14 June,2025 08:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Pic/Ashish Raje
Prabhadevi's buildings appear to be touching new heights every day.
A moment from a previous trail. Pic courtesy/Saha Togetherness
Nature can heal better than any physician, they say. The collective Saha Togetherness will seek to find out more with a walk down Yeoor Hills trail for individuals on the neurodivergent spectrum, come June 29. "We have previously conducted similar walks down the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) trails. This is our first walk down the new trail in Yeoor Hills. There are no inclines or declines on this trail, so it is fairly simple for mobility and balance," shared co-founder Jalpa Mehta (inset). Open to neurodivergent children and adults, the walk is an effort to boost their confidence in exploring the outdoors. "We are inviting parents to the session as well, since a new trail can often be a challenge for children. The lush environs, presence of creatures, and new sounds can sometimes be overwhelming. The presence of family helps to create an environment for them to enjoy and learn during the walk," she explained. In addition to introducing participants to natural wonders and fauna, the session will also let them enjoy the flowing water, courtesy of he early monsoon. "Such walks help boost the confidence of participants. Some of them are coming on their own, so it enhances their sense of independence," Mehta told this diarist.
An artist performs Powada. Pic courtesy/Aanand Foundation
To address the issue of art and culture being phased out in Maharashtra, Aanand Foundation is organising the Aanand Yatra on June 21. The Yatra offers a platform for artists from rural areas of the state to showcase their work to the world through their performances. Apurva Vaidya (inset), founder and president of the foundation, told us, "The aim behind this is to provide a platform to folk artistes, and to ensure that they, and their art, are respected and treated well. The performances include vibrant folk arts such as Powada, Gan-Gavlan, Lavani, Bharud, traditional instrumental music, Maharashtra Geet, and songs dedicated to great historical figures." She added, "We bring folk artistes from different parts of the state, which include regions like Western Maharashtra, north Maharashtra, Vidarbha and Marathwada. We aim to empower them." If you want to know more about the festival, check out @aanand_foundation_ on Instagram.
(From right) Thomas Abraham and Riti Jagoorie. Pics courtesy/HACHETTE INDIA
Thomas Abraham, MD, Hachette India has stepped down. Riti Jagoorie, who was VP of product and marketing, will move into his role. The seasoned publisher shared, "It's been a tremendous journey, and I've loved every moment of it, but after 25 years of running operating companies, it's time to step back and read something for pleasure beyond P&Ls and balance sheets." Jagoorie shared, "It has been a privilege to work with, and learn from Thomas."
Igor Iwanek during the workshop. Pic Courtesy/Sudhir Nayak
Earlier this month, Versova-based Rangshila Theatre organised the Kala Coast Music Festival 2025. The festival director, Sudhir Nayak (left), organised a workshop that featured Dr Igor Iwanek, a left-handed keyboardist. Nayak shared, "The audience, which included classical music enthusiasts, experienced the intricate science behind the layers of music." Plans are afloat to organise many more such interesting music events.
Pundalik Pai (left) with Milind Marathe. Pic courtesy/Instagram
Milind Marathe, president of the National Book Trust, was in for a textbook surprise in Dombivli earlier this week. During an impromptu visit to Pai's Friends Library in the neighbourhood, Marathe was astounded by how the family-run library maintains a membership of nearly 15,000 in a digital-first world. "We spent almost an hour discussing how technology can be used to keep records and deliver books around the country," founder Pundalik Pai told us. In conversation with us on literary icon PL Deshpande's death anniversary, he added, "Authors like PL Deshpande play a vital role in keeping this culture alive. When a young reader walks in, we recommend they begin their reading journey with Batatyachi Chal, Deshpande's humourous peek into life in Bombay in the 1940s."
