• ••

. Pallavi line 'Sri Krishna paatl9ushma Kamaneeyauatara', Calling the Tune tor Dance followed by an. elaborately dramatized Krishnakarnamritam scene of elders, each section in a CONCERT: Samyukta - A Festival of Carnatic different raga, saw music/dance elaborations. .Vocal and Bharatanatvarn Priyadarshini's abhinqya was challenged by Krishna's Collaboration: Seher, March 16-18 mesmeric singing of the two purely interpretative items in Gauli Pantu and Behag. .

Samyukta's music/dance encounter featuring top Leela's mar;gam-faithful recital the next day with Jayashri- Carnatic vocalists T.M. Krishna and Bombay Jayashri, saw the varnam in Natakuranji 'Chelamekgeseva&Jd evolve interacting with Bharatanatyam dancers Priyadarshini into a quiet, reflective journey expressing the nqyika's Govind and Leela Samson, was a once-in-a-lifetime yearning and devotion for the Lord. The Muttuswamy experience. One cannot remember in the recent past Dikshitar Kriti'Ardhanareeshwaram' in Kumudakr!Ja carried renowned vocalists agreeing to interactive performances, the same quietude. Ganga's descent was a meditative even with the best of dancers. The festival was a meeting point for both music and dance. The jauntily complement of contrasts-Jayashri's internalized confident 'swadheenapatika' heroine in the Dharmapuri meditative singing against Krishna's delightful virtuosity; Subbarqyar Javali in Paras 'Smarasungarangunl was offset and Leela Samson's restrained dance, totally anchored by the anguish of love-in-separation in the Poochi to the orthodox format, against Priyadarshini's Srinivasa Iyengar Javali 'Janaro ee mohamu sahimpalene' in adventurous physicality. Kamas; Jayashri's stirring' singing inspiring Leela's felt Characteristically innovative, Priya and Krishna began abhinqya. Both dancers had excellent accompanists. with a Mallaf7 visualizing Ijagesa, the main Tiruvaroor The vocal concert saw J ayashri and Krishna in joyous temple deity,in a procession within the temple complex, interaction, each deriving inspiration from the other, The with halts offering homage to shrine deities: Vallabha Bhairavi Sf?yama Sastry Swarqjati and the Ashtapadi, (the Ganapati, Achaleswarar, Neelotpalamba and Kamalamba (one singers creating a free-flowing interwoven tapestry) a Bhogini and the other a Yogini), despite keeping to individual ragas Nandikeswarar and Sundara Murry of Mukhari and S biuararfani, was a Nayanar. Krishna's evocative masterpiece. singing set each in a different raga, The combined Leela/ the varied rhythmic pacing Priyadarshini varnam on the indicating the location of the concluding day was an interesting procession. The music concert type interaction, each sticking to format had the ragam/ tanam/ individual interpretations and pallavi centrepiece in rhythmic interludes. Despite muted S hankarabharanam, the dance response to Krishna's brilliant tanam physicality, Leela's relaxed improvisations being tight expressions triumphed over Priyadarshini's virtuosity. rhythmic sequences in different arithmetical combinations. The Leeia Jamson • LEELA VENKATARAMAN :, " > . .:...... ' .:"C .•.. '. diClry

'~ .•. ... • t' . - _ .•. ~ .: . ~ • . , ctS the 1962 war, Barbara Crosette's eyewitness account "0 A Foreign Window on India of Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, and Peter Foster's ID prophetic story on 'Why the Tiger's Future is Fat E BOOK DISCUSSION: Fifty Yearsof Reporting from Bright'. Bernard Imhasly too commented on South Asia, Edited by John Elliott, his favourite stories, such as 'Goodbye to India' Bernard Imhasly and Simon Denyer, by Robert Simson, and Gerald Priestland's New Delhi, Penguin, 2009 'Goa Showdown'. Speakers: John Elliott, Bernard Imhasly, March 5 S. Nihal Singh spoke of James Cameron's moving tribute to Nehru, and Peter Cairn's despatches on the In a stimulating session chaired by S. Nihal Singh, Bangladesh war, among. other memorable pieces. journalists John Elliott and Bernard Imhasly spoke There was animated discussion among the panellists and within the audience on the differing attitudes of of the choices and constraints involved in putting British and American journalists to reporting on South together the anthology Foreign Correspondent: Fifty Years of Reporting South Asia. Compiled to celebrate Asia. Bernard Imhasly then spoke of the value judgements implicit even in neutral reporting, and the the fiftieth anniversary of the Foreign contrasting styles of Anglo-Saxon and European Correspondents' Club, South Asia, this unique collection of representative writing was correspondents. There was also discussion on the omissions and gaps in the anthology, such as on co-edited by John Elliott, Bernard Imhasly and Simon Denyer. Mrs. Gandhi's assassination. 'We were not trying to cover every major event,' It was, thus, a fascinating behind-the-scenes view of John Elliott explained 'but we searched for a range how this definitive anthology of 'the first drafts of of good writing on historic events'. These included history' was compiled. classic journalistic pieces such as Nevile Maxwell on • NAMITA GOKHALE

Wealth. Their witty roles gave an interesting context to Film Festival life in the city of Mumbai. Sharp and clever, the film was brilliantly paced. FILM: Dialogues in Diversity: TheFifth IAWRT At twenty-nine minutes, Rehana: AQuest Jor Freedom also Asian Women's Film Festival seemed just right in length. Gargi Sen and Priyanka Collaboration: International association of Mukherjee's pnr ait of Rehana Adib, a crusading mother Women in Radio and Television, India Chapter of six from Muzzafarnagar, in western Uttar Pradesh, with the support of PSBT; JDCA and Magic is worth remembering. A social worker dedicated to Lantern Foundation, March 7-8 the cause of women's literacy,Rehana's struggles to bring self-esteem to women in a region notorious for its male nc was yet again the venue for the fifth Asian Women's intransigence, is worthy of respect. Film Festival.Twenty-one documentaries and shorts were Women Behind the Camera had an unusual subject: it screened over two packed days, some of which are focused on women cinematographers. Most of these worth remembering. were from Hollywood, though there are a few from View.from a Grain of Sand by Meena Nanji was both Europe and one from India. Its ninety-minute length sincere and sensitive in its depiction of the struggles of is covered by probing interviews with women behind three women who try to build themselves a new life in the camera who have to constantly struggle in a war-tom contemporary Afghanistan. However, at eighty- profession almost entirely dominated by males, and two minutes, it was a wee bit long. have to work twice as hard to prove their merit. And yet they often do not receive their due! Director Alexis Paromita Vohra's short fourteen-minute film, Cosmopolis: Krasilovsky deserves high praise for this thought- Two Tales of a City, is full of droll wit and humour. Vohra provoking work. played a portly Annapoorna, the Goddess of Plenty, while Renuka Shahane was Lakshmi, the Goddess of • PARTHA CHATTERJEE draw attention to himself. The melodic section, the six 3 wind instruments, managed to keep the sound c harmonically rich,and each musician did his solo in turn. Cl) They initially played songs composed by various o people, including Blackbird by the bassist Tony Overwater. The Calefax Trio played their version of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, skimming over the original melody just under the surface of their version.

Presented by a combination of two bands, the Calefax Reed Quintet and the Tony Overwater Trio, the evening featured the Far East Suite by Duke Ellington and BillyStrayhorn, written after Ellington's 1963 tour of the Far East. The reed quintet, comprising the oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bass clarinet and bassoon, is an interesting combination, creating a very lush, textured, almost tangible weave of sound. Combined with the Tony Overwater Trio, featuring a saxophone, double bass and drums, it created a very mellow yet jazz Concert powerful sound that was clinical in its approach, The Far East Suite was performed in its entirety, and without for a moment losing soul. Bluebird ifDelhi, inspired by a bird call Ellington heard, was especially beautiful, the clarinet doing wonderful They began with Caravan in Sryle, a piece composed for things to recreate its sound. The band played a strident the band. The drummer and bassist were brilliant at version of Aqj ki Raat from the film Don, creating a keeping the rhythm very sharp in a band with other fantastic big band sound to end the evening. instruments that were melodic. The drummer, Wim Kegel, was extremely subtle, and made it a point not to • SHYAMANT BEHL

of verses, without the distraction of too many Musical Homage camera shifts. In the sect) d half, and in a delightful change from the HINDUSTANI CLASSICAL .vOCAL customary practice of verbal offerings, it was veteran by Pts. Rajan and Sajan Mishra maestros Pandits Rajan and Sajan Mishra who did the Collaboration: Pandit Amarnath Memorial honours in a concert in the ragaMarwa, with their choice Foundation, March 9 for a viiambit, madbya and drut khqyal, followed by Maharaj Bindadin's bori composition. An eminent exponent of the Indore Gharana, the late The duo were mesmerizing with their uncanny ability Pandit Amarnath was known, for his vast repertoire of pre-empting each others' singing moves, contrasting of musical forms, ranging from purist to semi- soft and vibrant stretches, vivid akaar taans, making the classical to film traditions. To commemorate his rendition acquire a life of its own. Accompanists thirteenth Barsi his daughter, Bindu Chawla, a writer Paromita Mukherjee, (harmonium) and Bineet Verma and musician, offered a fitting homage to her late (tabla), were both supportive and effective. father with a musical evening. There was also a The evening will be remembered for its mix of homage screening of the late Pandit's exposition of Sufiana with a three-dimensional musical approach, particularly Kalam, a selection of Kafis and S ufi renditions. A in the hori number, interpreting through music the Doordarshan production, the film portrayed the nuances of a khandita nqyika, entreating Krishna for essential musicality of the veteran, giving listeners the ultimate deliverance. undiluted pleasure of listening to his signature style of quicksilver taan patternings, innate understanding • SUBHRAMAZUMDAR was sorely missing here. No matter how brilliant a speaker Urdu Poetry might be, or how wide his knowledge of poetry, or how reliable his memory as a guide, one needs a theme, POETRY: Urdu-Poetry-A Presentation ::J a subject to focus on. U by Saeed Naqvi with explanations in English Chair: Justice Markanday Katju Another reason may lie with the organizers of such Special Guest: Mahesh Bhatt, March 13 events, because they must look for coherence and continuity, especially when three 'differently-abled' speakers are on stage. Assuming that all the participants Urdu-Poetry: A Presentation is a less-than-inspiring title for that day-s-Saeed Naqvi, journalist at large; Markanday a subject that is brimful with impossible delights. The Katju, the Hon'ble Judge of the Supreme Court ofIndia; mere mention of Saeed Naqvi reciting Urdu poetry is and Mahesh Bhatt, film maker-have an undisputed love enough to provoke interest and curiosity. Blessed with for Urdu, which shall see them through, was an error. an impressive memory and a deep voice, he could read True, each of them delivered well in parts but the whole from a telephone directory and make it sound sonorous and rich with meaning. However, this time he curiously was somehow missing. failed to live up to one's expectations. This was thus an evening of mixed notes: some high, some low and a few middling ones, too. Perhaps one of the reasons was that an evening of poetry needs a peg to hang itself on. A theme-any theme- • RAKHSHANDA JALIL

evolution of the human species in the context of our Evolution of Species creative abilities. He pointed out the importance of understanding the symbolic roots of art. Balter also LECTURE: What Made Humans Modern? explained how these lie in our cognitive abilities and Speaker: Professor Michael Balter are fundamental, so possibly a consequence of Chair: Professor M.G.K. Menon, April 4 human evolution. Balter displayed considerable evidence from a variety of sources to show that tool-making Well attended by scholars and intellectuals from all walks of life, and other tangible evidence of hominid cultures are closelylinked to . this illustrated lecture dealt with the our abilitiesto abstract and represent, fascinating story of human namely our varied and diverse forms evolution. Through slides, and of symbolic behaviour that includes transparencies, Balter explained art and music. his views that are linked to the theories he has propounded in his The role that the evolution of diverse writings. language has played in the evolution' of our species is considerable and One of these is 'The Goddess and crucial, and has been written about the Bull,' a journalistic report of extensively by many cognitive the archaeological excavations of scientists. Balter added to this thesis the 9,500 year old' village by pointing out that non-linguistic Catalhoyiik in Turkey. Balter forms of symbolic behaviour, such discussed several issues that surround the origins of modern as art, may well have played a key role in moulding the modern society-the dawn of art, human-strengthening architecture, religion and the communication by giving form to nuclear family. He then went on emotions that are difficult to to discuss the origins of art and put in words. symbolism, reviewing much of 4 the current discussion on the • R. RAMASWAMY Rinpoche, Prime Minister of the Tibetan- Government-in-Exile, Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan inaugurated the exhibit of rare Buddhist texts .and manuscripts preserved in Tibetan translation after the destruction of universities, such as Nalanda. 'Thank You India', the title of the simple and moving As she put it, this scriptural wealth and its song that concluded the five-day festivalof Tibet at the dissemination is the core of the Tibetan debt to India nc,tells only half the story of the Tibetan diaspora in and vice versa. India, and the event that marked fiftyyears of it. As the The symposium on Madhyamika philosophy days unfolded, the festival revealed the rich tapestry of organized by Padma Sri Geshe Nawang Samten, the Tibet's centuries-old relationship with India, to which Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Tibetan . the arrival,in 1959,on-lis Holiness theDalai Lama, and Studies at Sarnath, lent academic gravitas to the a growing community of refugees since, have added proceedings. Gandhian activists urged a sa!Jagraha to new dimensions.The ncpremises were saturated for a week with Tibetan culture's unique blend of the spiritual and the sensuouslyopulent While fluttering prayer flagsin the auspicious five colours greeted visitors, on display were exquisite thangkas or scroll paintings and other artifacts produced by the Norbulinka Institute at Dharamshala; monks fashioning intricate butter sculptures of deities and a sand mandala of Yamantaka. There was an exhibit on the tradition of Tibetan medicine with free consultations; monastic dances and chants, and their folksy counterparts by Open Air Exhibition at the Gandhi King Plaza dancers who charmed the 'audience with their lilting help save the Tibetan p~ateau and Asia's ecology with music, vibrant weaves, grace and panache. The it; others like Soli Sorabjee focused on human rights vegetarian momos and thukpa cooked in the nc kitchen violations. Brahma Chellaney saw hope in history's were by that very fact more an example of cultural refusal to allow tyrannical regimes to flourish, and syncretism than 'authentically' Tibetan! Arun Shourie pointed out that while people across Looking and listening more deeply, the decidedly less the world have supported Tibet, governments, including the Indian, have not. Perhaps, as the 'colourful' photo exhibits chronicling the life of the Karmapa said in response to a question in another Dalai Lama and the Tibetans rebuilding their lives, session, only divine intervention can make Mr. Hu the often painfully raw documentary films, and the change his mind. incisive and candid panel discussions, tempered that simple sense of joy at the life-affirming resilience of Meanwhile, caught in a vacuum, the Tibetan Tibetan culture with a poignant reminder of its community makes homes away from home, fragility. Following the Buddhist tenet of the demonstrating a penchant for peaceful coexistence. interdependence of all phenomena, we-India, Asia, In thus preserving the spirit of the Buddha, it the world-ignore Tibet at our own risk. simultaneously pays tribute to and earns the gratitude of the land of Buddha Dharma's origin. After the opening ceremony of the first evening addressed by Professor Menon, and Samdhong • MAYAJOSHI .Cl)s: o o .0

Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan, Chairperson, lIC-Asia Project started the programme by quoting a Rgvedic hymn invoking Ushas, the creative feminine energy of Nature. She said that women have been the carriers of cultures from ancient times in both historical as also cultural studies. As mandated by the Board of Trustees, the Asia

Project wanted to present the multi-dimensional, multi- Dr. Kapila Vatsyaya», Professor M.C'.K. MOlOn & jt/stice l eila Seth communication system in the vast area of Asia. In a very modest fashion it had devised three programmes in Radio and Television), said the camera was both a which would identify the diverse instrumentalities of tool of expression and empowerment. these dialogues, specially in contemporary Asia. She Congratulating Dr. Vatsyayan, Professor Menon referred dedicated the programme to Smt. Kamaladevi to the various programmes of the Centre that dealt with Chattopadhyaya. communication in different formats. The Asia Project, The book launch by President, lIC marked the he felt, was a splendid example of the seminal work publication of three volumes: (1) Speakingfor Myse!f- being done at the Centre in the field of cultural studies. An Anthology if Asian Womens Writing, eo-published The programme had begun with the hymn to Ushas, with Penguin India, and edited by Sukrita Paul Kumar beautifully sung by Sawani Mudgal, a student of the and Malashri Lal. The volume has been dedicated to Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. It ended with a moving film Sarojini Naidu and has a painting of Amrita Sher-gil animated on embroidery on the Partition-'Mukand and on the cover. (2) Sui-Dhaga: Crossing Boundaries through Riaz' by Nina Sabnani. Ms. Lajwanti, a young Phulkari Needle and Thread is based on a major seminar, artist, was honoured on the occasion. supplemented by a workshop, held in September 2005, The word, the needle and the thread, and the camera on the role of women's embroidery in creating and speak in different ways but they are all orchestrated to sustaining a vibrant cultural dialogue. (3) Women and communicate the vibrant, effective music which ceases Media - a survey of the five documentary film festivals to regard national boundaries as final. by Asian women filmmakers, organized in collaboration with IAWRT (2005-2009). Speaking about the Anthology, the Editors introduced some of the stories and poetry from different countries Notices included in the volume, ranging from Palestine to Japan, GUEST FEE which communicated the dignity and energy of Asian No guest fee shall be charged in the dining hall/ women's voices, projecting the transcendence of political lounge to members' dependent children and grand barriers as also deep connections. children who are below the age of 21 years. Justice Leila Seth, speaking on Sui-Dhaga, said it highlighted the layers of creativity involved in LIFE MEMBERS needlework. Embroidery is not just an instrument of It is for information that the enrolment of Life livelihood, she said, but a conscious effort to display a Membership is by invitation and it is selectively craftswoman's identity. As one needle woman put it, 'I extended to persons of high attainment in embroider my dreams'. Education, Science, Culture, Art or other areas of public activity.There is no provision of conversion Introducing Women and Media, Jai Chandiram, Managing of normal membership to this category. Trustee of IAWRT (International Association of Women unaware of this irony of history! Other famous visitors here have included the scientists Charles . Darwin and Edmund Halley. Gradually, the island acquired a diverse population of Europeans, Indians, Chinese and Africans, living together in peace. Baker's photographs of St. Helena's landscapes were truly stunning. TIlls small island is the summit of a St. Helena evokes submerged (and immediate thoughts extinct)volcano,and its of Napoleon's lonely evolutionhasresultedin exile on that distant strange geological island. What came formations and an through forcefully in unusual range of Ian Baker's talk and micro-climates.There is visual presentation the dry and forbidding were some other 'Sandy Bay'-a huge fascinatingdimensions depression covering a beyond this island's good quarter of the reputation as the last island. Not far away, resting place of that green and forested charismatic general, slopes rise into the Napoleon. WindOJvof Napoleon's last retreat mountain-side, distinctly cooler and with more ram.

Its very remoteness, for example, and strategic Baker's presentation style-engaging with gentle situation as a midway station astride the sea route to humour-added to St. Helena's mysterious attraction. India, has determined much of the island's history. By the end of the evening, one almost envied Baker showed us the house on the island where Napoleon his exilein such a wonderful place. Perhaps there were times when the Emperor. himself Arthur Wellesley-later the Duke of Wellington-, spent some time, followed by Napoleon himself felt the same. some years later. Fortunately, the Emperor was • RAVI BHOOTHALINGAM

Moxham ':,intrepid search led him to the India Library The Great Hedge 01 India records. There, he discovered a 'permit line' in a map made in 1879. TIlls showed it as running from Peshawar TALK: The Great Hedge of India via Multan, Hissar, past Agra, Jhansi and Charapur to Illustrated lecture by Ray Maxham, April 2 Raipur. On his return to India, Moxham found that several Indians, particularly a geographer called The rambles and recollections of a nineteenth-century Mr. Chauhan, remembered this 'permit line'. Moxham's British colonial administrative officer, Mr. Sleeman, about investigation ended with him looking out on to a mud a giant hedge planted by the British across the Indian road, imagining that perhaps along it once stood the subcontinent to tax salt entering the erstwhile Bengal Great Hedge of ber; prickly pear and karondas. A Google Presidency, set Roy Moxham on a fascinating adventure. Earth map at longitude 79 degrees, 092 minutes East Using a G.P.S., Moxham learnt how to navigate and and latitude 26 degrees, and 32.2 minutes North shows discovered that colonial maps were deliberately made a raised area-perhaps that is where the Great Hedge with a margin of error to confuse rebels. He also learnt once ran, he concluded. Moxham's illustrated lecture Hindi. Following the suggestions of a bandit turned was an inspiring account of how an Englishman monk, he clambered up a tamarind tree but could see discovered the ingenious way in which revenue no sign of a hedge. Sadly, much of the Great Hedge was raised in British India as early as 1869. had disappeared by 1879. Apparently, after the Mutiny, Indian mutineers had set fire to some of it near Mathura. • KAMALA MEN ON ...... (nary

The film brought alive thirty five years ofPrakash and +-" Q) Doctors and Development Mandakini's work among the tribals, who were initially .- suspicious and spurned their help. Undeterred, theAmtes o TALK: Bringing Real Development to o learnt the local language and gradually gained the respect Cl) the Real India and trust of the community. They performed surgery, Speakers: Dr. Prakash Amte and treated malaria, tuberculosis, burns, animal bites and all Dr. Mandakini Amte other sorts of illnesses - all without taking a fee. Their Chair: Aruna Roy satisfaction and fulfilment came from the recovery of Collaboration: Foundation for Universal ailingtribals and their success in persuading them to adopt Responsibility of His HolinessThe Dalai Lama, the path of development through the education of April 1 children, settled agriculture and conserving forest resources. The integrationof the Madia Gonds with the A 25-minute film by the Maharashtra Seva Samiti on rest ofIndia is largely due to the work of this remarkable the work of Dr. Prakash Amte and Dr. Mandakini Amte couple. Their son Dr. Digant and his wife Dr. Anagha preceded the interaction with the two winners of the are now part of the team practising at the hospital, which Ramon Magsaysay Award 2008. The film spoke treats 45,000 patients a year. Their Lok Biradari Prakalp volumes about the real development that took place continues serving the Madias with zeal and commitment, through the selfless work of these doctors who gave even though restrained by insufficient funds. As Aruna up their urban practice and volunteered to move Roy said that day: seva, nirman and sangarsh (service, to remote Hemalkasa in 1974 to work among the development and struggle) are interlinked. The life of tribal Madia Gonds. The Madia Gonds live in a the Amtes proves her point. Their selfless service has thousand isolated villages of the dense forests in given a new initiative and strength to the project begun eastern Maharashtra, which border Andhra Pradesh by Baba Amte. and Chattisgarh. • MALA KAPUR SHANKARDASS

way from the time when people made fun of Environment and Health vegetarianism, he declared. Then he made a passionate case for adopting a vegetarian diet, as opposed to TALK: The Politics of Environment what he called the 'global warming diet'. Panelists: H.l. Fontaine; Manoj Mishra; He welcomed the new-found interest in traditional C.V. Madhukar wisdom, but doubted whether the people who Moderator: Ravi Agarwal created the situation in the first place, and now offered Collaboration: Toxics link, April 13 solutions, understood the problems at all.He referred to bio-fuel (he insisted on calling it 'foodgrain fuel') Held under the aegis of the Environment and Health as an example of their myopia, and argued that it Public Lecture Series, this talk brought together two would only lead to malnutrition and starvation. green campaigners who shared their ideas on how to ensure a safer planet and repair the damage done to it. Fontaine said that 'We lack basic coordinates,' and he thought 'brainwashing' was required to purify the Founder-Chairman of Vision India Foundation, HL human race and to become 'clean and green inside Fontaine in, delved into the personal and collective and outside', in order to achieve green growth. conscious to seek answers within, and came up with insights distilled from his academic research of over Rohan D'Souza resented the 'quantification of twenty years. He thought it was not late for course environment'. He said compensatory afforestation correction, and humankind could be redeemed if the made little ecological sense. 'We cannot put a number wisdom contained in some of the Sanskrit texts was on nature and transform to value,' he said in a clinical imbibed. Citing vegetarian diet as a case in point, he manner. He also thought 'adaptability' was a better pointed out that' ... even the United Nations is choice than 'competition'. 8 promoting vegetarianism today.' We have come a long • RAMESH RAMACHANDRAN King Plaza, thanks to astirring performance by Paban Das Baul with Nimai Goswami, Halim Faklr and Mimlu Sen. This group had innovatively invited a few Rajasthani musicians to blend in their style of music through the use of the Morchang and Kamqycha. The grand finale of this Bengali music session was a three-day Panorama of Bengal's PeiformingArt's Heritage, Over the entire month of April, the nc hosted a brought to us by Impresario India and the plethora of musical programmes pertaining to Bengai, Nityanandan Dance Centre, Dhaka. There was a presented by artists from West Bengal, Bangladesh wonderful kaleidoscope of rarely heard Bengali songs and probashi Bengalis of Delhi. belonging to Hindus and Muslims alike,in a rich array Early in April,' one witnessed an emotive programme of styles. There was an enactment of Manasa Mangal on Music asAbsence, Memory and Desire:A Journ0' through by Ashish Ghosh, Ruma Ghosh and Choiti Ghosh, Biraha in the Folk Repertoire of Bengal, an which emerged from their fieldwork in Assam, illustrated lecture by Moushumi Bengal and Bihar, and incorporated the Bhowmik, singer-researcher, with famous exploits of the snake goddess. Sukanta Majumdar, sound The performance included recordist. Their audio-visual literature, performance texts, as presentation touched upon well as styles and tunes of Sylhet, Faridpur, London and regional variance. Yet another Kolkata in Moushumi's search show was the Mahishasura for mood-centric Biraha songs Mardinz: the gripping story of the ' in the folk music of Bengal. slaying of the demon Both Moushumi and Sukanta Mahishasur, which' also paid journeyed through a world homage to the Devi Dur;ga.This of Bengali folk music, rendition from Sri Sri Chandi recording voices and songs was brought to us by Su from an old but living Samannay, Kolkata. tradition for over fiveyears. Nostalgic songs were Moushumi talked and sang presented in Puratoni Bangla about many 'landscapes' Gaan: marriage songs, and and histories of Bengal, songs related to old Bengali bringing together the theatre, brought alive by arts of narration, various artists from Delhi and singing, sound recording Kolkata. These three days of and design; and using revelry also showcased another Baul . visual illustrations from performance by Chandaria Majumdar of numerous sources. Bangladesh, who sang songs composed by The most freewheeling form of folk music is perhaps Sufis and Bauls of Bengal, particularly Lalan Fakir. that of BauL Bau/, in its true.sense, is not a specific Bhaswar Banerjee of Bangladesh recited works from religious sect; rather, it's a state of mind. A Baul's the legendary poets of both East and West Bengal, constant search is for the divinity within himself. A including N azrul Islam, Shamsur Rehman, Baul is always clothed in apatchwork robe, a head- Rabindranath Tagore and Jibanananda Das. Sharmila dress, a coloured scarf around his waist,ghungroos on Banerjee of Bangladesh presented 'Chandalika', a his ankles, and plays a one-stringed drone instrument dance drama by Tagore based on a Buddhist legend. called the Ektara and the two-stringed Khamak. He is And finally, on the last day, one emerged from this accompanied by his fellow musicians on a small drum, time warp with a lively performance by the ethnic a flute, the dotara and the tambourine. One saw it all singer, Swapan Basu from Kolkata. come alive amidst the sylvan surroundings of Gandhi- • INDRANI MAJUMDAR 9 c is that the process is more important than the o .•.... liberal Education product. How one learns is what matters, not what ro one learns. Another view is that liberal education o TALK: liberal Education in Arts, Sciences and liberates, promotes understanding of issues and :::l develops the capability for personal reflective "'0 Humanities-Status, Role and Future Q) Session 1. Speakers: Vineet Joshi, Dr. Abha judgement. It attempts to free pupils from Adams, Dr. Kamala Menon, Suraj Pal prejudices, inculcates open-rnindedness, rationality Chair: Beena Ray and critical scepticism and teaches tolerance of other Session 2. Speakers: Professor Harish Trivedi, views. More specifically it fosters discernment, develops creativity, promotes communication skills, Professor Vijay Verma, Dr. Geetha Venkatraman, and makes ideas accessible. Dr. Anisha Mukherjee, Dr. Kavita Singh Discussant: Dr. Sukrita Paul Kumar If this is indeed what liberal education should be, Chair: Shri Shahid Mahdi, April 13 then currently it is in short supply in our country- both at schools and universities. Recent years have seen a burgeoning growth of professional education, This interesting symposium, which included many and a tendency for earlier and earlier specialization eminent educationists, was spread over two driven by livelihood issues. Increasing globalization sessions. The first addressed issues related to the and the growth of the market economy has preparation for a liberal education at the secondary exacerbated matters, and general education courses and senior secondary stage, while the second session have fallen prey to the agenda of the market, discussed issues of liberal education at the college reflected in falling enrolment across the country. level. It was hoped that the symposium would help Several secondary schools have even started closing articulate a vision of liberal education relevant to their humanities sections for want of students and our times. the fate of the science stream is likely to be similar The seminar emphasized that liberal education is in the near future. what remains after one has forgotten all that one The symposium thus raised many questions that need had learnt in school and university. What this implies to be asked of planners and policy makers today.

Obituarv

A-1623 Shri R.S. Lodha M-1613 Dr. Rajan Mathew

A-1814 Smt. Amita Malik M-1826 Shri ac Luther

A-3S38 Dr. Placid Rodriquez M-2297 Shri S. Nandagopal

L- 0384 Shri J.B. Dadachanji M-2S64 Mrs. Sharan Rani*

M-0029 Shri M.M. Rao M-26S1 Mrs. Mohini Bhussry

M-01S9 Shri Man Phool Chopra M-2729 ShriJ ay Raina

M-1327 Shri Trilok Nath M-3419 Professor AshokMathur

*Sharan Rani, the great sarod player, passed away on 8 April, 2008. A disciple of the legendary Guru, 'Baba' Ustad Allauddin Khan, she was also an author, collector and connoisseur. The nc remembers her on her first death anniversary with respect and affection. 10 -.oh C.-+ C., CD 4 - 9 June 2009 (J) LECTURES (Art Gallery, IIC Annexe, 11:00 - 7:00 20 June 2009 (Conference Room I at 6:30) daily) Pathways of Imperialism: Philanthropic Dawn of the Dusk Justification of Akbar's Conquests An exhibition of Speaker: Professor Ahsan Raza Khan, former paintings - acrylic Professor of History on paper by Chair: Professor Sudhir Chandra, Retired Golden Champa Vaid from Jubilee Professor ofMizoram University Dellii

23 June 2009 (Auditorium at 6:30) Dimensions of Science FILMS The Amazing World ofAstronomy: A Personal Tribute to International Year ofAstronomy May-June 2009 (Auditorium at 6:30) Speaker: Professor Jayant V. Narlikar, Emeritus Midsummer Dream Nights: Operas, Professor, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy Ballets and Concerts and Astrophysics, Pune Screening of films, curated and introduced Chair: Professor Rajesh Kochhar, CSIR Emeritus by Dr. R.P.Jain Scientist, Indian Institute of Science Education This year's edition of summer screenings will and Research, Mohali mark and remember a series of anniversaries- George Frideric Handel's 250th death anniversary; EXHIBITIONS Joseph Haydn's 200th death anniversary; and Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy's 200th birth anniversary. 29 May - 2 June 2009 (Art Gallery, IIC Annexe, Three evenings devoted to concerts will feature 11:00 - 7:00 daily) the well-loved works of these composers. Lonely Images, Lasting Impressions - Journey of The group of dream nights with ballet will have Widows ofVrindavan andVaranasi the ever popular classical ballets, Giselle and Coppelia; An exhibition of photographs by Brian Harmon and a double-bill of Stravinsky's Firebirdwith and Erik Boker from USA; Tamara Farnetani from Margot Fonteyn; and Marguerite andArmandwith Italy; and Vanessa Tang and Leong Sheu Ying SylvieGuillem. from Singapore Opera nights will feature Luciano Collaboration: Guild of Service Pavarotti in Giuseppe Verdi's The Masked Ball,' a Portrait if Pavarotti: and Giacomo Puccini's passionate dramatic opera, Tosca. Details and screeningschedules will be announced in the programme cards VENUE: IIC AUDITORIUM

The President, Professor M.G.K Menon, commenced interconnecting the countries of this region, especially the AGM with a tribute to 42 Members who had ' in the domain of archaeology, art, history, literature, passed away during the year. He then thanked the two crafts, films and women's issues among others. outgoing elected Trustees: Smt.Justice (Retd.)LeilaSeth He referred to the three books to be released on March and Dr. R.K Pachauri; and outgoing Members of the 31,i.e. SpeakingforMyselfAnAnthologyoj Asian Women~ Executive Committee: Commodore C. Uday Bhaskar, Writing, Sui Dhaga: CrossingBoundaries throughNeedle and Dr. S.M. Dewan, Brigadier Sukhjit Singh, Thread and Women and Media (a record of four Smt. Vasantha S. Bharucha, Shri Inder Malhotra and stimulating annual festivals held in association with Professor Mushirul Hasan. . the International Association of Women in Radio and Next, the President extended a warm welcome to Television) (IAWR1) by Asia Project, and appreciated Justice (Retd.)B.N. Srikrishna, a distinguished jurist and the enormous efforts that had gone into their making. a scholar as a life Trustee of the Centre. He also The Members were next apprised of the progress welcomed the new Director, Dr. Kavita A. Sharma on the infrastructure project and assured that the Stein and the new Secretary, Commodore Ravinder Datta. heritage will remain well preserved. Referring to the He congratulated the heads of departments for their wage settlement with staff for the next ten years, excellent work ensuring that the lIC runs like a well- Members were informed that the additional financial oiled machine. The President also expressed his outgo on wages and other facilities has led to the gratitude to the Honorary Treasurer, Shri Wadhawan, revision of subscription as announced. for his continued support and guidance in the financial matters of the Centre. The Audit Report and the Annual Statement of Accounts for the year 2007-08 and the Revised The President informed the AGM that four core areas Estimates for the year 2008-09 and Budget of concern with significant social implication had been Estimates for the year 2009-10 were adopted after identified on which some policy interventions could discussion. be made. These are: Education, Health and Healing

Systems,Environment and Climate Change and Politics The President tl: .n referred to the outcome of the and Governance. Groups have been set up to plan electoral process of the Board and the Executive symposia, talks and discussions to highlight important Comnuttee for the period April 2009 to March 2011, issues. A number of good suggestions were made by and announced the election of Shri L.K J oshi and Members and duly noted. Regarding suggestions for Professor S.K. Thorat to the Board of Trustees, and programmes, the President requested the Members to Lt. Gen (Retd.) V.R. Raghavan, Shri Vipin Malik, take the initiative and volunteer their time so that they Professor KT. Ravindran and Professor V.N. can be properly implemented. The Director has already Rajasekharan Pillai to the Executive Committee. The taken a number of initiatives in the Education Group. Board had nominated Shri Kisan Mehta and Shri Keshav N. Desiraju to the Committee. The President thanked Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan for her dynamic leadership of the lIC Asia Project, and The AGM was well attended and conducted with designing imaginative and innovative programmes great cordiality.

This issue of the Diary has been assembled and edited by Ira Pande, Chief Editor; Rachna [oshi, Senior Asst. Editor; and Ritu Singh, Asst. Editor. Published by Ravinder Datta, for the India International Centre, 40, Max Mueller Marg. New Delhi-HO 003, Designed by Poonam Bevli Sahi at FACET Design, D-9, Defence Colony, New Delhi - 110024, Ph: 24616720, 24624336 and printed by Mastan Singh at I,G, Printers, 104, DSIDC Shed, Okhla Phase-I, New Delhi - 110 020 12