09 June,2026 08:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
PIC/Satej Shinde
The fading sunset frames workers atop the MMRDA Yellow Line metro construction site near Bandra Reclamation.
The People's Free Reading Room and Library in Dhobi Talao. File Pic
While Mumbai's children might be putting away their comic books with summer vacations drawing to a close, author Lubaina Bandukwala (right) is planning something to keep young readers browsing for a little while more. "This city needs spaces for young readers," shared Bandukwala, who is now looking to open a children's section within the People's Free Reading Room and Library in Dhobi Talao.
"We had been thinking about it for a while, and Jerry Pinto, chairman of the trust, agreed that we needed to create a children's section," she revealed. For now, Bandukwala's children's literature festival, Peek-A-Book, will adopt the section, and curate its titles for a year. "We have started reaching out to authors, and organisations to lend books. We will slowly create engagement programmes for children across the city, and BMC schools who need access to libraries," she shared.
Jagdish Swaminathan, Bird, Tree, and Mountain. Pics Courtesy/SaffronArt
The masters are back in action. The names of Manjit Bawa, FN Souza, Jagdish Swaminathan, and of course, MF Husain, will be marked on Saffronart's upcoming Summer Online Auction.
FN Souza, Unitled
The series, which goes under the hammer on June 15 and 16, features rare works such as Swaminathan's Bird, Mountain, and Tree series, and FN Souza's St Sebastian.
"The auction brings together works of exceptional provenance and art historical significance, representing some of the best of Indian art. Alongside a remarkable painting of Krishna's divine consort Radha, by Manjit Bawa and a significant group of works from a distinguished private collection in the United States, we are particularly pleased to present a selection of works and personal effects from the private studio of FN Souza," shared co-founder, Dinesh Vazirani (left).
Pic courtesy/Simon & Schuster India
Saadia Azim's new title, Forwarded As Received (Simon & Schuster India) takes a timely look at the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital age. Through case studies, media examples and extensive research, the book examines how rumours evolve into accepted truths and how the simple act of forwarding unverified messages can shape public perception. Drawing on her experience in journalism, governance and public policy, Azim offers a compelling analysis of today's information ecosystem. The book serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with every click, share and forward.
Shingo Nekoyama at a Mumbai market. Pic Courtesy/@artofpickle7
Japanese entrepreneur Shingo Nekoyama has brought the flavours of Indian achaar to Japan through a unique cross-cultural venture. After launching his pickle business in Hiroshima in 2022 and later relocating to Mumbai in 2025, he immersed himself in India's rich tradition of preserved foods. His latest creation, a spicy mango pickle, reflects influences from both Indian and Japanese culinary cultures. Through his work, Nekoyama hopes to not only introduce Indian flavours to a new audience but also demonstrate how food can serve as a bridge between communities and shared cultural experiences. Check more of his creations @artofpickle7.
