cappuccino Kadhal meets this through their own strength of character romantic meetings collage was done challenge creditably. and adherence to the truth about with stylish restraint (though the saree- themselves and to each other. The first wearing for walks in the park was a little meeting of Akilan and Meera is over the top). The marriage proposal

refreshing in its slight awkwardness of scene was played out to perfection by conversation – each trying to be casual Meera and Akilan, with Meera showing in their mutual “bowing to the parents’ that no girl is too ‘modern’ to be wish” agreement, under duress, to this completely disarmed by a proposal of Nesa Arumugam is a arranged coffee meeting. Meera, honest marriage with love, and Akilan doing the writer of over 10 re her unconventional 4 year free norm of going on his knees to propose, books, has produced a relationship with a boyfriend (with a la Western mode. number of stage whom, horror of horrors, she went to productions over the “Italy” and so is not marriage material in The script lines and acting kudos go to last 45 years: public the Maami Market for Arranged Sharmini Storer as the mother of Akilan. speaker on Indian culture and dance, Marriage Alliances), lays her cards on A natural. She is the iconic “ Ceylonese lover of movies. She lives in Melbourne the table, giving him first option to maami” that many can relate to. In the and continues to write. refuse. That relationship had ended same way most children would relate to

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

6 AFRICAN & ASIAN CELEBRITES IN ‘VANITY FAIR’ IN VICTORIAN & EDWARDIAN ENGLAND By Kusum Pant Joshi In early December 2019, South Asian Cinema and administrators or they were royals as our project biographies from two volunteers Foundation (SACF), a London-based well as distinguished sports personalities. in India. Recently, a film expert from voluntary charity dedicated to film education SACF’s first task was to recruit at least 15 Bangalore, India has volunteered to interview and building bridges between diverse adult community volunteers. They were Indian experts and descendants of two listed communities to promote community selected from various age groups ranging in our project. cohesion and wellbeing, started work on an from secondary school pupils to young and exciting new project funded by UK’s Heritage older adults from diverse backgrounds, fields SACF has also interviewed descendants and Lottery Fund (HLF). Titled: “Selective and interests. They were then introduced to experts on some prominent celebrities listed Inclusion: African & Asian celebrities in the British Library and provided in the project. They include descendants of London’s ‘Vanity Fair’ magazine (1868- opportunities to gain practical experience on the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, Prof Lyn Innes, 1914)”, it is a heritage project on how to locate, access and collate research a direct descendant of Mansur Ali Khan, personalities from Africa & Nawab Nizam of Bengal, Bihar Asia featured in ‘Vanity Fair’ & Orissa, Narisa in the Victorian and early Chakrabongse, a descendant Edwardian era. from the royal family of Thailand and eminent writer Today, ‘Vanity Fair’ is an and human rights campaigner, American magazine, but in the Zerbanoo Gifford who has period undertaken by SACF in studied the life of London- its ongoing project, it was a based Parsi barrister and MP, purely English weekly Sir M. M. Bhownaggree (1851- published from London. 1933). Started by Thomas Gibson Bowles, it was an elite weekly Besides training volunteers focused on the vanities of and empowering them Victorian and early Edwardian England with material and resources relevant to their through relevant training, SACF worked articles and reviews on social, political and heritage project. innovatively with London primary school literary themes as well as puzzles and games. pupils. After familiarising a batch of about Its attraction increased when, a year down SACF had barely completed their volunteers’ 100 pupils with the basics of the heritage the line, Bowles started presenting a full- training at the Library, when Covid arrived project, SACF worked collaboratively with page caricature in colour of an important and threw a spanner in the works by placing some school teachers to run two highly public figure in his ‘Vanity Fair’ every week. severe restrictions on free public movement. successful interactive workshops for the Most celebrities caricatured were members But, thanks to technological development, pupils on cartoon making by a professional of the royal family, statemen, diplomats, SACF managed to forge ahead despite this from London’s Cartoon Museum. writers or artists from Britain and Europe for SACF has a busy schedule in which Bowles the months ahead. Some of commissioned celebrated the main outcomes due for artists such as Pellegrini completion include: a from Italy and Leslie documentary film on the Ward or ‘Spy’ from project findings; public Britain. Each caricature exhibitions of all 28 ‘Vanity was accompanied by a Fair’ caricatures and catchy biography and biographies to highlight soon it began to be project findings; organising a considered an honour to pageant by primary school be caricatured in ‘Vanity pupils; and producing a book Fair’. Moreover, these on the 28 celebrities in the caricatures became very project. popular collector’s items and were hung as scourge. Instead of holding training events in framed decorative pieces in homes not only external venues, SACF ran them with equal How and when SACF will be carry out the in Britain but across the globe. success via Zoom from the safety of the remaining work, depends on how Covid pans homes of the organisers, trainers and out in the coming months. If Science The HLF grant to SACF is to enable the participants. triumphs and brings this virulent virus under organisation to take the lead in running a control, SACF will be able to rapidly share the community project that aims to focus on and Moreover, by rapidly embracing innovation findings of its enthusiastic team of volunteers highlight, not the British and European technology, SACF enabled itself to cast its with the wider public in the months ahead. If celebrities in ‘Vanity Fair’, but the far less volunteers’ net wider than ever before. They victory is delayed, SACF will again be known African and Asian celebrities featured were able to stretch out and include challenged to find new ways to complete its within its covers during the period specified volunteers from all over the globe. As work of throwing light on some forgotten, in the project title. volunteers from countries as widely but significant snippets of Britain’s shared scattered as Britain, India, Hong Kong, heritage with parts of Africa, India, China, Based on research at the British Library and Thailand and USA were drawn to the project, Japan, Malaysia, Korea and Thailand. published works, SACF has prepared a SACF received volunteer input in different Dr. Kusum Pant Joshi is a Social Historian, complete list of 28 celebrities. Within this ways and from various places. These include Researcher and Writer. Kusum was Project number, the largest chunk of 13 dignitaries is portraits of celebrities excluded from the Manager for Publications & Digital Media in from India, followed by 7 celebrities from project from a UK artist-cum-GP, drawings London’s Central Office of Information various parts of Africa. Out of the remaining produced by secondary school pupils from (COI). She is presently Chief 8 celebrities, 3 are from China, 2 from Bangkok, Thailand, a research-based Researcher in a Heritage Thailand and 1 each from Japan Korea and biography on one of our project celebrities Project awarded to the Malaysia respectively. These celebrities were from an American volunteer, and regular South Asian Cinema mostly either royals or ex-royals, or were critical appraisal/ constructive comments on Foundation in Dec 2019 by connected with ruling families as diplomats UK’s Heritage Lottery Fund.

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Short Story 7 OPEN THE GATE Lakshmi Kannan ‘It’s just a viral fever,’ said the doctor. ‘He stray cattle and we won’t even get to father’s room from an inner door, should be fine in about two days,’ he know. I had to send the guard home noiselessly. added, glancing at his patrician patient tonight because he has some work. Want ‘Gani?’ Ganesh looked surprised. How whose eyes were firmly closed like he was some soup?’ could his father tell that he was back in his asleep. He shook his head sideways again. room? “Really?’ he said suddenly, eyes still Ponni made a silent sign to say that she ‘Yes Appa?’ closed. wanted to talk to her, signalling that they ‘Krishnan is disobedient! He has again ‘But of course, Mr. Subramanian! Who should go out for a moment. Matangi closed the gate. Sack him the first thing in can keep a tough civil engineer like you in followed Ponni out of the room. the morning!” he whispered. bed for long? We’ll see you soon, walking ‘Pattimma,** Thatha’s scalp is so sticky! They stared at the supine figure, aghast. in Lal Bagh and may be playing golf,’ Looks like he is perspiring, even in this cool The gate was a good five hundred meters laughed the genial doctor weather. Shouldn’t you tell the doctor’? away from the driveway of house. Even Subramanian nodded. The doctor picked she asked in hushed tone. they couldn’t hear a thing from that up his bag and waved his hand as he went distance. Then how could Appa, behind the out of the outer door. ‘Really? Let me check’ said Matangi, closed doors of this room, and behind his Matangi and their son Ganesh saw him rushing into the room. His head was closed eyes…? off at the portico, waiting till his car drove perspiring a lot. Strange. Matangi wiped ‘Appa…’ over the length of the long driveway, past his head with a soft towel. ‘What did you ‘No, no! Do as I ask you to. Get the gate the huge wrought iron gate to turn into the say?’ she asked, seeing his lips move. She opened instantly. Also open the outer door main road. Their personal guard closed the bent low, her ear almost brushing his lips. of this room. It’s suffocating. I want to go,’ gate and went towards the eastern side of ‘You’re singing!’ she exclaimed, very said Subramanian. ‘I don’t want any the garden. Matangi felt Ganesh’s arm on surprised. obstructions.’ her shoulder. She patted his hand and He nodded. Gradually, she could make smiled, ‘Come Gani, your Appa will be out the sounds, ‘Endaro Mahanubhavulu…’ Gani got up and opened the outer door of fine.’ In the silence of the room, they heard the the room. The night was pitch dark now. Ponni tiptoed to his room. faint notes of this Tyagaraja Pancharatna He went out and walked the entire length ‘Ponni,’ Subramanian called out softly. Krithi floating out of the bed. Matangi of the long driveway and opened the heavy knew her husband’s passion for music, but iron gate. When he returned, he saw the ‘Thatha* How did you know it’s me?’ she why sing now, when he has fever, with scared look on his mother’s face. They said, surprised. ‘Your eyes are closed!’ He perspiration flowing down from his scalp. relaxed on hearing the soft sounds of smiled, whispering ‘I can tell by your ‘That’s very nice,’ she said, ‘but you singing again, in a rasping voice. footfalls, my darling little girl. I’ll recognise mustn’t strain yourself now. Sing ‘Aah, it’s nice that you’ve opened the them from a mile.’ tomorrow, when you feel a bit strong,’ she gate now,’ he remarked, behind his closed She went near his bedside and asked, urged. eyes. ‘Shall I massage your head, Thatha?’ He The song continued, albeit falteringly. Then The family watched, stunned with nodded. Very gently, she massaged his it stopped. disbelief. The room had taken on an eerie brow, his temples, next his cheeks before ‘Matangi,’ he whispered, turning towards atmosphere. Subramanian’s singing went she focussed on his head. She softly her with his eyes closed. ‘Ask Krishnan to on in a low voice. And then stopped. They rotated her forefingers over his scalp. It open the iron gate.’ waited for him to continue with his singing. felt so sticky. Has grandma oiled his hair? ‘I told you it’s past seven in the It was a long wait. No, it wasn’t oily. Thatha was perspiring. evening. It’s not…’ Ponni looked at the still, motionless But why? This is Bangalore in November, ‘Just open the gate. It’s obstructing me. figure on the bed. She hurried near the with a cool breeze blowing around I want to go…’ bed, brought her lips close to his ears. everywhere. She gently patted his head ‘What!’ ‘Thatha? This is me, Ponni. Ponni. Please dry with a soft towel. Matangi exchanged a scared look with say something Thatha,’ she said. Her voice ‘Thatha?’ Ponni. She got out of the room and broke. Ganesh gathered her in his arms ‘Yes kanna?’ returned with Ganesh. and led her out of the room. ‘Are you feeling hot?’ ‘Appa,’ he said, bending down to talk. ‘No. It always feels so good when you ‘I’ve asked Krishnan to open the gate. *Thatha: Grandfather massage my head, aah...’ **Pattimma: Grandmother Matangi came in holding a tray with two It seems you were singing! See, just like flasks. She kept it on the bedside table. the doctor said, you’re getting better, Lakshmi Kannan, also ‘Will you have some warm milk, just a sip?’ hmm?’ He stroked his father’s hands. known by her Tamil pen she asked, bending down. Subramanian nodded, a faint smile name ‘Kaaveri’ has Subramanian moved his head sideways, playing on his face. He resumed his singing published twenty-five books eyes closed. as his family watched, not knowing if they till date that include poems, ‘All right. Perhaps a little later’, she said, should let him sing. After a while he novels, short stories and watching Ponni massaging his head stopped, looking tired. Grabbing the translations. She was a Resident Writer at assiduously. ‘Like the massage?’ moment, Matangi asked, ‘Will you have the International Writing Program, Iowa, He nodded. ‘Ponni works her magic with some soup?’ He took a few sips. USA; a Charles Wallace Trust Fellow at the her hands,’ he said. ‘Listen Matangi.’ ‘All right Appa. Get some sleep,’ said University of Kent, Canterbury, UK; ‘Tell me.’ Ganesh. He opened the outer door and Fellow, Indian Institute of Advanced ‘Ask the guard to open the outer iron closed it quietly behind him. From the Study, Shimla and a Sahitya Akademi gate.’ portico he saw Krishnan standing outside Writer-in-Residence attached to the ‘Do you know it’s seven in the evening in the garden and signalled him to close English Department of Jamia Millia now?’ said Matangi, gently holding his the gate. Ganesh went inside the house Islamia, Delhi. hand. ‘People may prowl in, along with from the front door, and returned to his

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Music 8 The Carnatic Conundrum by Parthiban Manoharan

What is the purpose of Art? There are two and also in Sanskrit, part and parcel of Bharathi at the shores of the Arabian Sea. opposing views where one side argues that learning the Vedas as part of their upbringing Mesmerized by this, a fisherman gifts him a art is purely aesthetic in its purpose, , it is an being born into the Brahmin, priestly conch, the ultimate validation that an artist experience that allows both the performer class/caste. Given that many of the can receive. Even though Tamil and the audience member to step into an contemporary musicians come from the compositions have adorned the Carnatic experience mostly termed as “spiritual” in Guru-Shishya parampara, teacher-student stage more frequently in recent time, they nature. The other views art as a reflection of traditions, of the Trinity, Telugu became the tend to be fillers or crowd pleasers than given the society; The art and the society coexists language and the compositions of the Trinity the extensive treatment that a composition where one drives the change of the other and dominating the Carnatic stage. by a Trinity would get. that the beauty of the art is realized in this Make no mistake that Carnatic music evolutionary process; else the art is irrelevant Around the late 80’s a movement began, compositions are not limited to the Trinity. or sets itself for irrelevance eventually. While The Devadasi – Nattuvanars, and the the degrees in which these views apply can Nadaswaram players, collectively a ritualistic vary from one art form to another, the reality ensemble consisting of vocalists, as always lays somewhere in between, in the instrumentalist and dancers of a form called grey, which is where I find myself. I am of the Sadir, performing at temples, rituals and view that art being a product of evolution royal courts, produced many compositions itself, needs to balance the beauty of its specifically in the themes of love, eroticism form with the reflection it can be of the and anguish called Javalis. In fact Devadasis society. Else, how does art advance? were highly regarded for their expertise and Aesthetics cannot kindle progress, it amplifies wealth of a variety of compositions. So were it provides convenience in reaching the the Nadaswaram, long wind instrument, receiver. With this lens I want to argue that players who themselves provided a unique Carnatic music, a South Indian “classical” dimension to art of improvisation, Raga form, has lost its touch with reality and it’s alapana. Kindled by pre-independence about time that the industry as a whole Nationalist movements that used art as a tool awakens, self-evaluates and identifies ways in to propagate a National identity that is which it needs to be inclusive if it seeks which still continues till this date, to “pure” and “sacred”, raditional music and relevance within this day and in the future. advocate for the representation of Sadir underwent a transformation where So what is my issue with Carnatic music? Bhakthi became the forefront and all other Simply put, it has become an art form that is compositions in Tamil on the stage given that aspects sidelined. Sadir was appropriated operative under a bubble. And what bubble the home base of Carnatic music is in into Bharathanatyam while Traditional music you may ask, and that transformed into is projecting itself as Carnatic music, upheld an art form that is by the compositions of purely aesthetic and the Trinity. While the spiritual in nature. This expertise and skills of spirituality is rooted in the Devadasi – the Saivaite and Nattuvanars, and the Vaishnavaite concept Nadaswaram players of “Bhakthi”, devotion were derived, the artists to the supreme, and themselves were “Saranagathi”, total sidelined and eventually surrender, requiring completely removed the practitioner to from what became a adhere to this overall “sacred” concert space. movement and In the next edition I will subscribe to the sense explore how these of “purity” that factors continue to requires to fulfill this impact how the music is Chennai, Tamil Nadu. There is a famous scene ultimate goal. Compositions chosen for a presented today and prevents it from from the movie Sindhu Bhairavi by the Carnatic concert are primarily by the evolving to the needs of the time it exists in. legendary director K Balchander, where the “Trinity”, Tyagarajah, Mutthuswami Dikshitar main protagonist JKB, being a Carnatic Parthiban Manoharan is a and Syama Sastri, whose works are in musician is challenged during his concert by Capital Markets Professional addition to its melodic and rhythmic an audience member, the fellow protagonist from Canada interested in exuberance ooze with lyrical delight focussed Sindhu, that singing compositions in Telugu exploring the arts, culture and on a particular deity that the song focusses alienates a vast majority of the general technology and it's impact on upon. It is also important to note that the population, and that the success of the art is marginalized communities. Trinity, even though lived most of their lives ultimately its ability to reach the ears of the in the town of Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, the laymen. As the movie progresses, JKB Tamil language speaking State of India, their understand the power of language and sings compositions are predominantly in Telugu, a composition by the celebrated Tamil poet owning to their origin from Andhra Pradesh,

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Short story 9 Ideal Couple by Subhash Chandra

They were envied by friends and admired lunch chat, her friends gushed over the old woman over the years will be wiped by neighbours. Nobody in the Housing Lavanya’s married life. off. Complex had ever heard a fractious sound “You are so lucky!” emanating from their ground floor flat – “Yes, three of us here, I included, are Third floor: not even the immediate neighbours. divorced.” He stood in front of the door. Not that they did not have arguments, but “Yours is a fairy tale marriage.” Inside looms death. Should I go in? Once I they never raised voices, nor allowed “Both of you should jointly author a book catch the Virus, I am done for. I will not be tempers to reach the tipping point. While on ‘How to Make Marriage Work.’” able to pull through it for sure. resolving an issue, if the tone of one got “Good idea.” He came down the stairs with soft but edgy, the other would concede the point. “It will be a runaway success!” hurried steps and reached the ground And then they touched their ring fingers – floor. A whirlwind of chaos raged in his a private code signifying all well. Then Corona Virus struck the world. After a mind. The marriage counsellor was at a For Lavanya and Manav home was a warm, couple of months, Lavanya’s mother – on loss what to do! After a while, he went up relaxing space. Thanks to the Covenant the cusp of ninety -- who lived alone again. Standing in front of the door, he they had entered into which they practised looked after by a full-time maid, caught the reflected. in letter and spirit. Virus. I have looked after all the affairs of the old It was Sunday and both Lavanya and woman over the years and she treats me Manav had become a marriage-counsellor Manav were at home. like her son. Her two sons, settled in the of sorts among friends and colleagues in “Manav, we have to be with her. Shall we States have not visited her even once in the Ministry of Commerce office. leave after lunch?” seven years. To assuage their guilt they One day one of his close friends, Puneet, He did not respond. have been loading her with money and she asked Manav to meet him at Café Coffee “Hey Manav, I’m waiting.” has about ten million in fixed deposits. Day in Connaught Place on his way back “But the maid is there.” If I am not by her side at this time, I will home from office. “She has got it too.” lose Lavanya, for she will certainly walk out As the two settled at a table, Manav “Oh…then both of us will also get it” on me. And, I will lose the huge pile of observed his friend’s face was careworn. Lavanya looked at him incredulously. money the old woman has decided to leave “My life is a veritable hell,” Puneet said. “Do you mean we leave her to die without to me. “Why?” medical care? She’s my mother for “Every time Kirti and I have a minor heaven’s sake.” He extended his hand to ring the bell, but argument, it turns into a rancorous battle. “We can arrange Online admission for her quickly drew it back, as if he had touched a She’s always on a short fuse and flies off in a private hospital.” live wire. the handle over non-issues. Lavanya flared up. How can you be so I don’t really know what to do.” callous?” The fool that I am … The fool …. Do I want “Ignore.” A troubled silence sprawled between to commit suicide? Is ten million the price I “What?” them. have put on my life? What use will the “Yes. You yourself said they are non-issues. Then Lavanya burst out, “You go to hell. I money be to my corpse lying on the floor, Then why should you get exercised over am going alone.” ears and nostrils stuffed with cotton wool? them?” The Covenant went flying through the As for Lavanya … it will not matter. “That’s easier said than done. She hurls at window. She packed a bag, called for an me rapier barbs that bruise and cut.” Uber taxi and left. He turned swiftly and started going down. “Puneet, remember this, always: most of He was on the second step when the door the time women don’t know what they Having debated in his mind for two days, flung open and on the threshold stood gabble. Never take them seriously and ...” Manav drove to his Mother-in-law’s house Lavanya. Puneet took his first sip of Mocha gone in Vasant Kunj. “Don’t come up a third time. Don’t ever cold and asked Manav to complete the He started climbing the stairs. come here,” she hissed -- her face livid and sentence he had left hanging in the air.” eyes cinders – and slammed the door. “and .,.” Manav resumed, lowering his First floor: voice conspiratorially, “Entre nous, women He paused and reflected. One of the sons had got CCTV system are dense. Treat them as such.” Whatever happened to my practical sense? installed for the security of their mother by A puckish smile cavorted in Manav’s eyes. I’ve co-morbidity of diabetes. And to make paying an Indian company Online, but not Puneet’s admiration for Manav had it worse, my haemoglobin is low. That informed Lavanya. soared. They shook hands and parted. makes me extra vulnerable. “Thanks a ton, Buddy,” said Puneet. But he continued the climb. Dr Subhash Chandra, former Professor of English, Delhi University, has published two # Second floor: short stories collections, Not One day Lavanya hosted lunch for her He stopped and turned over the situation Just Another Story, and close friends when Manav was away to in his mind. Beyond the Canopy of Icicles, Indore to meet his parents. In the post- If I don’t join Lavanya, the consequences about sixty short stories in will be fraught. And all that I have done for journals, 4 books of criticism and several research articles.

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Blog 10 A Tale of Two Vaccines by Suresh Subrahmanyan It was the best of times, it was the worst of must be very busy, but thanks for giving down. Careful you don’t spill any on your times. Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two me this appointment.’ At this point he lovely, silk hand-woven tie.’ Cities. interrupted me. My Doc visibly calmed down. ‘Sorry, old A few days ago, we were greeted with the ‘What seems to be the trouble? I did not chap. I’ve been under a lot of stress lately. news that India had launched two vaccines get an advance briefing from my Secretary Look, about these vaccines. Your guess is to combat the dreaded Covid19. We have on your complaint.’ He sounded a bit as good as mine. How the blazes do I know been living with CV19 for almost a year peeved, unless I was vastly mistaken. which one is better? The newspapers seem now and the virus seems almost like one of to know much more. They keep printing the family pets. Just when we were detailed, comparative analyses of the beginning to think no power on earth is drugs. Bloody confusing, pardon my going to shift this stubborn pestilence from French.’ our lives, along comes this dramatic announcement at the dawn of 2021. The ‘That’s why I came to you, Doc,’ I said. By present dispensation in New Delhi have an now, I was feeling quite sorry for him. uncanny sense of timing and what better ‘Listen, my old medicine man with the time to unveil these two ‘magic bullets.’ stethoscope. Let me give you a tip or two, because I have been cramming up on many That was the way the script should have of these press reports. Pencil and paper read. Only, it didn’t. One of the two ‘Unless I am vastly mistaken, you sound a ready? Good.’ vaccines, Covishield, produced in bit peeved Doc. Are you feeling all right?’ I I then sat back and let fly from all that I collaboration with UK’s Oxford- injected just the right amount of caring have been reading and watching. My Doc AstraZeneca had ticked all the right boxes. concern in my voice. Since we were on was taking all this down furiously. ‘That’s The problem was with the other vaccine, Zoom, I affected a worried frown. Covaxin, produced in India. This vaccine is it, Doc. I realize you don’t have the time to still in the trial stage and it was premature ‘It’s just that I have many patients waiting, watch TV or read the papers, but these to announce its state of readiness. so we should get straight to the heart of observations of mine will help you.’ the matter.’ The Doc sounded quite curt. Naturally, a flaming row erupted. The ‘Just a quick question before we close. Opposition went into overdrive criticizing ‘Heart of the matter, eh? Tell you what, What if both the vaccine brands appear the Government for its alleged unseemly Doc. The old ticker seems to be in perfect equally good on all parameters? What haste. The Government retaliated and the working order. BP, pulse, oxygenation, all then?’ My Doc was now transformed. head of the beleaguered vaccine company pretty much up to scratch. I have already went on national television, in righteous ‘I guess you’ll just have to toss for it,’ I jabbed myself with all the other normal flu indignation, castigating all those who replied. Adding for good measure, ‘Price vaccines. I’ve got arms like pin cushions, as dared throw stones at the company that equations may come into play, but you can Tony Hancock so memorably put it. Since was doing yeoman’s service with no worry about that later. One thing, though. you keep tapping your pencil restlessly on thought of pelf. When the vaccine is ready to roll out, I your front teeth, let me get straight to the insist on getting the first jab from you, point. What is your take on the relative What ought to have been a rah-rah Doc.’ moment for the Indian medical profession merits of these two vaccines? Come on turned out to be a PR nightmare. The Doc, out with it.’ I put him on the spot. ‘Jab we met, eh?’ He laughed raucously at Government’s medical arm was scrambling this Bollywood-inspired, overworked, stale ‘Is this what you fixed an appointment for? around offering involved explanations in- joke. ‘Thanks pal. You’ve been a great And who the hell is Tony Hancock? No which complicated matters further. This help. Taken a load off my mind. Please wonder I didn’t get your file. Look, I’ve got could have been handled with finesse, treat this consultation as pro bono.’ patients who are genuinely suffering from instead of making needless all manner of ailments. And you want to announcements which left more questions ‘No, no. Think nothing of it. Pro bono? chat with me about Covid vaccines? All you unanswered. Everything could still turn out Wouldn’t dream of it.’ I signed off. As I did have to do is watch the news channels. The well, and we may be on our way to getting so, I saw my Doc looking thoughtfully at finest doctors speaking in flawless the vaccines out to our citizens. After all, two empty vials (marked Covishield and Oxbridge accents, You can get all the dope the world has been patting India on the Covaxin) on his table and muttering to from them, free of charge. Why waste your back for its overall handling of the himself, his pencil pointing this way and time and money?’ He was really beside pandemic. And we are reputed to be the that, ‘Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe.’ himself. vaccine makers to the world. I then Suresh Subrahmanyan is decided I should talk to my personal I rushed in before he disconnected. ‘Hang an advertising and brand physician and get the lowdown on what he on, Doc. You are missing the point. Very communications felt about l’affaire vaccine. We connected shortly, I will be lining up to get a shot of consultant with close to with each other on Zoom and I proceeded one of these two vaccines. Is it 40 years’ experience in to pepper him with inconvenient unreasonable to ask my personal physician the field. A regular questions. which one I should opt for? As for Tony columnist in various Indian publications, his forte is humour and satire. ‘Good morning Doc,’ I commenced Hancock, just Google his name and Blood Unsurprisingly, his favourite cheerily. What is it with patients that when Donor. Brilliant British comedian of the author is P.G. Wodehouse. they face their doctors, invariably they ‘50s and ‘60s. Ah, I see your tea has become overly familiar. I continued, ‘You arrived. Take a sip or two and simmer

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Interview 11 In Conversation with Nadia Hashimi On Her Book, ‘Sparks Like Stars’ by Meenakshi Mohan

Every person has a map in one's heart of their these historical events because part of my NH: We all, in small ways, look for answers to own country; one never forgets that – intent was to explore the spark that set our personal stories in the stories of others. Alexander McCall Smith's words seem so Afghanistan’s story aflame. Our eyes and hearts are in search of mirrors. I appropriate for Nadia Hashimi. Most of her believe Aryana felt lonely in her experiences. books have presented a different dimension MM: Sitara had to adopt her dead sister's She had no community of survivors. I think of Afghanistan, her country that she hardly name Aryana to flee Afghanistan. Aryana says, zeroing in on the story of Anastasia made her visited. I met Nadia at the launch of her first "I have carved the life I have out of stone, and think less exceptional in her trauma and best-selling debut book, Pearl that broke its stones are not easily carved."— What is inspired her to persist. shell. I was impressed with her for her Aryana trying to say? profound knowledge and understanding of MM: Nadia, as I read this book, and also your Afghanistan. Sparks Like Stars is her latest NH: This is a story of survivorship, a hard- other writings, I find the resonance of Khaled book. This sixty-one-chapter book kept me fought status. Aryana has had to struggle to Husseini's anguish, redemption, revenge, loss, enthralled for two days as I found myself on fulfill the destiny she wanted for herself, or forgiveness as the theme of your books. Then the same roller coaster journey with Sitara. perhaps the future her father envisioned for I also see Jhumpa Lahiri's loneliness and hope, The book is a first-person story of Sitara, who her. She is acknowledging her effort and her and Lisa See's love of her country and value of had to adopt her dead sister's name Aryana. refusal to feel defeated by her circumstances. friendship – Do the writings of some writers Ten-year-old Sitara, the daughter of a influence you? prominent family, had a privileged life. MM: Aryana says, "Silence is a heavy coat, Suddenly, her world is shattered when and I find myself desperate to shed the communists stage a coup assassinating her weight." – Why does she feel uncomfortable NH: It’s impossible to pick a favorite, but I can entire family before her eyes. She is the only to shed this weight? say that those who find permanent residence survivor. on my bookshelves have influenced me NH: Aryana does not know what awaits her consciously and subconsciously. I love writers MM: Nadia, you were born and grew up in on the other side to shed this weight. She who speak of truth, tenderness, and wisdom. I America. What intrigues you to write about marvel at storytellers who can elicit a laugh Afghanistan? on one page and a tear on another and those who can craft characters who linger long after NH: While I didn’t grow up in Afghanistan, I the final page. grew up immersed in Afghan culture. My parents emigrated from their homeland in the MM: Sparks Like Stars is an intriguing title – 1970s. Without the physical connection to the How does the book's title reflect the story's country, I feel the spiritual connection. It is theme in this book? heartbroken to see the bloodshed, the misogyny, and the corruption in Afghanistan. NH: I title my books after the final chapter. But tragedy and triumph go hand in hand. Sparks Like Stars comes from a poem by Nadia After 9/11, the fates of Americans and Anjuman, a published writer who was Afghans became intertwined. I hope these tragically murdered by her husband. The line stories will serve as some sort of bridge. speaks of her profound distress and pain. It is hard not to think of the pain some survivors MM: I learn so much about the history and carry in their hearts. culture of Afghanistan from your writings. From a bright cloud falls such pure light— You have quoted Rumi, "You are not a drop in there is no need for my crying the ocean, you are the entire ocean in a Sparks pour from my sighs like stars drop." – I consider this book as an epic. How MM: There are many substories in this book; do you describe this quote about your book? what kind of research is involved? Do you How much of this is fact or fiction? write poetry also as you have used so many could be inviting a painful revisiting of her poetic quotes? NH: Rumi’s distillations find their way into my past and might not achieve any closure or stories. His words have been translated and relief from it. Aryana and I share the mindset NH: I have an inspiration board with shared around a fire, in a meme, or a novel of a physician. We weigh the benefit of any interesting factoids of historical events that for generations, so it’s no stretch to imagine intervention against the risks it carries. For sometimes blossom into substories. This story Sitara’s father whispering these lines to her. I Aryana, relentless and gritty as she is, her was inspired by a news article about created Sitara to witness what I believe to be decision to step out of the shadows is an act discovering the bodies of those assassinated a critical moment in Afghanistan’s history, the of personal bravery. in Kabul’s palace in April 1978. For Sparks Like 1978 coup. The Cold War tensions, the siege Stars, I dug into archived interviews with of the embassy, the archaeological MM: Please tell us why she feels obsessed American foreign service officers posted to excavations of the ancient city of Ai Khanoum, with the story of Anastasia Romanov, the Kabul during that time, and CIA redacted and the discovery of the bodies killed in the daughter of the last Russian tsar, Nicholas II? documents. I read diary entries of western palace that fateful night – all of these are real. wanderers traveling the famed Hippie trail. I I have stayed close to the facts in describing interviewed family members who witnessed

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tanks roll down their streets. I research and with different emotions: helplessness, anger, life and love sharing words with souls who share with readers through a link on my anguish, hope, and sometimes, with a lump in love reading as much as I do. website (nadiahashimibooks.com). As for my throat, I pray for the protagonist. I love poetry, Afghan culture loves and breathes and your quote, "I run against the wind, and sings poetry. My great-grandfather wrote sometimes I run with it." It is a pleasure volumes of verses, some of which I knowing you. Thank you also for my signed incorporated into my previous book When the copy of the book. Moon Is Low. NH: The pleasure is mine, Meenu. I am MM: Thank you so much, Nadia! I just want to grateful for the personal and profound say that I love all your writings. They fill me connections these stories have brought to my

REGINALD MASSEY'S BOOK PAGE

INDIA by Al-Biruni Edited by Qeyamuddin Ahmad

Not many know that our knowledge of enormous range, both in words and in Other Kinds of their National Literature; ancient India comes from foreign writers inflections. Add to this that the Indian Hindu Literature in the Other Sciences; who came to the subcontinent and left scribes are careless, and do not take pains Notes on Hindu Metrology; On their accounts of their observations. The first to produce correct and well-collated Arithmetic and Related Subjects; On Hindu two, Faxian and Xuanzang, were Buddhist copies. Sciences; On the Shape of Heaven and monks from China. They were pilgrims who Earth according to the Hindu Astronomers; regarded India as a Holy Land and hence On Inheritance; On Festivals and Festive wrote glowingly about the country. Days; On the Principals of Hindu Astrology.

However, the Iranian scholar and Al-Biruni claimed that Hindus were polymath Abu Rayhan Muhammad Ibn against all foreigners and called them Ahmad Al-Biruni who came to India in the mleecha (impure) and did not allow any wake of the invading forces of Mahmud of relationship with them be it intermarriage Ghazni in the eleventh century was more or sitting, eating and drinking with them. objective. He was an astronomer, He complains that "They are not allowed mathematician, scientist and philosopher to receive anybody who does not belong to and wrote an amazing record of the them, even if he wished it, or was inclined history, manners and customs of India. His to their religion. This renders any book on India was originally called connection with them imposssible and Takikhu'l Hind and is considered a classic. It constitutes the widest gulf between us and was translated into English by Edward them." Sachau and edited by Qeyamuddin Ahmad. It was published by the National Book However, he later added "By the by, we Trust of India in 1983. The English title of must confess, in order to be just, that a the book is India by Al-Biruni. similar deprecation of foreigners not only prevails among us and the Hindus, but is Al-Biruni was a linguist who knew Arabic, common to all nations towards each other.

Persian, Sanskrit, Hebrew and Greek. He The repugnance of the Hindus against could therefore compare different "Secondly, they totally differ from us in foreigners increased more and more when civilisations and religions. He praised what religion. In the third place, in all manners the Muslims began to make inroads into he considered attractive about India and and usages they differ from us ... with our their country. Muhammad Ibn Elkasim Ibn criticised what he disapproved of. dress, and our ways and customs. There Elmunabbih entered Sindh and conquered are other causes, such as peculiarities of the cities of Bahmanwa and Mulasthana. He writes "I shall place before the their national character. He entered India proper and penetrated readers the theories of the Hindus exactly even as far as Kanauj fighting sword in as they are, and I shall mention in "Now such is the state of things in India. hand. These events planted a deeply connection with them similar theories of I have found it very difficult to work my rooted hatred in their the Greeks in order to show the way into the subject, although I have a hearts." relationship existing between them. Before great liking for it and although I do not entering on an exposition we must form an spare either trouble or money in collecting Thus Al-Biruni, himself a Muslim, blamed adequate idea of that which makes it so Sanskrit books." Muslims for making Hindus hate Muslims particularly difficult to penetrate to the so fiercely. He belonged to the Islamic essential nature of any Indian subject. In spite of the problems that he faced Al- Golden Age and has been rightly called the Biruni succeeded in befriending many 'Founder of Indoloogy'. He was an "The knowledge of these difficulties will Brahmins and other upper caste Hindus historian par excellence. either facilitate the progress of our work, and even translated the works of the sage or serve as an apology for any shortcoming Patanjali. His book consists of chapters Reginald Massey, Fellow of of ours. First they differ from us in with titles such as: The Hindus in General; the Royal Society of Arts everything which other nations have in On the Beliefs of the Hindus in God; On the and Freeman of the City of common. And here we first mention the Hindu belief as to Created Things; On the London, has authored language. If you want to conquer this Castes; On the Source of their Religious many books on South difficulty (i.e. to learn Sanskrit), you will Asian subjects which are and Covil Law; About the Beginning of Idol available from Amazon UK. not find it easy because the language is of Worship; On the Vedas, the Puranas, and

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Book review 13 N.S.VISHWANATH’S “ NIGHTS OF THE MOONLESS SKY ”

(ARCHWAY PUBLISHING 2021)

by Girija Madhavan

N.S. Vishwanath’s “debut” novel, a thriller, is get a true feeling for the land and convey it to This book appeals to me because Vishwanath set in medieval times in the Southern Indian his readers. has a special feeling for words that fill his kingdom of Vijayanagara, embroiled then in writing with evocative images. Mind pictures political strife. With his evocative descriptions, the author are created from the descriptions of the transforms the rocky ruins in Vijayanagara now, loveliness of Aadarshini with her long tresses, The story begins with the awaited arrival of into a lush landscape of fragrant flowering the horror of the cemetery; the exotic port of sixty year old Rajanna, the patriarch of the rich plants, fruit orchards, fields, rich mansions, Honnavara with the foreign ships of the Afaqis, estate of Madhuvana. His third wife, the young temples and rustic hamlets. Against this [a sect Azam Khan himself was descended from] and beautiful Aadarshini, is the central tapestry, the characters play out the drama of or the sudden awakening of erotic love from a character of the novel. She is the mother of their lives. Tales of courage and duty, treachery chance contact. Rajanna’s male heir, the child Raghu. The priest and avarice, lyrical love and lust, unfold under Prabhakara Swami and Rajanna’s Muslim the moonless sky of the lunar month; the new Vijayanagara in the sixteenth century is a very bodyguard, handsome Azam Khan, have pivotal moon being of symbolic significance to Indians. unusual background for a novel. There are roles in the plot. paintings, diaries and court records for example Sixty year old Rajanna is the patriarch of the in Mughal times to garner facts about life then. The news of the death of Rajanna’s death in a rich estate of Madhuvana. His beautiful young Much less in this kingdom in the Deccan and far away place precipitates a crisis in third wife, Aadarshini, is the central character therefore The Night of the Moonless Sky makes Madhuvana. The grisly custom of Sati is invoked of the novel. She is the mother of Rajanna’s interesting reading. History tells us that from whereby wives were immolated the 1340 onwards two powers alive on the funeral pyres of were positioned on either bank their husbands. The suspense of the river Krishna; Hindu ruled mounts through sub-plots to Vijayanagara with its majestic the denouement. capital and the Bahmini Sultanate. Internecine struggles Vishwanath’s vivid descriptions and warfare brought down transform the rocky ruins of these empires. Vijayanagara in Vijayanagara now into a lush this novel has still over a century landscape of orchards and to go before history shut it down fields, mansions and rustic as coldly documented in history hamlets. Against this tapestry, textbooks. To see through the characters play out the Vishwanath’s eyes a vibrant drama of their lives under the society where the destinies of moonless sky of the lunar people were transformed month; the new moon being of Vishwanath’s ancestors were symbolic significance to Indians. from Sringeri in the South of Evocative images are created of India, his childhood was spent in Aadarshini’s beauty, the horror of the only male heir, the child Raghu. She lives in Kolkata. After spending many years in the US cemetery and the sudden awakening of erotic Madhuvana with the two senior wives and a pursuing a successful career, he returned to his love from a chance contact. retinue of servants. The priest, Prabhakara roots in India, settling in the city of Mysuru in Swami and Rajanna’s Muslim bodyguard, the Karnataka. Vishwanath researched its history The unusual setting for the story, sixteenth handsome brawny Azam Khan, have pivotal deeply. He even spent some days sitting among century Vijayanagara, makes for interesting roles in the plot. the rocks and ruins that still dot historical spots reading; the customs superstitions and there, to get a true feeling of the land and cruelties. By contrast Vishwanath also dwells on The news of the death of Rajanna in a far away convey it to his readers. a contemporary and relevant theme; how a place, precipitates a crisis in Madhuvana. The sheltered woman like Aadarshini, initially grisly custom of Sati is invoked whereby wives A gripping historical thriller, “Nights of the compliant with the traditions of a conservative were immolated alive on the funeral pyres of Moonless Sky” showcases a broken woman’s society, grows in moral strength to question their husbands. From then on, the suspense determined effort to reinvent herself, South male power and privilege. The Nights of the mounts to the final denouement through India in mid sixteenth century India providing a Moonless Sky is a tribute to a broken woman’s several intricate sub-plots. The skeins are tautly captivating backdrop. effort to reinvent herself. For me , her fight for woven to finally mesh together. justice and truth is the core of the novel. Girija Madhavan was born in Mysuru, Aadarshini is a sheltered woman who does not Karnataka, India. Married to Indian career Vishwanath’s ancestors were from Sringeri in wander even in her own garden without Sarala, diplomat, A. Madhavan, she has lived in South India. His childhood was spent in Kolkata. her maid, accompanying her. From an early age many countries. In After spending many years in the US pursuing a she has been raised to be unquestioningly retirement, she now successful career, he returned to his roots in compliant with the traditions and customs of a lives in her home town, India, settling in Mysuru in Karnataka state. conservative society. How she grows in moral Mysuru. She learnt Fascinated by the history of glorious strength and physical courage to question and Hindustani vocal music Vijayanagara which succumbed finally to the fight a world of masculine power and privilege, in her younger years onslaughts of the Bahmini Sultanates of the a fight for justice and truth, is the core of the and also to paint. Deccan, Vishwanath researched its history novel. During a posting in Tokyo, Japan, she learnt deeply. He even spent some days sitting among the ruins that still dot the landscape there to ink painting and continues to enjoy it.

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Short fiction 14 Kinetic dreams by Sunil Sharma

The two strangers stood awkwardly, such a blessed city coveted by millions. Soar and fly displaying goods on the trisection of a busy Will try my luck there.” Rise up road; brought together by a common “Not that easy,” said the elf with a twinkle. Up terror called Covid-19; a spontaneous “It needs wings to reach that distant city.” And fly kinship forged by a fatal pandemic among “Wings!!” the teen was incredulous. To that land the rank strangers. “Yes.” To that ideal city! The illegal hawkers had converted the “How is it possible for humans?” asked the corner pavement into their mini stalls. cynical man. They donned the caps, cloaks and sang in The man inquired: “Any luck, mate?” “Humans can grow wings. They should earnest. The newly-minted mate said with a weary know the how of the alchemic process A miracle happened! smile, “Not yet.” only,” The elf replied with a mischievous The two males started growing large and “What time did you arrive here?” smile, eyes dancing, hands animated, as strong wings! “6.30 a.m.” the mid-morning traffic increased. Soon the trio took off from the craggy “First day?” “Can we grow them also?” the pair asked summit of the Hill that faced the direction “Third, mine. And you?” in unison. of the beckoning place. The man replied: “First time.” “Yes, you can grow them.” Assured the elf, Flapping their fresh wings, the Winged- “Peddler?” producing a red apple out of thin air---to humans, overjoyed, thanked the elf---for “No. A jobless teacher forced to sell the the astonishment of the captive audience. leading them to the City of Equals. home-made masks and hankies. No job, no “Tell us the secret, please, sir.” Both “We carry an image of such ideal place. money. No option than hitting the street.” requested desperately. Only thing, find the way.” The elf observed. “True!” “Dreams.” The tiny man with pointy ears “Many desire but do not follow their heart, “You, a retailer?” said on that ordinary day turning magical preferring the status-quo.” “No. A high-school student. Papa lost the for the unlikely friends. They agreed. job during the lockdown. Ma also was The elf promised: “Dreams provide you “Every flight into the unknown is a new fired. I have been forced to shed my books with the required wings.” birth.” The elf observed flying through a for chilies, ginger and lemons, for no “Dreams?” The two again exclaimed. bank of cottony clouds. “Leaving one city buyers. Cruel fate!” “Wings? See no connection.” for another is always a new avatar. Not They watched the traffic. Listless. “Yes. Dreams give wings. Do you dream?” many can undertake such journeys of faith. Few strollers were headed their way. “Yes, I do,” the man assured. And survive in the new place.” The teen started singing in falsetto: “Buy “I too,” the boy added. “Daily. Of a better “Survive?” the man asked. farm-fresh produce at cheap rates, please, life. Of a humane world, of equality.” “Yes. Reaching the desired destination is madam, sir. Buy cheap---fresh produce.” “Oh! But remember, we all dream as not enough---surviving the new milieu is The strollers paid no attention. humans but not every dream has got crucial.” The boy howled, “Bad day again!” potency,” the elf clarified. “Some perish. “Any tips?” the teen asked. The man comforted. “Never leave hope, But kinetic dreams! They make you sprout “Dreaming. Keep on dreaming new son!” wings and fly away into the unknown!” dreams…” “What else is left for us?” the boy was “How can we have them?” the man asked. “…of better worlds,” the man responded. bitter. “Only hope.” “Tomorrow you will have them--- on the The elf smiled. “And working for those The man was stoical: “wish for the best in Hill. Meet me there” dreams. Cities are not made by empty the worst!” . spaces but by the industrious folks---with The boy shrugged. They came early and were joined by the elf shared visions and ethics, humans like us.” The man checked messages. that had brought two cloaks and peaked After an hour, he yawned, “Nobody seems caps. They passed through the arched gates, to be buying!” “Keep on dreaming forever!” the elf along with other Winged-humans, tired The teen looked worried. “Unlucky day! chanted. but faces lit up, dazzled by the city. How will we survive?” “Keep on dreaming forever,” the two A giant billboard flashed: Claim, create the The man said, “Let us wait for sometime…” disciples repeated. City of Equals. Create a better version! “…then?” The elf then declared: “Sing with me the “Goodbye!” The elf said. “Remember: “We move to another place.” Anthem of the Winged-humans that you Never allow the wings to rust and heart to “No use. I am fed up. Life is not fair.” shall become soon. Here is the text.” age!” “Life is like that,” the man observed. The trio sang with gusto: The duo looked at the skyline; sure of “Do we have a life here?” The teen was claiming a bit of the fabulous city of billion bitter. “Want to leave for a better place.” Think of the City suns, soon, “on the basis of your kinetic “Same everywhere, son,” The man was That promises equality dreams,” as suggested by the vanished elf philosophical. “Life is similar everywhere, And is fair to all on that extraordinary day… believe me.” The hungry and the denied Thronging its golden halls “Life is not similar everywhere,” a baritone And ports of entry; announced above the din. “Some places, it We create such Cities is much better. I know of a city where life is By our praxis only. nicer and kinder.” Keep on dreaming forever To their surprise, the duo discovered an elf Friends standing in their middle! Of such spaces! “How can I go there, sir?” the teen asked Dream on. Never give up, excitedly. “Please, sir, show me the way to Whatever be the odds!

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Obituary 15 Rini Kakati (1945-2020) by Kusum Pant Joshi

Ambassadors are generally carefully chosen In 2009, Rini’s services were recognised with polymath. Informed about the existence of and appointed formally for a fixed term by a 'Glory of India Award' from the India this in valuable dictionary by a scholar from various governments. But London’s Rini International Society that was presented to Jorhat in Assam, Rini Kakati had ferreted it Kakati, was an ambassador extraordinaire! her at St James, Buckingham Gate, London. In out and showcased it in London’s prestigious She was self-chosen, self-appointed and had 2010 The Queen honoured her with an British Library. a life tenure that ended suddenly by divine invitation to a Garden Party at Buckingham The other piece of Assam’s cultural history intervention on 27 December 2020. Palace. linked with Rini Kakati was the “Vribdavani Moreover, though an ambassador who Rini also distinguished herself as a promoter Vastra” that had been shipped to the UK in represented and promoted India in the UK, of the natural wealth and beauty of Assam. 1905. It had a fascinating history evident Rini had a special focus on her native East As Coordinator of London’s Assamese cultural from the following description: “Measuring Indian state of Assam where she breathed organisation – the Friends of Assam and over 9 metres in length, the piece of her last. Seven Sisters (or FASS) – she put her heart Assamese textile is the largest of its type to

survive. It is made up of 12 strips, now sewn Born in together. [It is said Assam in to be] the largest 1945, Rini surviving example was awarded of an Assamese a Master’s devotional textile. degree in The ‘Vrindavan English Vastra’ which Literature literally means the from With group LMJ KPJ cloth of Vrindavan, Guwahati was produced in University. Assam sometime in After her the late 17th marriage to century. It is made Dr Kakati, a of woven silk and UK-based figured with scenes medical from the life of practitioner, Hindu god Krishna Rini moved to At the Indian High Commission, London Entire group with Lord Dholakia during the time he the UK. lived in the forests of Vrindavan. The Krishna

and soul into holding innumerable cultural scenes on the textile are from the 10th- When Rini arrived in London the during programmes at important venues including century text the Bhagavata Purana and are 1970s, UK was still gradually evolving into a The Nehru Centre in London’s Mayfair. elaborated in the dramas of Shankaradeva. A more inclusive, diverse and multicultural verse from one of the dramas is also woven society. Finding that there was work to be One of the special events in which her ability into the textile using immensely sophisticated done to help local immigrants with their to build a strong and successful team shone weaving technology, now extinct in India.” communication needs, Rini first equipped brightly was the annual programmes she held herself with the skills required to become for commemorating and showcasing the The fact that Rini was specially invited by useful to the people around here. genius of Dr Bhupen Hazarika, Assam’s Chepstow Museum to be a guest at their

outstanding musician, lyricist, singer, film and exhibition of the Vrindavani Vastra organised Armed with a Post Graduate Certificate of music director. She had a natural flair for with London’s British Museum in 2017, Education (PGCE) in Teaching English as a successful programming. While her illustrated her public recognition as unofficial Foreign Language (TEFL) from the University discerning eye helped her to spot talent in cultural ambassador of India from Assam in of North London, Rini entered the public selecting the most appropriate singers, the UK. Commenting on the Vrindavani arena. She started Neighbourhood English dancers, artists and celebrity guests from Vastra, Rini had said: “It was made to be used classes at the Nicole Road Project Centre in across national and regional borders, her in the Krishna cult which developed following Harlesden, where she lived. She is reported genuineness, sincerity and people’s skills won the ministry of the Assamese saint to have established a nursery for her their wholehearted cooperation. She also Shankaradeva (d. 1568).” underprivileged children and a drop-in-centre took the lead in arranging the unveiling of a for women and children at Church Road. She photograph Dr Hazarika at London’s Nehru In an impromptu Zoom event organised also served as the first Asian woman Centre. shortly after Rini’s passing, her friends and governor at Brent’s Newfield Junior School. admirers hailed her as a lifelong impresario of To encourage people to communicate, she Rini held many programmes to introduce and India and in particular of Assam in the UK. ran a BBC programme called “Speak for popularise lesser known yet important yourself” between 1979 and 1982. aspects of Assamese culture such as the Rini was both extraordinary and selfless in

famous Assamese dance form of Bihu. Her her love of Indian and Assamese culture. She As an education and welfare worker for Black most prominent contribution in this field was is irreplaceable, but we hope her example and Ethnic Minority communities in some of when she influenced The Nehru Centre to will inspire others to pick up her baton and London’s multi-ethnic, Rini did considerable invite a prominent dance group in Assam to continue her cultural race! social and community work. Gradually, her visit London to perform Bihu at the Royal efforts started impacting positively on the Festival Hall during the London Olympics of Dr. Kusum Pant Joshi is a Social education, health and social betterment of 2012. Historian, Researcher and those they were aimed to benefit. Writer. Kusum was Project

There were two other significant cultural Manager for Publications & In 2004, she organised the first Convention of events to which Rini contributed, but for Digital Media in London’s the North East Chamber of Commerce & which she is less remembered today. One Central Office of Information Industry for Non-Resident Indians at the was the discovery in 2012 of a manuscript of (COI). She is presently Chief Researcher in a House of Lords. Besides input from Lord a 212 year old dictionary titled: “Comparative Heritage Project awarded to the South Asian Swarj Paul and Lord Dholakia it represented Vocabularies”. It was written in the year 1800 Cinema Foundation in Dec 2019 by UK’s other important sections of British society. by Dr Francis Buchanan-Hamilton, a British Heritage Lottery Fund.

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Book Review Indira Babbellapati’s ‘A poem that painted the sky’ by Leonard Dabydeen

Cover Design and Illustrations: by Tabitha my fears demonstrates the author’s “business of the Out of the esoteric palette of life, of the my guilt heart” with her amazing life experiences, elements that nurture our colourful dreams and my shame Under a sky imaginings, comes a poem that painted the sky. my tears, that never touch In this book, A poem that painted the sky, mingling, them all the earth… author Indira Babbellapati has captured a in the dust scintillating roller coaster olio of 60 poems under my seasoned feet. In that virtual space within a heart-throbbing 73 pages wrapped like where none others a bouquet in a beautiful cover design. Most And poem #12. Obsequies to a tear (p. 21, ever breathed… poems are imaginatively inked with illustrations stanza 2) brings tear-drops to a burst, by Tabitha. It was Rumi, the luminary 13th There I hear century Persian Sunni Muslim poet, scholar, Come, pay your respects the unique raga theologian and Sufi mystic that said, “Only from before the pyre is lit my breath resonates. the heart can you touch the sky.” before another tear is shed and placed on the pyre. Between two breaths Author Indira is absolute in this respect! lurks and exclusive dream Moreover, author Indira brings to the fore in that I dream of you, for you. this book, A poem that painted the sky, her life exuberances in a wealthy symbiosis of This evening, atmospherics of nature, and ambivalences and the dream morphed coherences of everyday life. She has into a bird… contingently immersed the elements of nature – especially in Ayurveda – of bhūmi (earth), jala The colorful wings (water), agni ) fire, vayu or pavan (air or wind) in multitudes flapped to flight and vyom or shunya (space or zero) or akash to paint the sky. (aether or void) with life experiences. Then she expansively opens her mind’s imaginings in a Back cover of this book, A poem that painted palette of life to create poems as an artist. the sky, offers readers with a vivid profile canvas Let me take you through a random selection of of author, Indira Babbellapati. She is “a faculty poems in this book, A poem that painted the in the Department of Humanities and Social sky. In poem #1. Aditya Hridayam (p 7), author Sciences [Andhra Univ. Visakhapatnam, Indira is delighted in harnessing the glory of the India]…is a widely published poet and translator. Sun God against a back-splash of winter, Her original poetry anthologies include affaire spreading sun all over “earth to begin/yet de Coeur, Vignettes of the Sea, echo, From the another game of maya.” So illusive and magical, Biography of an Unknown Woman and Nomadic On that early winter morning Nights. She translated all genres of literature the sun and I wiggled our way except drama. Night of Nectar for the Sahitya cutting through the placenta Akademi, Asampoorna, the Incomplete, Into a to touch the earth to begin Crowded Aloneness, in Telugu by Raama yet another game of maya. Chandramouli are some of the translated poetry anthologies. Her Own Way, a book of Akademi In that hazy darkness award winning short stories translated into the thoughts of a life lived In another poem #14. Of peace and strength English is under publication with the Sahitya rushed through the by-lanes (p.23), author Indira reflects a breath of Akademi. Gender Games and Other Stories, The of unfathomable memory Gandhian ahimsa principle, Dusk, a novel in translation besides a few short stories have been published by the Translation Where were you? That which allows one Bureau of Dravidian University, Kuppam. Indira Where are you? to stay put amidst chaos – also coauthored English text books for I try in vain resurrecting Engineering Undergraduates. Indira’s poems are The faded memory. That’s peace. also anthologized in Roots and Wings, Suvarnarekha, Persona, Heaven 2014 and I am a How it eludes me on this earth…! That which makes one stand Poet. and walk straight in pain – In my tears of joy and sorrow Prof Indira Babbellapati’s English poetry has I offer the sun born with me That’s strength! been translated into Hindi, Bangla, Spanish and on that early winter French. She made her presence felt at many a holy bath ever since. Where there’s peace national and international meets like Asia-Pacific The title of the poem, Aditya Hridayam, reflects There lies strength! Writers and Translators, SAARC Literature on empowerment of the stotra emerging as one Festival to name a few.” of the key mantras based on the 107th chapter By meticulous ambulation, author Indira has The collage of poetics and high literary acclaim of the great epic war – Yudha Kanda – between netted her life experiences with rich imagery resonates with excitement to rush any reader of the army of Lord Rama and the army of Ravana, and emotional sensitivity in this bouquet of poetry to get their hands on this book, A poem as told in the Holy Ramayana. The stotra was poems. Some of the poems, including #30. A that painted the sky. Enjoy the read. elicited by Sage Agasthya to Sri Ram in wholesome mother (p.40), # 32. On a lonely Publisher: Cyberwit.net ( June, harnessing the sun for greatest strength to monsoon night (p.43), Unfolding towards 7 2017) ISBN: -10:9385944598X defeat all enemies. revelation (p.52), #41. A poem expecting rain ISBN: -13:978-9385945984 In poem #2. Daughter of Dust (p.8), author (p.54), #43. A poem sliding down the glass-pane Indira echoes a Tagore-like tone in a philosophic (56), #46. A poem on unexpected rain (p.59), and emotional sarangi. Take a read of the #47. A poem that painted the sky (p.60), #51. A second stanza, surreal moment (p. 64), #53. Call of desire (p.66), and # 56. Between birth and death (p. Life left me to dream, though 69) have well-acclaimed postings among her 747 it left a heart untouched: poems on the online a heart that can still sing http://www.poemhunter.com blog. This book’s a melody of immense depth; title, A poem that painted the sky (# 47 on p.60) a melody that allays

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

17

Ruminating Kiriti Sengupta observes and disinters philosophy

It is supposed to be a ritual for all that can Kiriti Sengupta bring us together! Any religion in the next poem needs to understand this, too. What a Faith shirt gathers is not what makes it a shirt. Nor do the assurances of the propagators Rituals do not add to our credos. and prophets selling their wares.

Rakhi enlivens familial warmth without religious fidelity. On Eid seviyan is for all.

Patrons stand-up in multiplexes When the national anthem is relayed.

Indianness precedes theology. Kiriti Sengupta writes concisely, densely, and explicitly with no distractions. There Religion are no temptations for an adage to Rituals, Hawakal Publishers expand what he has observed and The shirt I bought waives promises. ISBN-13: 978-9387883529 distilled from a poetic experience. it attracts stains, odours, and crumples If we are confused about the liberation Daringly as a poet, he stops you think: briskly. The salesman had insisted, offered by rituals, then a step-well’s question yourself. His poems quickly pick We treat cotton to produce isolationist viewpoint of a disc of the cut- up the sentiments and drop them in our fine fabric. out sky should serve us in expanding our lap. It is not an easy art because it looks like a simple act! The resultant fresh Isn’t propensity naive? It refutes understanding. Anyone’s banishment to Rituals, Hawakal Publishers tangential meanings are for the readers mutation. Kalapani ends up being a survival by ISBN-13: 978-9387883529 to explore. His poems are frequently servitude. In the name of history–Purana short, as if they are some incised The Stepwell Qila, one keeps an old well live, lost from moments not to be tired. Hence, in this its original purpose and ritual. The article, I have talked about a selection Kalapani insinuates servitude for a disconnected, trapped (stale?) water rather than a poem to invoke an lifetime. should be allowed to flow as its natural experience of the poet’s craft. state. Someone else counting the steps to Rituals, religions, rules: they make us In the premises of Purana Qila it is not the liberation from a ritual. The behave, react and respond in some the baoli is alive. curiosity of that person is not a statement expected or required norms. We even of love. Its only hope is Kalpavriksha forget sometimes why we perform these Eighty-nine stairs down unnaturally–again–in heavens! We put rituals. As a poet, Sengupta is rebellious water is yet to scour the shine. things in place but create confusions. Why like all poets, though while reading his It awaits liberation. would gods need a kalpavriksha if they are poems you may not feel that; for him, the gods? So here this tree also needs a questions are not just curiosities to be Note: A stepwell is called baoli, regionally. liberation. Is it a hint to the climate change

examined, but are challenges we must arguments? Undoubtedly, the second Kalpavriksha face. As in philosophy, questions in stanza brings us to that. But there is more to it. One can bypass the girdled treads of poetry are not raised by poets to provide Who says it is fetched from Heaven? a wonderful resolution; instead, they are trust and flourish unruffled. But that Do the gods need it to fulfil a wish? incidentals to poke the reader to see grounded ritual prepares them for prayers full of deliverance, like the ones offered by things in a different context and pitch Trees are girdled by treads of trust. them against themselves. Sengupta Kalptaru. They manages that well. He deliberately evolve to be imperturbable. Grounded disturbs the harmony, observes, extracts, So what is the endgame? Promising Griefs! on The unpredictability of life, what it yields, reflects, and walks away impassively! earth and its evil, prepares them for How dare he, after he puts readers in a for whom, and by being life to give life to prayers. the others are the only promises you have trap! from the rituals of living. Griefs, they may Note: Kalpavriksha, also known as Kalptaru, is a Look at his poem, ‘Faith’. Brexit released wish-fulfilling divine tree in Hindu mythology. seem, but life is liberation; also a discipline many serpents in Britain to coil into of rituals simultaneously. Sengupta thus questions about one’s Britishness. Here, Promising Griefs continues to draw the map with in a similar blaze, the poet wonders philosophical flags on them, flapping with about the Indianness. He lays down the Neither the plough optimism. ground with ‘Rituals do not add to our nor the bankrupt farmer knows credos’. As I said, ritual sometimes loses whether the earth will receive the meaning and becomes a duty to optimum water. perform. The forgotten inconsequential purpose behind tying a rakhi, Eid seviyan Consider the rice seed – In the Queen’s New Year Honours List or singing a national anthem liberates Not sure if it will rejoice 2020, Yogesh Patel received an MBE for literature. He runs Skylark Publications UK them to becoming rituals. So, the poet sprouting into a plant and a non-profit Word Masala project to spells it out that Indianness is not a that will invariably die to give us food for life. promote SA diaspora literature. bound but a liberation. Nationalism Extensively published, an award-winning should not be a dirty word but should be poet, he has also received the Freedom of a universal entity; if it liberates itself. the City of London.

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Poem by Roopam Mishra Confines Some never travel at all Like the woman born in a village A curse to her family, Married off at thirteen, Bearing children at sixteen, Whose childhood was smothered, and strangulated Like the wooden churner Round whose neck she would tie a rope each Saturday And twist, and turn relentlessly To separate the whey from the butter. Covering not just her head with her saree pallu, But also her face veiled, and voice silenced- Never knew an uproarious laughter, nor a groan nor a sigh- Like a ghostly presence, whose existence was felt, perceived, But never an interaction with anyone, Except for those who held her reins. Who’d order her about the household chores, Defining, and redefining her boundaries. Let alone seeing mountains, and hills, and rivers, and seas, For years she never saw her natal home once married, Not when her cows birthed calves, Not when her grandmother passed away, Or, her friend married off in the neighbouring village, Or, for her brother’s thread ceremony. She stayed bound to the home, Like cattle remains bound to a peg; The threshold, the backyard, the courtyard her confines, The days of her youth passed Tending to children, and the elderly alike, Upon ageing herself, not one tended to her in turn. Her sons found jobs, built lives in the cities, Daughters married off in faraway villages, Doomed to a similar fate as hers. When her husband left for the heavens, He took with him all possible colours from her life. Family, and relatives mourned At the funeral, and left for their own abodes Yet she never moved an inch Never crossed the village periphery. Widowed, colourless, and mourning, An unwelcome sight for the village, she gradually met her end. When her body was consumed by furious flames on her pyre, She must’ve been free at last, As her ashes were sprinkled in the Holy Ganges currents, She must’ve travelled across cities, and metropolitans Unseen in her lifetime, For she remained circumscribed, and bound To her home, The threshold, the backyard, the courtyard her confines.

*Saree - an Indian garment worn by women, of six yards of fabric draped in various manners *Pallu - the loose end of the saree with which women would, and still often, cover their heads in reverence of the Gods, and the elders.

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Short story 19 It is not Fair by Sujata Sankranti

From the window of my apartment on the with a skeletal staff. Our hands are full. Turning to me Gomez had whispered, eighth floor I can see mounds of snow. Our clients, the senior citizens are something like an aside, White and fluffy. Freshly fallen. Perhaps succumbing to the infection at a fast rate. I don't think she recognizes you. She never during the early morning hours. Or, Your mother is one of them refers to your name. maybe the snowflakes have been swirling One of them? Did she test positive? Did She might have forgotten my around all night. Strange! We were you move her to a hospital? name. But the way her eyes softened as promised early spring this year, after I am screaming now. she took a piece of the muffin, crumbled decades or after hundred years. That 's Hospitals are overflowing. They are not it and slowly put it in her mouth, was what the forecast was. But today marks able to admit new patients anymore. reward enough for me. Her favourite the middle of March. Yet.no green shoots There are so many younger people who muffins. The very muffins she had taught peeping out of crevices nor any balmy are affected, and they are waiting in line. me to bake! breeze. The concrete compound floor Should you leave older people to die? And then, Mother broke into a slow circling round the condo too is lined with chant. In a raspy singsong voice. snow. The driveway and the pavement I did not say that. Please bear When I was young and strong, and sun look strangely deserted. No children with me. Hospitals have a priority policy. and light unsought for…. And the clock hurrying to catch their school bus, no You must have heard how grim…how could be trusted, tomorrow assured And corporate crowd zooming out of the gate grave the situation is. Time would not stop in the dark…. in their luxury cars. All are locked in their Reading reports and stories is Her voice trailed off as she wobbled home, like me, following the call of the one thing. But to know that my own across the lawn to reach her room. When state, for total lock down. The virus is mother is a victim to such an unfair logic, I had left her at the Centre three years here. Winging its way across airports and to a policy is different. I am devastated. ago, she had sung the same lines to me, I seaports and vast stretches of land it has Why should the question of priority prop recalled. arrived to spread its vicious lethal net. up when the contest is between life and What if she did not remember her death? daughter's name? She remembered Eliot The cellphone on the coffee Please understand, I am helpless. Her The English teacher in her was still alive. table vibrates and buzzes. It must be a call body…Nurse Gomez pauses. That had given me hope and comfort. from either Sophie or Irma, my friends in I am coming right away. I will arrange fair and foul weather, who had walked with a funeral home to pick her up. No embalming, no wake, no with me in the journey of my life. They No. No, you don’t have to do that. She has rites. Quite possible, there is not even a call me every morning to make sure I am been buried. headstone to mark her grave. My mother alive and kicking. Again, at nine in the No. How could you do that? dies an orphan’s death. Can there be night they will call me to ensure I have I am beginning to sob. anything sadder, more tragic than this? safely settled myself in bed. God bless I am sorry I am bringing you What if I am doomed to live the rest of them for their good morning and such bad news. You know even a corpse my life with that crushing sense of guilt? goodnight calls. can infect people. That’s why we had to God save me! bury her in such hurry The touch screen doesn’t flash Yet, perhaps, my mother has the smiling faces of my dear friends. But No embalming, no rites, no gone the right way giving someone a the number that has come up is familiar wake. No loved ones to hold her hands, to chance to survive. Nevertheless, is it fair? Alarmingly familiar. It is the nursing home give her a last kiss, to say I love you Mom, Who has the answer? The virus? But the where my octogenarian mother has been one last time! Nothing at all for her! sphere-like Corona with its scary red living for the last three years. I have been spikes only spins before me. Menacingly. trying to connect with the center since The phone slips out of my hand. Mocking the mighty humans, the last evening. Repeatedly. But there has The armchair creaks with the weight of crowning glory of God’s creation? been no response. my body. Oh! God why this punishment? Clara Smith? Not a soul around to turn to. No one to Yes? wipe my tears. Alone, in isolation I mourn Sujata Sankranti was I answer the disembodied voice. my loss. born in Kerala, and Hesitantly. educated in New Delhi. This is Nurse Gomez. My last visit to the Care She worked as My heart skips a beat. Centre…. I cannot get it out of my mind. Associate Professor in Moth-err… I stammer. Nurse Gómez who was in charge of my Delhi University. She I am sorry I have bad news for you. Your mother was sitting with her in the front was the All round Winner of mother is no more. garden. Commonwealth Short story Prize, 1998. A pause Your daughter is here. Look what she has Sujata has published two books "The She passed away on Wednesday night. brought for you. Warp and the Weft" and "In the Shadow It is Friday today. Why didn’t the nursing Gomez opened the cardboard box and of Legends" Her stories have figured in home inform me right away? showed Mother the blueberry muffins I anthologies in India and abroad. She Please try to understand. The Corona virus had brought for her. currently lives in Mumbai. is spreading like wildfire. We are working Thank her, she had prompted Mother.

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Shashi Tharoor’s The Battle of Belonging 20

ON NATIONALISM, PATRIOTISM AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE INDIAN

Book review by Anjana Basu

As in his previous books, Tharoor starts He therefore gets down to grips by analysing or examples that he has heard of – like the Battle of Belonging from the ground he the Modi government’s approach to example of Switzerland which eschewed knows best – his own life and in this case, nationhood which he characterises as the nationalism through language and instead his birth in the UJ which gave him the right course of one language, Hindi, one religion, declared several, French, German and Italian to British nationality which his parents, Hinduism as interpreted by the Hindutvavadis to be equally valid. Ultimately, after a short proud of their Indian heritage, chose not to and a nation, based on a theory posited by dissection process, he distils the nine into two accept. He thereupon explores the origins three gentlemen whose surnames began with essential nationalisms, ethno and civic. Ethno of the word ‘nationalism’ which has roots M: Molesworth, Macaulay and Max Mueller, of includes religion under its banner while civic in the Latin ‘natio’ or by birth and traces its whom Max Mueller was primarily responsible Tharoor writes arises “not from ethnicity, growth over the ages. for propagating the theory of the Aryan religion, language, culture... but from the invasion and pinpointing Sanskrit as the consent and active participation of... citizens, Belonging has become a complex issue language of a Hindu civilisation. A theory that as free members of a democratic polity.” worldwide but more so, Tharoor feels, in was. as Romila Thapar pointed out, incorrect, modern India with its citizenship acts and but one that was hailed by Hindu nationalists To come to his final argument, Tharoor deftly other documentary demands to establish who refused to have it challenged or believe juggles with multiple subjects that are who belongs where. This goes against the that it could have been formulated by non interrelated and he uses examples that ideals of the Constitution which were Hindus. dovetail across continents and centuries framed at the time of Independence and which he ties together with examples, he feels that civil society is not doing quotations and erudition. Though each of the enough to defend those ideals and fight for nine types of nationalism could have made an the national unity in diversity which India independent book in their own right. truly is. Instead there is an attempt to ultimately Tharoor’s arguments are brought impose a kind of majoritarian unification by together in a passionate defence of the ‘Idea segregating minorities and erasing them of India’. A defence he feels is necessary if the from the mainstream. country is to survive as it was originally planned in the Constitution, a nation This did have its roots in Partition and in grounded on idealism and united thought – Jinnah’s fight to establish two nations though such a defence also requires a grounded on religion – from that arose the political vehicle whose credentials are initial Hindu-Muslim divide which time and impeccable and given the current state of political circumstance has only affairs, this seems to be sadly lacking. strengthened. While most would have said that Pakistan was the fallout of Partition, The author throws down a gauntlet in Battle anti-Muslim feeling was the other since the of Belonging in the hope that civil society will years only served to strengthen an rise to the cause and there will be a Second undercurrent of bigotry that had already Coming of the true nationalism of the like existed and was utilised by India’s colonial minded. "Our patriotism must be anchored in masters to divide and rule. More to the unity, not division; promote inclusion, not point the Hindu right wing groups had exclusion," he writes. sided with the British hoping to gain a foothold on power and that was the germ Anjana Basu has to date of their current stronghold on the nation. Before coming down to the roots of the present published 7 novels and 2 Even though the original situation post day scenario, however, Tharoor analyses nine books of poetry. The has Independence had glitches but the system different types of nationalism – including BBC broadcast one of her revolutionary, linguistic, geographical, diasporic short stories. Her byline has limped along for over 30 years before reaching the current scenario where and civilisation related - and interspersing his appeared in Vogue India, Tharoor feels breakdown is inevitable and analysis with personal anecdotes, quotations Conde Nast Traveller, with it an apocalypse of all hopes. from books he has read Outlook and Hindu Blink.

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A Poem by Zilka Joseph 21 Let Us Now Praise Cormorants

1 On a small rock 4 in the shallow end At the end of a long night of the pond, sit a glossy of fishing, the master pair. The male preens throws his bird-slaves and the female handfuls of small fish dozes. Rain streams which they gobble down their backs, shiny in a flash. They wag as wet stone. In the haze their thick rudder-like of this green and silver tails, leap like afternoon, they could be puppies Degas’ ballerinas back onto the boat. stretching, twisting. We are suspended in time. This is the only life they know. How easy life They hunker down and sleep. seems here.

2 5 Not called snake birds the shallows for nothing, their serpentine of the muddy Hooghly River necks flex around their bodies trees filled with so their beaks can reach wide-winged shiny fruit my father by my side each feathered wing and tail. cormorants anhingas snake or Dark wings outstretched, darter birds they are wide as sails, also called he says I hold his calloused hand their feathers hung out to dry with my small one

like laundry, they look like shaggy angels. 6 I have seen them Here, it is still drizzling. Fall migration. Birds dive and dive again, smooth fill their bellies with whatever they can find. as seals, surface with fish larger than their faces The two cormorants on the rock seem flapping in their beaks. to be in limbo. They have fished all day 3 Such gifted fisher-birds these! and feral goldfish that have grown large How man’s sharp eye recognizes, have given up exploits them. Boats bob their shimmering ghosts in droves. in some seas where fishermen These are sated birds. Safe birds. fish using flocks of cormorants on leashes. Metal collars Heavy with their harvest.

clamped around their necks. They will not fly for a while. They catch fish in their long beaks but cannot swallow. Lamps light up the water like moons.

For hours they dive and fish, come up spit out their prize. Their master collects

the silver coins of fish in old bamboo baskets.

CONFLUENCE 02/01/2021

Culture 22 Hindu Wedding by Malathy Sitaram (Continuation from November 2020 issue)

In North India, for the week preceding the music. The percussion section is excellent. Finally, the climax of the ceremony wedding there is continuous music – Children are to be seen everywhere. The approaches. At a signal, the music rises to songs are sung by the women in the atmosphere is charged with a certain a crescendo as aloso the invocations of family as well as by professional singers. gaiety and excitement-wedding fever. the portly brahmins. Everyone leaps to In the South, there is an important This is as good a time as any for their feet and press closer to the sacred ceremony on the eve of the wedding. The interested parties to make alliances. fire clutching a fistful of rice and flowers bridegroom and party would have arrived Mothers present their nubile daughters to to throw at the wedded couple. in the morning. In the evening, he is the searching scrutiny of mothers of The bride is now seated on her father’s escorted by a large procession to the marriageable sons. lap. The bridegroom ties a yellow thread temple. Usually he rides in a florally around his bride’s neck and fastens it with decorated car. (The North Indian Under a beautifully decorated canopy of three knots. They are now legally man bridegroom usually rides a horse). A band flowers the bride and groom soon sit and wife. On the thread is strung a gold precedes the procession. At the temple, cross legged, side by side in front of a fire. ornament, symbolizing Lord Vishnu’s he is presented with a suit of clothes, a Their parents are in attendance as well as footprint. She will replace the thread by a watch and a ring by his father in law to be a group of Brahmin priests. Interminable gold chain after three days. This chain is after a religious ceremony. Sanskrit ‘mantra’ are intoned the symbol of her wedded state and will monotonously by the priest. The couple be worn all the time until her death or Meanwhile, the bride awaits the see to droop under heavy garlands God forbid her husband’s death. Her procession back at home or at the flowers. In the heat the bride probably parents now wash the groom’s feet three wedding hall. Her friends would have feels faint after a few hours in all her times and now he presents her with a stayed back also to keep her company. silken fiery. Moreover, she and her sari. After the procession returns the respective The wedding is over. It is fathers of the pair make now midday and there is a a formal announcement concerted rush for the of the wedding that s to dining hall. Everyone sits take place the next day. cross legged on the floor in long rows with plantain The following morning, leaves placed in front of there is a great hustle them. Servers come and bustle in the bridal bustling in armed with household. Nearly brass or steel utensils out everyone is up at dawn. of which very briskly they The bride must have a ladle generous portions of ritual oil bath. a varied menu to all the Thereafter fragrantly seated guests. anointed, her long hair All over India the basic is plaited with strings of religious ceremony is the same. However, flowers. This hairstyle is peculiar to South husband-to- be are to fast on this all- there are a few differences. North Indian India. One sees a long stress of jasmine important day. They will break the fast men do not wear dhotis as worn by their and frangipani. She then dons a heavy silk only I the evening when as man and wife, Southern counterparts. The women wear sari. She may wear any colour except they will feed each other dainty titbits saris of different silk. their symbol of black and white. She also wears most of wifehood is a necklace as well as toe her jewellery. Necklaces, gleaming gold The ceremonies are Vedic in origin and rings. When the groom puts vermilion in bangles, dangling earrings, perhaps a the prayers are all in Sanskrit. A significant the parting of her hair that is the highlight nose-ring, hair ornaments, rings etc. All of ceremony is one where the couple of the wedding the moment that they these make a stunning picture. exchange garlands around each other’s become man and wife. In his quarters, the bridegroom also has necks three times. Once again, they sit on an oil bath. He emerges bare-chested in a the swing holding hands, while a few A reception is usually held in the evening. gold-bordered cream coloured silk dhoti, ladies perform a brief ceremony to ward The happy couple sit on two ornate chairs and a matching upper cloth worn like a off evil spirits. The guests shower the pair on a raised platform. The groom Is now Roman toga. with coloured rice. The couple then walk dressed western style. The bride is around the sacred fire seven times dazzling in another gorgeous sari. The The first few ceremonies are conducted (“Sapta Pathi”). The area round the fire is guests go up to congratulate them. The separately for the boy and girl. In spite of elaborately decorated. There is an reception lasts for about two hours and is the early hour (about 7a.m.) the hall is full impressive array of silver and brass usually accompanied by music, either of guests dressed in their best clothes. vessels- traditional items that the mother vocal or instrumental. The heavy fragrance of incense hangs in gives her daughter. There are also rows of The next day the bride leaves with the the air. Jasmine adorns all the ladies’ sweetmeats and savouries. Flowers bridegroom’s party for her new home. heads. They sport magnificent saris and everywhere. On the floor, large She is now for better or worse, his wife. jewellery. There is much chatter and geometrical designs have been The wedding house seems desolate after laughter. The men folk occupy another painstakingly traced by talented ladies everyone as left. But not for long. Another part of the room all uniformly clothed in using white liquid flour. These designs are wedding will soon be celebrated there.! white shirts and dhotis. The four-piece always to be seen during any auspicious band is already installed. It is emitting religious rituals. melodious and highly rhythmic strains of

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Essay 23 MASKED PERFORMANCE by Tapai Gupta and vague through my mask. “You don’t performative communication. By that time The evening was warm for the season. I recognize me,” she insisted, I had come to realise that the Waving was scheduled to visit the exhibition Person had not been waving at me but at where three of my paintings had found “Now look” and she takes off her mask someone else. She had pride of place. I was eager for interaction revealing a young cousin, Bithi. with the artists and visitors and arrived in somehow, in her desperation to maintain good time. I was fortified in a N95 lemon I took a turn and paused in front of a two meters yellow mask and a printed sun cap with a picture of a girl holding a bird cage that pointed top. It rhymed with the pointed had its door open. Yet the bird was not distance, miscalculated , and her Target monkey tip of my mask. This was my first trying to fly off but was eyeing the girl Person had not noticed her wildly waving outing after many months of lockdowned with its head cocked arms which I did and in my desperation to existence. get noticed, had thought I was her target. on one side. The girl also had her head I smiled at the sweet girl standing at the inclined towards the bird. That gave me I found myself standing in front of another door. She did not smile back. I realized she some idea of silent communication. Since I painting : two lovers face to face, staring could not see my smile because of my had a terribly sore throat and since my into each other’s eyes. The artist had mask. I stepped into the hall and smiled at voice was hoarse I could not talk much painted what appeared as shooting beams someone else who I think I knew. He without hurting myself. Anyway even if I of light flying from their eyes and piercing turned the other way and continued did, my voice would not penetrate the into a pink heart which dangled before chatting with a pretty girl who was not mask. I would not take off my mask for them. What a grotesque conception ! But wearing a mask. I realized this was not the that would be defying protocol. So it was a could I achieve that much? What with this man I knew. He was hatted and caged bird situation. social distancing, and my unromantic bespectacled and masked so age…By the way, even when that only his ears were I was younger visible. And I had no knowledge of the contours I had deliberately of the ears of my misunderstood all such acquaintance. Not my fault efforts of communication. that I had mistaken this man Even when a friend had for someone else. looked into my eyes for five long minutes of bidding My smile failed on another goodbye at the airport I had person who was staring at felt most discomfited and my lemon yellow mask. This rotated my eyeballs here time I had put on a Cheshire there everywhere except cat grin but my resolute into his eyes. Needless to say mask was determined to the chapter closed then and curb my socializing. I there. pretended to be engrossed in a painting of a girl with a But at the moment, and dejected looking lotus bud especially due to this dangling from her compulsory bondage of the forefingers. She had a coy mask, I desperately wanted smile and ogling eyes. That to smile. I had the Malvolio gave me the idea. A lady was standing on syndrome on me. Shakespeare’s Malvolio my left and studying my outlandish outfit The bird had the option to fly off but was had worn yellow stockings and declaimed which to my mind was quite crazily not opting for it. repeatedly “I will smile”. And here was I in artistic. I decided to experiment on her. I a yellow mask feeling murderous at myself tried to plant an oblique glance onto her There was someone waving a hello to me. for not being able to share a smile. Inside right cheek in lieu of a masked smile I inclined my head slightly. The person the gas chamber of the N95 I kept on thinking that would be a notable seemed not to notice and waved again. trying out different modes of laughter one substitute. But unfortunately my left eye This time I inclined my head left right, left by one: I sniggered, I giggled, I beamed. muscles are rather stiff (or so I thought) right more vigorously. I could not wave My laughter underwent various mutations because the lady turned and walked away, since I had a stiff elbow and the other free but stealthily, without infecting anyone. ignoring my glance. She must be thinking I arm was holding a heavy bag containing But it simmered with a feverish was cock eyed, I thought. I realized that sanitizer, water bottle, disinfecting wipes, exasperation. my specs were villainously restrictive. But I Volini spray, house keys and would be short of sight without them. Over at the other end of the room I whatnot. The person stared nonplussed. I spotted teacups doing the round. I tore “Tapati di, how are you? Come and see made my way gingerly up to the Waving away at my mask and bolted across, held your paintings,” “I will see all paintings Person, but she turned and walked away. out my hand, procured my tea and first,” I said before turning to her ( O m’ Why was she avoiding me? Did she doubt guffawed. The people who had suspected I god, a be-masked and bespectacled girl), my sanity? Why will not people accept or was nutty were now confirmed I was a “I am good, and you?” I said, trying to innovate new modes of communication in wee bit insane. But I enjoyed the tragi- sound confident but succeeding only to comedy of a time when topsy-turvydom seem a bit uncertain these new times? Or for that matter why dressed our lives! could not I adopt better modes of

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Essay/Memoir 24 MY AMERICAN STUDENT by Cyril Dabydeen Tall, gawky-looking he is, as he hems and immigrants. Yes, Lady Liberty. Only in Does he think he’s from a haws. See, he knows I make a fuss about America, I dare sing along. different time zone, or from a different everything and anything with my class of culture? The classroom’s my domain— students before me. My unwavering eye; Forget about wars, including the what I claim for myself. And iconic and punctuality is key I advocate. But War of 1812 long ago. Who’s Tecumseh? Canadian writer Stephen Leacock=s Nick=s never punctual, and he tries my What now lingers in the classroom setting diffident bank clerk—this trope is patience. He laughs almost black- with real wars going on: in Iraq, Yemen, somewhere in my thinking. A guardedly. The other students laugh with Afghanistan, Libya. The other students counterpoint: Thomas Chandler him: he being an American, perhaps used make faces. Let them be Canadians. ATell Halliburton=s gung-ho Sam Slick character to doing things in a different way. me,@ Nick invites. in more than the satirical Clockmaker. Nothing simply binary, but polarities Now race and complexion, with “Tell you?” nonetheless. Chuffed laughter. Does it my own self-awareness or self- The female students are astir-- have something to do with a Protestant consciousness, as I am yet in my stride. A Nick no doubt amuses them. His hangover, not just a colonial temperament Rainbow Coalition somewhere on the Americanness is not a bane. And do his at play? horizon. Indeed the 9/11 tragedy turned parents work for the American Embassy I admit to a certain the world upside down with everyone here in Ottawa? Never being hostages, I anti-Americanism from time to time becoming more suspicious or contrive. His father’s an official of some because of talk about a vaunted manifest discriminately circumspect. But now the sort. America=s security...protecting the destiny. Nick shifts about uncomfortably in inexorable present, seemingly more Homeland. The 9/11 tragedy is still in the his seat. The other students are aware of predictable. media’s spotlight. Do Canadians ever his hubris, you see. The school term’s harbour threats against the Homeland? coming to an end, and the last class it is AYou?@ Nick lets out, like he’s Never mind Canadian Prime Minister Jean now. seeing me for the first time as his English Chretien not getting involved in the AYou?@ Nick hisses again, in his professor. “Coalition of the Willing”. strident way. Everyone becomes more alert. Expecting...what? Nick struts AYes,@ I acknowledge him. One female student calls forward, going boldly to the front of the A mind-game we’re playing, like Nick…Bort, not Bortje; maybe she has a class. A large camera’s in one hand, and a being in an outpost with my instinctual crush on him. With his Americanness, Nick Canadian flag in the other. Click-click. Then pedagogy. Really that? All people, one keeps growing taller. See, I indulge him. he waves the flag, fluttering it more like it. nation—with my Canadian identity no less. Never mind that he’s a bad speller, or has poor grammar skills; he, with an awkward The other students become more Nick grins, as if seeing through gait in his almost rolling manner. restive, some alarmed. Or just amused. my ruse. Oh, let’s call it that. Nick grins—taking them all in. Click-click. Now more than a mere He really takes a picture of me holding the The World Trade Centre coming teacher-student relationship it is with us, I Canadian flag! A keepsake: for him to show down, photographers looking up at the conjure. The classroom=s moment of to family and friends when he returns to sky. And had someone been taking his dog frisson, it seems. Yes, Nick comes from America--declaring me in Canadian out for a walk in New York at that somewhere on the East Coast, not a classroom, do you know? apocalyptic moment? Firefighters in thrall: Southern state with its ongoing Civil War, the images coming back, and still startling you bet. And friends who’d immigrated to Applause! My own mute me. the US still communicate with me, some applause--like what I longed for, knowing Nick being his identifiable with a sense of foreboding: they really about myself through an uncertain or American self with brashness or boldness-- want their kids to be educated in Canada. simply “American” way. Ah, Nick figures he’s now my interlocutor. The other the joke’s on me, never on himself. As I will students become restive. The classroom is Nick whirs. He’s indeed learning keep thinking about being Canadian, my suddenly like our common ground, but about Canada and its changing landscape way. END. simply a meeting place. Pedagogy, sure. with its multi-ethnic mix. No cult of Novelist and poet, Cyril multiculturalism, see. Dabydeen was Nick stands out, he with a nominated for the Scandinavian-sounding last name. Bortje? But he has something up his Pushcart Prize, the sleeves—really enquiring about me in his Journey Prize, and he Maybe like what the Founding casually subversive or perfunctory manner, twice won the Fathers never seriously considered in a all about my trying to be an insider. Nick’s Okanagan Fiction Prize. He achieved the frontier landscape. Washington, Jefferson, in the back row of the class--as I dwell on Canute A. Brodhurst Fiction Prize via The Lincoln--more than existential, as I it, talking about our Canadianness. But he’s Caribbean Writer. He has read from his recreate my sense of the downtrodden, an American, I mustn=t forget-- a country books across Canada, the US, Europe, the the wretched of the earth, and America with its vaunted exceptionalism. Caribbean, and India. welcoming everyone. Refugees,