Despite promises of redevelopment, the residents of Santacruz’s Khotwadi are stuck in dire circumstances. The builder Transcon Iconic Pvt. Ltd. (previously known as Sanjay Construction and Finance Pvt. Ltd.) has failed to provide rent for homes and commercial spaces for the last six years, informs a Khotwadi resident Kunal Gupta (35). He is currently residing in Virar while he awaits the allotment of his house in the redeveloped society. The project, spearheaded by Aditya Kedia and Kirti Kedia of Transcon Developers, aimed to uplift the living standards of residents through modernisation and revitalisation efforts, Gupta tells Midday. However, the prolonged delay in providing compensation has left many families in financial straits, with no respite in sight. Like Gupta, several residents have been residing in different parts of the city as they are yet to be allotted housing in Sai Durga Cooperative Housing Society. Not only this, they have not received the due rent for their homes and commercial spaces for the past six years. How the community crisis unfolded 2005: Developer Transcon Iconic proposed a slum redevelopment program for Khotwadi situated near Milan International Hotel, Santacruz West. 2011: The slum was registered under Sai Durga SRA CHS Ltd. and the developers received an allowance to redevelop it. The directors of the company include Aditya Kedia, Kiriti Kedia, Rishi Todi and Irfan Sheikh.When this newspaper reached out to developer Aditya Kedia, he disassociated himself from the builder company by quoting “I am no longer a part of this project since 2023.” 2016: Resident Shrikant Morye (36) tells Midday, “In 2016, Kedia asked us to vacate the plot by promising that he would start the redevelopment and pay us rent.” Following this 250 slum dwellers agreed to the development of a 300 sq. ft room in a span of 2 years. 2018: The entire plot was vacated by the members of the society in 2018. However, promises made by the developers remain unfulfilled. 2024: For the past six years leading up to 2024, the slum members have been deprived of their transit rent which now amounts to Rs 16 crore. In response, Satish Lokhande, the CEO of the SRA Authority has blacklisted 150 SRA developers in Mumbai, including Transcon Iconica, which was added to the list in 2022. Also Read: Why is it so tough to find rental accommodation in Mumbai? Bureaucracy hand in glove with developers? Resident Sachin Naik (39) who currently resides in Vile Parle tells Midday, “Though the slum redevelopment of the Khotwadi is near completion - the construction of the rear building remains incomplete. Not only this, the developer has constructed smaller (269 sq. ft) rooms in Wings “A to F” as opposed to the promised figure of 300 sq. ft.” Additionally, the developers have also illegally constructed 50 more houses on the land without obtaining the consent of the residents, adds Naik. Disappointed with false claims, several complaints regarding various irregularities like inordinate delay in the construction of rehab buildings, non-payment of rent and unauthorised construction work beyond approval in the building were lodged by complainants Sheri Pradeep Tiwari, Shri Pradeep Laxman Singh Thakur and advocate Himanshu Satija. They have been constantly pursuing SRA and various offices at the government level to take action against the developers. Several tenants reached out to Lokhande for illegal construction. In response, the SRA office had called for an explanation from the developers from time to time. Additionally, a ‘Stop Work Notice’ was issued to the developers by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority. The developers had been informed about the illegal construction for the 2nd and 3rd floor of the sale wing and were directed to pull back the unauthorised work. Despite the notice, the developer failed to restore the property, informs Gupta. Residents are of the opinion that bureaucracy has been siding with the developers. “Despite multiple complaints, nothing changed. CEO Lokhande is working in the developer’s favour,” said Morye in a telephonic conversation. The residents have approached 50-60 officials at SRA but have received no redressal for their issues. At the time of publishing this story, this newspaper reached out to the CEO of SRA via telephone and email but received no response. However, SRA has granted permission to prosecute the developer under the Monopolistic and Restrictive Trade Practices Legislation (MRTP) Act, 1966 by lodging an FIR against them for non-compliance with instructions given in the notice, as per Pratap Mirchandani (SRA). Additionally, SRA has approved informing Designated Officer and Executive Engineer, BMC to initiate demolition of the illegal construction, according to the MRTP letter to Designation Officer HW Ward. Also Read: Mumbai housing dilemma: To buy or rent? Expert advice inside No respite in sight The hearing on the case has been going on for the last eight months. Non-payment of transit rent to slum members continues. Additionally, several corruption complaints remain pending, with no final orders issued yet, informs Gupta. Amidst the ongoing hearing and issuance of stop-work notices, the SRA Authority has granted permission for the conversion of a 36-flat wing in the rehab building into a sales shop. Over the past month, members have vehemently opposed this illegal action by the developer. However, the developer has resorted to seeking assistance from Santacruz police to suppress the voices of the impoverished slum dwellers, informs Morye. False complaints have been filed against members who are opposing the illegal acts of the developer and the SRA Authority, prompting swift action by the police. Residents express deep concern over the lack of response from Transcon Developers regarding their outstanding rent payments. Despite numerous attempts to communicate with the developers, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Moreover, there have been reports of intimidation tactics employed by the builders' representatives, adding to the residents' distress. "People are really in pain as the builder has not given them rent for their homes and commercial spaces for the past six years. This situation has put our lives at stake. We trusted the promises made by Transcon Developers, but now we are left struggling to make ends meet," shares a resident who wished to remain anonymous. The plight of Khotwadi residents highlights the urgent need for accountability and transparency in redevelopment projects. The community urges Transcon Developers to fulfil their obligations promptly and provide the necessary support to ensure a smooth transition for all residents. Residents are also appealing to the government for immediate action and assistance in resolving this matter and safeguarding their rights. Also Read: Mumbai: Builder ignores MahaRERA order, rents flat to 3rd party
19 April,2024 01:33 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie RizviTaylor Swift has released her highly anticipated record "The Tortured Poets Department" today -- the 11th studio album from the megastar who is already having a blockbuster year. "All's fair in love and poetry... New album THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT. Out now," she wrote on her Instagram account, ending the announcement with a heart emoji. Swift had revealed the album's release at the Grammys in February, a night that saw the 34-year-old billionaire win a record-breaking fourth Album of the Year prize. With the drop of "Tortured Poets" in the United States at midnight Eastern time the artist could be on track for a fifth. Since her bombshell announcement, her loyal legion of Swifties have been working around the clock shelling out fan predictions. The working theory is that the album centers on her ex, British actor Joe Alwyn, who Swift dated starting in 2016 until they broke up about a year ago. Alwyn ('The Favourite') and fellow actor Paul Mescal ('Normal People') revealed in 2022 that they had a group chat entitled "The Tortured Man Club," which also included Andrew Scott ('Fleabag', 'Ripley'). The Swifties think their queen's album title is a likely reference to that text circle. Before their breakup, Alwyn had multiple songwriting credits on her albums under a pen name, William Bowery. Swift already revealed the tracklist, with titles including "So Long, London," "I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)" and "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived." Florence + The Machine is among those set to make cameos on the album, as is Post Malone, who Swift said Thursday will feature on her first single "Fortnight." "I've been such a huge fan of Post because of the writer he is, his musical experimentation and those melodies he creates that just stick in your head forever," she wrote on Instagram. Swift said a video companion for the track will come out late Friday after the album drops. SEE PHOTOS: Indian 'Swifties' on why they love Taylor Swift's music and aura 'Shake up the world'Swift has repeatedly eviscerated her former lovers in song, including dropping lyrical takedowns of John Mayer and Jake Gyllenhaal. Her current beau, Super Bowl-winning NFL player Travis Kelce, has already praised her new work. "I have heard some of it, yes, and it's unbelievable," he told reporters in February. "I can't wait for her to shake up the world when it finally drops." Swift has already had an earth-shattering past year or so, staging the first billion-dollar tour with her ongoing series of Eras concerts, breaking myriad chart records and making Grammys history. Topping the charts with BeyonceSwift -- who was born in Pennsylvania on December 13, 1989 -- began writing songs professionally as a teenager, signing with Nashville's Big Machine Records as a country artist. After a highly publicised dispute with Big Machine executives regarding ownership of her first six albums, she made the cunning, risky decision to re-record those albums to own their rights. It paid off, delighting ardent fans, bringing new Swifties into the fold, and earning her renewed respect within the industry. With "The Tortured Poets Department," she stands to make waves once more, although she'll face stiff competition from the likes of Beyonce and Billie Eilish next awards season. Beyonce dropped her latest -- the electric, statement-making 'Cowboy Carter' -- on March 29. That offered a charts cushion -- whether intentional or not -- that would allow both her and Swift to notch wins. The two reigning stars are often pitted against each other as rivals although they've repeatedly taken steps over the years to dismiss the notion. They will almost certainly be competing for next year's top Grammys, as will Eilish, whose third album "Hit Me Hard and Soft" is due out on May 17. But these wildly wealthy, supremely talented and conversation-commanding artists have all emphasized that at the end of the day, it's about the music. Writing her forthcoming album "kind of reminded me of why songwriting is something that actually gets me through my life," Swift told fans at a recent show.
19 April,2024 12:08 PM IST | New York | AFPNita Ambani, who is the founder and chairperson of Reliance Foundation, celebrated the first anniversary of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) earlier this April. Speaking at the event, Nita Ambani said, "It's a year already. And what a year it's been! It feels just like yesterday that we inaugurated NMACC. Memories of that opening night are still so fresh and vivid that I can recall every moment of excitement, uncertainty, and nervousness. I remember standing here backstage and waiting anxiously for the first reactions. The overwhelming response and thunderous applause from all of you, our dear audience, will remain etched in my heart, as a beautiful memory for a lifetime! It was the moment I knew that we all had embarked on something truly special, something important, something noble, something that we hoped would make our nation proud and our culture shine." Expressing gratitude, she stated in her speech, "I stand before you with a heart full of joy and a deep sense of gratitude. Thank you for an extraordinary year of firsts! Your presence has energised us. Your appreciation has inspired us. And your love for thee arts and for our beloved country has shaped this beautiful journey. Dil se dhanyawad." She added, "I am also immensely grateful to all the artists from India and around the world who have blessed and trusted us with their art. In the last 366 days, we have hosted 670 artists, 700 shows, and over one million audiences at NMACC. Our Art House has had several cutting-edge exhibitions that the world has ever seen. Through Swadesh, we have given a global platform to artisans from the remotest villages and smallest towns of our nation. It has been an honour to spotlight India's age-old arts and artisans and give them the respect and recognition that they so richly deserve." She further said, "From breakthrough Indian theatricals like Civilization to Nation... to iconic Broadway musicals like The Sound of Music... From hosting maestros at Parampara... to supporting young upcoming artists... and celebrating children with Bachpan... From the finest classical, semi-classical, or folk music from India and around the world... to memorable dramas, rare ensembles, and solo dance performances... It has been an absolute joy for us at NMACC to become a welcoming home to the arts, to thee artists, and to you, our dear audience." The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), located within the JioWorld Centre in the Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai, was formally inaugurated on March 31 in 2023. The NMACC was established to display the sensory journey of India's rich cultural history through costume, performing and visual arts. Speaking about the centre Nita Ambani said, "Mukesh and I together had a dream to create a centre that would be a center of art, culture and knowledge. There should be a center, here music gets new notes, dance gets new rhythm, art gets a new home and artists get a new sky," Nita stated. She ended her speech by saying, "As we complete one year of NMACC, we look ahead with renewed purpose and enthusiasm. Today, we rededicate ourselves to NMACC's founding vision. Mukesh and I have always believed that India's priceless artistic heritage is our intangible national wealth. In all humility, I can say that no country in the world can match the sheer diversity and depth of India's cultural legacy."The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre is home to three performing arts spaces: the majestic 2,000-seat Grand Theatre, the technologically advanced 250-seat Studio Theatre, and the dynamic 12S-seat Cube. It also features the Art House, a four-storey dedicated visual arts space built as per global museum standards with the aim of housing a shifting array of exhibits and installations from the finest artistic talent across India and the world.
19 April,2024 10:41 AM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Ira Malik is 16 years old. The New Delhi-based teenager wasn’t even born when Taylor Swift released her first eponymous album in 2006 but the Gen-Z relates to the singer just like a Millennial. She has already booked tickets for The Eras Tour in Liverpool on June 14, 2024. Malik says she has been a Taylor Swift fan for as long as she can remember. She reveals, “If I had to pick a particular era or album, it was when she released ‘Speak Now’. It has been 13 years since the American singer-songwriter released the album. As the world is experiencing ‘The Eras Tour’ this year, which Swift embarked on in March 2023, her life and persona have become a global phenomenon fuelled by her fans.” Today, Malik not only owns vinyls of most of her albums but has a lot of merchandise related to the singer. Incidentally, Taylor Swift started as a singer at the same age as Malik. Two years later, she released Taylor Swift (2006) and Fearless (2008), which not only produced hits like ‘Tim McGraw’ and ‘Teardrops On My Guitar’ but also ‘Love Story’ and ‘You Belong With Me’ respectively. Ever since then, she has garnered many fans, who fondly call themselves ‘Swifties’. Malik along with other Indians is very much a part of this fandom that only seems to be getting bigger by the day. Interestingly, when Malik heard ‘Speak Now’, she was already gravitating toward the singer. “I had been a fan because of songs like ‘Love Story’ and ‘You Belong With Me’ but I remember listening to ‘Enchanted’ when it was released on my old iPad for the first time and falling in love with it which led me to listen to her entire discography at that point.” Being a ‘Swiftie’As Taylor Swift launched the South American leg with her performance in Argentina earlier this week, one can’t help but remember the ticket fiasco from last year that showcases her popularity. According to several media reports, when tickets went for sale online in November 2022 for Taylor Swift's American leg of The Eras Tour, American ticket sales platform Ticketmaster crashed within an hour. During this time, even after users were logged out and were frozen in a queue, there were as many as 2.4 million tickets that were sold. It broke the record for the highest number of ticket sales by an artist in a single day. Mumbai is also hosting a ‘Tribute to Taylor Swift’ with a Western classical performance at the Royal Opera House this weekend. The event comes weeks after ‘The Eras Concert’ film was showcased at different locations not only in the city but also across India. Unsurprisingly, Malik made her way to the movie when it was showcased in the capital city. “I went to The Eras Tour Film recently and the feeling of being in a room with absolute strangers but still feeling so connected to them was special,” explains the teen, who is the daughter of Subir Malik, founder of Parikrama, one of India’s most iconic rock bands, and has been exposed to different kinds of music over the years but her Swift fandom trumps all. Such is her fandom, that Malik has already watched the film two times and plans on watching it again with fan groups in the city. The Taylor Swift phenomenon is quite similar in other cities too. Bengaluru-based Fathima Ashraf became a Swiftie even before the term existed, way back in 2008. More precisely she dropped hits like ‘Love Story’ and ‘You Belong With Me’ the same year. “The high school girl in me loved her storytelling and catchy lyrics. I remember learning all the lyrics and doing sing-alongs and all the very cheesy stuff with my friends,” she reminisces, continuing, “For the teenager I was, I found it magical. I still feel she does well with mystic vibes.” Even though the second album made her an eternal fan, Ashraf says her favourite is ‘Lover’ (2019), which is the most recent of the 10 albums she has released till now. She explains, “I love the collaborations that she does -- she knows to pick the right voice to collaborate with. ‘The Last Time’ with Gary Lightbody is one of my favourites, along with ‘Willow’, ‘Delicate’ and ‘All Too Well’, ‘Wildest Dreams’.” So, what is unique about Taylor Swift compared to any other artist today, and why does she have a hold on her audience so much? The 28-year-old says, “She is very versatile. She can do pop, country, folk, alt-rock. I wouldn't be surprised if she gets into hip-hop one day. So even if you don’t like all her songs, chances are that everybody can vibe to at least one of her songs.” The fact she is hardworking, says Ashraf, is impressive because the thought and effort that Swift puts into each of her projects, be it a song, music video or concert isn’t something that everyone does. Dissecting Taylor Swift and her auraMalik agrees with Ashraf in more ways than one. She believes Taylor Swift is one of if not the best songwriters of this generation, especially because there aren’t a lot of mainstream pop artists that are even a part of the songwriting process anymore. She explains, “Taylor Swift is constantly reinventing herself. She started with country music, slowly delved into pop in 1989, and even covered alt-music with ‘Folklore’ and ‘Evermore’. Further than just a shift in genres, her albums are extremely different sonically and aesthetically. This is why I believe that she is one of the few artists that have been able to make a permanent place in the industry and continue to at the age of 33.” Even Mumbaikar Alifiya Joel, who has settled in New Zealand and has been a ‘Tay Tay’ fan, as she calls it, for over a decade now, the American singer is beyond just her music. She explains, “She is a great mix of creativity and business. She not only writes all of her songs, but she also knows how to sell them at the right time to the right audience. Re-releasing her albums was a daring business move and she did it anyway. She is a benchmark for someone who works in the marketing and advertising industry,” says 32-year-old Joel, who works as a marketing professional, and has been influenced by Swift not only professionally but also personally. “Taylor has great fan engagement, and the fans notice and appreciate it. It is a craze that harms no one. I have a couple of Taylor Swift T-shirts. She is so relatable that a lot of her fans have mentioned her in therapy. I know I have,” reveals the Mumbaikar, who hails from Wadala. Everybody has different kinds of experiences but for Joel, her Taylor Swift fandom has come full circle in more ways than one. She narrates, “Everyone was listening to ‘Love Story’ when I was in college and somehow, I am listening to it again just before I got married. It is the longevity and relatability of her songs that make them memorable.” Such has been her connection that even the Mumbaikar didn’t know that what started as an earworm from the singer, would eventually make her so big. “Through her albums and her exploring different genres – ‘Fearless’ versus ‘Folklore’ - completely different vibe. I felt like I grew up with Taylor Swift all these years. Her albums and her lyrics kept getting more mature and relatable,” adds Joel, who says she is in her Taylor Swift era after Beyonce and Brittany Spears had theirs. “She is as big as The Beatles, if not bigger,” shares the Mumbaikar, who says she can sing any of her songs at any time. “I can sing most of her songs while driving in my car or with a hairbrush in front of a mirror. Currently, I’m listening to ‘Exile’ and love the piano in it.” Living in Auckland, Joel says she got lucky to watch her ‘Reputation Tour’ live before the Covid-19 pandemic struck. Even though she wasn’t lucky enough to get the Eras Tour tickets, she did not miss out on watching the movie with her closest and biggest Swifties. Just like Malik, Ashraf and Joel, it was ‘Love Story’ that got Arunima Joshua, another Mumbaikar hooked to Taylor Swift, but she became a ‘Swiftie’ with ‘1989’, the 12-time Grammy awardee’s fifth album. “Blank Space from the 1989 album converted me. I was very much an indie music fan because I would listen to Devendra Banhart and Karen O and Jamie xx and not much pop but I couldn't get ‘Blank Space’ out of my head. I would loop it all day. I accepted that I love pop music then,” shares the Mumbaikar, re-living her journey with Swift. Apart from loving her songwriting, Joshua says the fact that her lyrics are personal and universal at the same time is what makes her more relatable. “Swift’s rhythmic cadence elevates the level of pop music as a genre. The compositions are done so ingeniously,” the 28-year-old adds. Even though her fandom is mostly about music, she has gifted her best friend Taylor Swift merchandise and themed gifts. “They are not official merchandise but bespoke items I got made like candles or a cosmetic or book that references her songs,” shares the Swiftie, whose favourite song is ‘False God’ because it is It's a solely underrated synth sax bop and very 80s and sexy. Even as Joshua has caught the movie screening in Mumbai, she wants to attend a Swiftie Night but is afraid that she will find fewer people her age, however, we think when Swifties come together, they may not unite by age but by their love for Taylor Swift. “To be a Swiftie is to not only be a fan of her music but to be deeply entrenched in theories and stories of her personal life which she strategically places but also distances herself away from,” shares the Mumbaikar, who speaks for many fans not only in Mumbai and India but around the world.
19 April,2024 10:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoTaylor Swift is making waves with her much-anticipated album, 'The Tortured Poets Department,' as she takes the music world by storm. With the announcement of her lead single, 'Fortnight,' featuring rapper Post Malone, Swift is captivating audiences worldwide. The pop sensation's collaboration with Post Malone has sent fans into a frenzy, with Swift expressing her admiration for the artist in an Instagram post, stating, "I've been such a huge fan of Post because of the writer he is, his musical experimentation and those melodies he creates that just stick in your head forever. I got to witness that magic come to life firsthand when we work together on 'Fortnight.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) As anticipation mounts, Spotify has witnessed a surge in pre-saves for Swift's upcoming album, marking it as the most pre-saved album countdown page in the streaming platform's history, as per Billboard News. As per the report by Billboard News, iHeart Radio has also joined in on the excitement, rebranding itself as 'iHeart Taylor' in honour of the album's release. In addition to the musical frenzy, Swift has teased a 'Fortnight' challenge set to kick off alongside the album launch, promising fans an immersive experience beyond just the music. 'The Tortured Poets Department' is slated to release on April 9, midnight ET.Also Read: ‘I feel like I grew up with Taylor Swift in all these years’: Decoding Taylor Swift’s fandom in India This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
19 April,2024 09:49 AM IST | Washington | ANI
Looking at architecture is like reading poetry for Nachiket Joshi. Even though the 30-year-old isn’t remotely connected to the subject by profession, he has always been fascinated by the intricacies in structures — railings, gate posts and arches — around him. “As a child, I liked the area around Central Avenue and the roads perpendicular to it near the railway station and I am completely charmed by it. You could tell that they were old, special and looked different,” says a mesmerised Joshi. All these years later, Joshi, a Chembur resident has found love in poetry and prose which he finds resonate with architecture too. This interest in houses around him made him start @housesofchembur, as an amateur attempt at documenting them on Instagram in 2019. Joshi is one of several people in the city who document different regions for the sheer beauty of their architecture on Instagram. There are others who are doing it not only because of their fascination with architecture but also because of the need to preserve regular heritage structures in the city beyond well-known monuments. One of them is Mallika Keer, who like Joshi is a city-based architecture enthusiast and is attempting to preserve heritage by showcasing them on her Instagram handle @beyond_heritage, to drive home the message against their redevelopment in Mumbai. On his many walks through Chembur, Joshi has found beauty in the Grotto near Central Avenue and Ling Mahal, an art deco home that has now been demolished. Photo: Nachiket Joshi Poetry and developmentInterestingly, while both pages display a common love for architecture, buildings appealed to the content creators for different reasons. Joshi explains, “The page is sort of inspired by the poetry I am reading as well for my work. There’s a whole tradition in literature of Le Flâneur or the loafer, who is loitering around the city streets and documenting them through poetry or prose and writing about random things that are seen on the streets.” Interestingly, Joshi says India — and Mumbai specifically — has one of its very own flâneur in the form of Arun Kolatkar. “Through Kala Ghoda Poems, he has written some of the most beautiful poems about this tiny neighbourhood. My documenting of the houses and the tiny details in my neighbourhood was an attempt at being like that flâneur,” says Joshi, who is currently pursuing his PhD in Paris about contemporary poetry in India. As a part of the thesis, he studies English and Marathi language poetry and translates them into French too. He is currently in the city for the last six months and is making the most of his time here. On the other hand, it was the constant exposure to structures in the city because of her father that made Keer gravitate towards conserving heritage through architecture. “My father is a developer and has redeveloped a lot of heritage buildings, and I was always against it,’ she laughs. “I wanted to change the perspective of developers because they only look at making money out of it,” adds the 25-year-old architecture conservationist. A little over two and one year respectively, Joshi and Keer have amassed thousands of followers and this is only the start. Interestingly, it did take very particular incidents for both of them to start these very pages. Seeing beauty in Chembur Now, Joshi has always been interested in architecture, especially in Chembur, which according to him not many people would look at twice when one talks about the subject. It was one particular walk in his neighbourhood in 2019, when a friend came to visit him in the city, that made him take his passion project forward. He says, “I told my friend it was a nice morning to walk around and so we did and ended up walking for over an hour and a half just looking at the tiny details of these houses. You could make out that some of them were built by individuals because even some of the seemingly insignificant parts of the structure like the gate post were exquisitely designed.” While the gate post caught his eye, it was also the name plaque of another house, which had a black-and-white photograph of a man embossed on it that stayed with him. “These are just idiosyncratic details that may mean nothing to any person except the owner,” he adds. Joshi didn’t only find beauty in the structures and their designs but also the house names. “There is a house called ‘Caribou’, ‘Sunbeam’ and a lot of French names too like ‘Chemould’. It was just like we were high on this neighbourhood and ended up taking a lot of pictures that morning,” says the literary scholar with a child-like enthusiasm. When Joshi got back to Paris, he decided to do something about it and that’s how the page was born. Now, every time he returns, he adds to the digital repository. Two years on, he is absolutely keen on taking the next step for the page. He plans to make it more than just pictures by sharing more information through interviews with the house owners. The fact that Chembur is as diverse as any other place in the city, is also one reason for him to keep going. “There are many communities that have been living here for a while – South Indians, Goan Catholic communites and even some gaothans. People have no idea what this neighbourhood has.” He adds, “We have absolutely poor public appreciation of architecture in India.” It is also the reason why, he says that next time people come across his page, they see that even old structures are worth looking at and just because they’re old, doesn’t mean they’re spoilt. By starting Beyond Heritage, heritage conservationist Keer wanted to change people's approach about heritage in their neighbourhood. Photo: Mallika KeerLiving among heritage Keer is of a similar opinion, except she is worried that all of it will disappear from people’s memories if nobody documents it. She realised this when she returned after completing her masters in architectural conservation in Delhi. “I live in Shivaji Park and it is actually an Art Deco ensemble. When I got back one year ago, I realised that most of the buildings were gone. The number of buildings being redeveloped within a span of two-three years are many and so are the number of buildings being demolished for redevelopment,” she explains. That’s when she realised that there is no trace of it and decided to do something about it. She explains, “If you ask people what is heritage in Mumbai, they will say the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.” Keer wanted to change this very approach and tell people that heritage is not only about monuments. “Even the everyday residential or commercial buildings make the city. We need to conserve and preserve them and that can’t happen if we don’t acknowledge them.” It is something she fears the future generations will not be able to see, if nothing is done about it now. Taking it forward Keer, who has always been clicking pictures of structures around her in South Mumbai, has achieved considerable success with her page which has over 16,000 followers. She observes, “I used to think people don’t care about architecture but now I have realised through the engagement on the page that people are interested because they message me saying that they have lived in the area for so long and this is the building just next to them and they didn’t notice it.” Seeing the kind of interaction she has been getting, she wants to explore the suburbs more but says accessibility has been an issue. While it is easier for her to click in Fort and Colaba, she hasn’t had good experiences with house owners in the suburbs when she tries to take pictures of the structures. Having photographed various parts of the city, Grant Road, Lalbaug, Parel, Girgaum and the red-light area have emerged as some of her favourite areas. “Mazgaon is special for me because I was doing my thesis at the time and while doing it, I found a lot of history associated with the area, the Eastern waterfront, the dock and the mills there. I am looking to cover the industrial part of the city with the cotton mills and more too,” adds Keer, whose thesis topic was the restoration of the Ghadiyal Godi buildings. While Keer usually post pictures in a series of three - going by the architectural style or area-wise, Joshi does a random take on his neighbourhood but makes sure to release only one picture a month for the fear of exhausting his pictures of Chembur as he wants to continue it for as long as he can. “It is completely based on serendipity,” he expresses. While Keer has had mixed experiences with people, Joshi has had better luck and it is the very reason he wants to expand it into better full-fledged interviews with residents. In the process, he aims at keeping the essence of the neighbourhood alive, while Keer hopes to change the view of not only developers but also people in Mumbai by highlighting the structures they may have previously not thought of as ones with heritage value.
18 April,2024 04:13 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
Intangible cultural heritage or living heritage refers to the practices, traditions, customs, and knowledge that are passed down from generation to generation within communities. It encompasses various aspects of culture that cannot be physically touched or seen, such as music, dance, oral traditions, rituals, and festivals. These forms of heritage are an essential part of the identity of communities and contributes to their sense of belonging. They are also essential for preserving cultural diversity, promoting social cohesion through intercultural dialogue. Due to its inherently fragile nature, it requires safeguarding to ensure its continuity for future generations. On World Heritage Day, we spoke to experts from organisations offering diverse cultural engagements to understand how they are promoting and preserving living heritage. We work to enrich heritage through local dialogue and cross-pollination “We believe that intangible heritage plays a vital role in the cultural ecosystem, and we work hard to enrich it through local dialogue and cross-pollination with other cultures. We collaborate with local historians, intellectuals, and international scholars to promote and celebrate India's diverse culture and heritage,” says Ayeshah Dadachanji, senior program manager at Avid Learning. Among India's leading arts and cultural programming platform, Avid Learning has presented over 1600 multiverse and hybrid programs, domestically and internationally. In Mumbai, it has been at the helm of programming at the iconic Royal Opera House since its reopening in 2016. They also conduct several engagements, including panel discussions, and heritage walks delving into neighborhoods, and communities of Mumbai. “As custodians of art and culture, we feel it is our responsibility to create platforms and opportunities for a variety of events that showcase the diversity of the arts including living heritage. Our goal is to build cultural capital and nurture new audiences, patrons, and future stakeholders. We offer a range of events in categories such as music, dance, theatre, and opera performances. Some of our popular series include Multipolis Mumbai, Culture Capitals, Across Cultures, Uncovering Urban Legacies, and Sustainability Now. These talks are archived and available to view on our YouTube channel,” elaborates Dadachanji. When asked if there is a category of arts that is preferred by audiences, she says, “Our wide-ranging audience has a heterogenous taste, and we aim to democratise the arts and deepen engagement by providing equal access and opportunities to new learners and fresh voices. We reached 1.8 million interested learners globally through our online platform – Avid Online.” It’s often a challenge to showcase living heritage to a mass audience while maintaining its integrity. So how does Avid prevent themselves from commodification of living heritage? “To prevent the commodification of living heritage, we approach this challenge with a multifaceted strategy rooted in respect, collaboration, and education. We work closely with cultural practitioners and experts to ensure that the representation is accurate, respectful, and true to their essence. Our platform prioritises the voices and perspectives of communities themselves, and our programs provide the necessary historical, cultural, and social context that gives meaning and depth to these traditions. Our goal is to help audiences appreciate the significance and nuances of these traditions rather than viewing them as mere performances, or commodities,” concludes Dadachanji. Also Read: ‘Growing up in Mumbai, Thingyan Festival felt extra special' The focus is on encouraging discussions on the relevance or the need to preserve heritage Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum (BDL) is Mumbai's first and one of India's oldest museums. It was established to promote the arts and crafts of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency, tells us Tasneem Zakaria Mehta, managing trustee and director Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum. BDL is not just a heritage landmark, but a proactive partner and catalyst in the promotion of diverse arts and culture in the city. “The Museum represented the finest of Indian craftsmanship at several major international and national exhibitions. After the Museum's restoration and revitalisation in 2003-2008, we launched an extensive exhibitions and outreach programme. The museum showcases a rich variety of modern and contemporary art through sculpture, paintings, and other experimental media and design. The Museum supports Indian craftsmanship through crafts fairs and workshops by artists from across India. We also support music, dance, theatre and film and video art,” elaborates Mehta. While the museum showcases the city’s art and culture through a rare collection of fine and decorative arts that highlight early Modern Art practices as well as the craftsmanship of various communities of the Bombay Presidency, the team has also curated workshops, storytelling sessions, and a children’s book corner to deeply engage with audiences across ages. “The Museum attracts a very diverse audience through our multi-pronged approach to explore the many facets of Indian art and cultural heritage. Younger audiences are drawn to contemporary art and design exhibitions while family groups prefer workshops,” says Mehta about the diverse age demographic. Their focus on trilingual programming is an attempt at reaching even wider audiences, “We have made a concerted effort to reach all segments of society through our programming which is not just in English but in Marathi and Hindi as well,” shares Mehta. The museum also has a special programme called ‘Museum Katta’ which sees well known personalities to speak on different subjects to a Marathi speaking audience. Family groups, young students, senior citizens and even the vendors in the next door Byculla vegetable market are among their regular audiences. When presenting heritage to such audiences, how does the museum prevent itself from commodification of living heritage, Mehta poses, “The Museum is a space for education and conversation. As a not-for-profit organisation, the focus is on encouraging discussions on the relevance or the need to preserve heritage, both tangible or intangible. To celebrate and raise awareness about these issues, the Museum hosts diverse online and in-person programming. This World Heritage Day the Museum will host a heritage quiz exploring Mumbai's history and culture, a workshop to understand why and how we can preserve heritage, and a storytelling session about how traditional weaves create the famous Paithani sari.” Also Read: AI skills for better career prospects: Experts share key tips The working adult is trying to find new ways of spending their weekend, other than dining out, clubbing, or watching a movie “Our mission is ‘meaningful experiences for everyone, everywhere’ and we always aim to achieve the meaningfulness aspect in every experience we curate,” says Shannon Fernandes, co-founder and head of sales and marketing at Vagabond Experiences. Rooted in empathy and community, Vagabond Experiences aims to infuse significance into the subtleties by offering a wide range of experiences from nature safaris, spotting flamingos to coffee brewing workshops. Elaborating on their curatorial process, Fernandes tells us, “We try and curate our experiences based on what we think would be a unique and meaningful way for our audience to spend their time. We bring an aspect of what we believe is the quintessential Vagabond experience, so as to make sure that we're not just 'middlemen' in the whole affair. We attend a walk, workshop or any experience ourselves, and tweak it before deciding if it's a good fit for our audience.”She poses, “The working adult is trying to find new ways of spending their weekend, other than dining out, clubbing, or watching a movie. We've noticed that nature walks and workshops are highly desired by our Mumbai audience.”Intangible cultural heritage, like traditional ecological knowledge, often holds the secrets to sustainable living. Passed down through generations, these practices can help conserve biodiversity by teaching communities to respect and utilise natural resources wisely. When it comes to tourism activities, engaging with delicate ecosystems in a way that does not harm them is also equally important. A popular experience offered by Vagabond is the Flamingo safari through the beautiful Bhandup mangroves in Mumbai. The hour-long journey is guided by a knowledgeable naturalist who helps guests spot the vibrant flora and fauna, and emphasises the significance of the complex ecosystem. The key is to channel the knowledge certain communities possess, and arm them with additional in order to achieve a holistic end goal that is sustainable. How does Vagabond approach sustainable preservation of living heritage while offering experiences like the flamingo safari? “We do our research on the collaborators we're working with. In case of the flamingo safari, boats are driven by the same local fishermen who used to hunt the flamingos for food. But now they've been hired as boat guides and trained to preserve the area because it's a bigger source of income for them. The boat guides are trained to understand the tide and the ecosystem. They know how deep into the creek they can take the boat and make less noise around the flamingos. Even though they're not the naturalist who is the subject expert on the matter, they have also been taught the names and features of the migratory birds dwelling here,” answers Fernandes.
18 April,2024 10:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalAfter the magnificent ceremony of Pran Pratishtha, the Ram Janmabhoomi for the second time is witnessing a grand celebration amid the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. Ram Navami is being celebrated with great pomp at Ram Mandir with offerings of 56 types of bhog, prasad and panjiri. Acharya Satyendra Das, Chief Priest of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, said that all the arrangements for the celebration are being managed by the Trust and the occasion of Ram Navami is being celebrated with great enthusiasm. "All the arrangements are being made by the trust. The trust is also managing the decorations. Ram Navami will be celebrated with great enthusiasm," he said. The Chief Priest further informed that everything has been decorated and the idol of Lord Ram has been specially dressed for the day, "He is dressed in yellow clothes, and after this he is bathed with Panchamrit. Four-five types of panjiris are made and along with that, 56 types of offerings are made to the Lord." Acharya Satyendra Das also said that the day of Ram Navami is beautiful as one will witness the sun rays on Lord Rama's forehead. He also hailed the day as special as the Ram Mandir has been built. "Today is very beautiful for Ram Navami, as sun will be seen on the forehead of Lord Rama... Today there is a fair of Ramnavami, people are going for the darshan of Ramlala and all the arrangements are being done very divinely in the court of Ramlala. It is very special because the temple has been built, Ramlala's life has been consecrated in the temple, it is very special." Shyama Yadav, a prasad maker, while speaking to ANI informed that they have been involved in the process of making the prasad for 10 days. "We have been making prasad for almost 10 days. We have prepared at least 50 quintals of prasad and more are being prepared... Panjiri is also being prepared... And I feel very blessed for preparing the prasad for the Ram Mandir." The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, a trust constituted to look after the management of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya on its official X handle posted pictures of priests performing Divya Abhisheka of Ramlalla Sarkar at the temple. The trust also posted pictures of the Divya Shringar of Lord Rama on the occasion. Earlier, Prime minister Narendra Modi took to his official X handle and extended his greetings for the festival. The PM said, "Infinite best wishes to my family members across the country on the occasion of Lord Shri Ram's birth anniversary, Ram Navami! On this auspicious occasion, my heart is overwhelmed and fulfilled. It is the supreme grace of Shri Ram that this year, along with millions of my countrymen, I became a witness to the Pran-Pratishtha in Ayodhya. The memories of that moment of Avadhpuri still pulsate in my mind with the same energy." "This is the first Ram Navami when our Ram Lalla has been enthroned in the grand and divine Ram temple of Ayodhya. Today, Ayodhya is in unparalleled joy in this celebration of Ram Navami. After waiting for five centuries, today we have got the privilege of celebrating this Ram Navami in Ayodhya in this manner. This is the fruit of so many years of hard penance, sacrifice and sacrifice of the countrymen," PM Modi tweeted. In another tweet, the PM said, "I have full faith that the life of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram and his ideals will become a strong basis for the creation of a developed India. His blessings will provide new energy to the resolve of a self-reliant India. Millions of salutations and salutations at the feet of Lord Shri Ram!" A large number of devotees thronged Ram Mandir on Wednesday morning in a vibrant display of faith and celebration. Before visiting the temple, devotees took a dip in the holy waters of the Saryu River. The darshan at the temple had started at 3:30 am. The celebration will be broadcast on about 100 LED screens throughout the city. There will also be broadcast on the trust's social media accounts. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 April,2024 11:00 AM IST | Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) | ANI
‘Gen Z takes life too seriously.’ This is a notion that many have. Gen Zers venting to their parents or anyone older than them are often advised to ‘chill out’, ‘live life stress-free’, and not complicate it unnecessarily. This is especially the case with most Indian parents who often tell their Gen Z children to live a ‘bindass’ life as they did in their 20s and 30s thereby encouraging ‘toxic positivity.’. Toxic positivity is all about overemphasising maintaining a positive attitude and avoiding any form of negative emotions or experiences. It dismisses valid feelings of sadness, anger, or frustration, typically through phrases like "just think positive" or "everything happens for a reason. Although being optimistic and having a positive approach in life can help us get through difficult times, forcing yourself to constantly stay positive is unrealistic and often hurts one’s mental health. “The younger generation is criticised for being perceived as fragile and not resilient enough, which undermines their unique hardships and experiences,” affirms Mani Agarwal, neurodivergent therapist. Further, Dr Rahul Chandhok, head consultant, mental health and behavioural science, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram agrees, “Both millennials and parents can fall prey to promoting or practising toxic positivity, whether through societal pressures, personal beliefs, or cultural influences. However, it is more about individual attitudes and behaviours rather than being specific to one group over another.” “It is crucial to understand that while stress is a universal phenomenon, certain generational characteristics might make Gen Z appear more susceptible or reactive to stress. Various factors can contribute to a severe perception of life’s challenges in Gen Z,” adds Neha Cadabam, senior consultant psychologist, executive director, Cadabams Hospitals. Although nothing new, ‘toxic positivity’ – a term unknown to people earlier is now being identified as an attitude. Mid-day.com got mental health experts on board to delve into this attitude, why Gen Z is subjected to it, its negative impact and the correct alternative. Also Read: Toxic work culture: Humiliation at workplace is driving employees to quit How has the term ‘toxic positivity’ surfaced? The terminology related to mental health is relatively recent. Over the past decade, perspectives on mental health have been evolving. Today, the importance of mental health and education on various mental health conditions and illnesses is far better than what it was a decade back. Agarwal tells Mid-day.com, “Millennials and previous generations have lacked a vocabulary to describe their mental health challenges. Consequently, when faced with emotional difficulties, they often had to externalise their issues, cope with circumstances, and passively move forward. Now, thanks to the internet, help is one click away now. This is a drastic contrast for Gen Z who can access resources online and find words to their experiences.” Cadabams clarifies that pinpointing millennials or parents for exhibiting toxic positivity can be challenging as its prevalence can vary widely among individuals regardless of their generation. “Parents may resort to toxic positivity to shield their children from negative experiences, while millennials might employ it to maintain a facade of an ideal life on social media. Each generation faces different societal pressures that might encourage the use of toxic positivity as a coping mechanism.” Also Read: India’s fertility rate plummets, doctors seek solutionsWhy is Gen Z severely stressed for most parts of their lives? The South Asian nation's working-age population stands at over 900 million, according to 2021 data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Agarwal shares, “India, particularly, is at the forefront of housing the youngest population in the world. What could have been a major point of growth has turned into a point of dejection as this population continues to face unemployment challenges, issues of housing and clean water, poor sanitation and climate change among others.” She goes on to say, “Systemic challenges are, thus, responsible for Gen Z’s stress and pessimism. Post Covid-19 and other multiple global crises, Gen Z continues to live in a state of uncertainty and insecurity. When the future appears bleak, it’s hard to maintain trust in the present. In such a scenario, the mental health crisis affecting Gen Z is possibly the reason why they are expected to be especially more resilient and hence, toxic positivity follows them like a shadow.” Besides this, Chandhok adds, “In today's digital age, there's extreme pressure to curate and exhibit an ideal image of oneself on social media platforms, fostering a culture of comparison and unrealistic standards.” “Further, with the rise of self-help culture and motivational content, there are abundance of messages promoting the idea that positive thinking is the only way to overcome any obstacle, which can lead to the dismissal of genuine struggles and emotions. Additionally, societal norms and expectations typically dictate that young people should be optimistic, ambitious, and resilient, which can further perpetuate the idea that acknowledging negative emotions is a sign of weakness.” Also Read: ‘Lazy Girl Job’: How Gen-Z is changing the way we perceive jobs todayWhat are the signs of toxic positivity? Cadabam elucidates, “Toxic positivity goes beyond mere optimism; it represents the excessive and ineffective insistence on maintaining a positive mindset, even in the face of situations that naturally elicit sadness or distress. It involves the dismissal of genuine human emotions, which can be detrimental.” Archana Singhal, counsellor and family therapist, founder, Mindwell Counsel, Delhi tells us, “Toxic positivity can make people feel like their emotions are not valid or important. It can also prevent them from seeking help or addressing their problems properly, leading to more stress and unhappiness.” Mentioning major signs of toxic positivity, Singhal shares, “Some key signs include dismissing or downplaying someone's emotions, always trying to find the silver lining in a problem without acknowledging their pain, and pressuring others to be happy.” Singhal recommends enforcing an environment where all emotions are accepted and validated. How can toxic positivity have a negative impact? Embracing an "it is what it is" mindset can lead to significant emotional distress, as it often fosters a sense of helplessness and resignation in one's life. Agarwal shares, “Toxic positivity eventually breeds burnout as we exhaust our ability to find excuses to stay upbeat. If the problem is not acknowledged and accepted then the individual falls into a cyclical pattern of piling on more problems. This can continue until the physical health also deteriorates and the circumstances become too overwhelming.” Cadabams further expands, “Toxic positivity can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as individuals feel their true emotional experiences are neither seen nor validated. Psychiatrically, this can exacerbate feelings of sadness and anxiety, compounding stress and possibly leading to depressive symptoms. By undermining authentic emotional experiences, toxic positivity obstructs the development of healthy coping mechanisms. This can stunt emotional resilience, making it more challenging for individuals to navigate future stresses effectively.” How must elders or peers extend support to those stressed? Recognising and understanding the unique challenges faced by Gen Z, it is essential to provide support that resonates with their experiences. According to Chandhok, Gen Z may require a different approach because of their unique experiences, challenges, and perspectives. “Understanding the digital landscape and the pressures of social media is important, as it can majorly impact their self-esteem and mental well-being. Providing a safe space for open communication and validation of their emotions is crucial, as it helps in counteracting the effects of toxic positivity and encourages a healthy emotional expression. Providing practical support and guidance that is tailored to their specific needs and aspirations can also empower them to deal with the complexities of today's world with confidence and resilience. Furthermore, fostering a sense of belongingness, both online and offline, can combat feelings of isolation and alienation that some Gen Zers may experience.” Agarwal suggests extending empathy and understanding instead of a solution-oriented approach to make someone feel heard. “To ensure that you’re not putting down someone else’s concerns, it is always best to gently comfort them and reassure them that they are not alone in the process. Simple words like “we can figure it out together” can make someone feel that their concern is valid and worthy of another person’s support.” “Additionally, reassuring others that their circumstance warrants an emotional reaction and that they are not blowing up out of proportion can add to the comfort. Finally, if you feel that you are not in the best space to offer comfort, it is best to support the person in finding a mental health professional who can be impartial and non-judgemental towards them.” Also Read: Insights into why spiritual tourism is on the rise and how youngsters are embracing the trendWhat kind of language and words should you use to comfort someone venting?Experts list down a list of phrases you must avoid and use to extend the appropriate support: Avoid: it could be worseJust don’t think about it It’s always been like thisIt is supposed to be hardIt’s going to stay the same, you have to adjustNothing else can be doneJust let it goDon’t be lazy, if you work hard, it will happenDon’t waste your energy on thisIt’s not worth crying over this Say: That sounds tough, I’m here for youYour feelings are completely validHey it’ll be okay, things can change Let’s figure it out togetherYou can tell me if things are not okayLet’s talk about itIt doesn’t have to be this wayI understand why you feel that wayIt's okay to feel upset Ask:How does that make you feel?What do you need from me right now?Do you want to talk to a therapist? I’ll help you find one. What seems to be happening according to you? How can I support you?What do you need from me right now?
17 April,2024 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Aakanksha Ahire'Knife', a memoir by Salman Rushdie released on Tuesday, recounts the near-fatal stabbing at a public event in 2022 that left him blind in one eye and his journey to healing. The Indian-born author, a British and naturalised American based in New York, has faced death threats since his 1988 novel "The Satanic Verses" was declared blasphemous by Iran's supreme leader, making Rushdie a global symbol of free speech. After going unscathed for years, a knife-wielding assailant jumped on stage at an arts gathering in rural New York state and stabbed Rushdie multiple times in the neck and abdomen. He ultimately lost his right eye. "Why didn't I fight? Why didn't I run? I just stood there like a pinata and let him smash me," Rushdie writes. "It didn't feel dramatic, or particularly awful. It just felt probable... matter-of-fact." Tehran denied any link with the attacker -- but said only Rushdie, now 76 years old, was to blame for the incident. The suspect, then 24, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder. In an interview with the New York Post, the alleged attacker, whose parents emigrated to the United States from Lebanon, said he had only read two pages of "The Satanic Verses" but believed Rushdie had "attacked Islam." In "Knife", Rushdie refers to him simply as "The A". "My Assailant, my would-be Assassin, the Asinine man who made Assumptions about me... I have found myself thinking of him, perhaps forgivably, as an Ass," he writes. Rushdie said in "Knife" the attack has not changed his view on his most famous work. "I am proud of the work I've done, and that very much includes The Satanic Verses. If anyone's looking for remorse, you can stop reading right here," he writes. 'It's a dream'Rushdie says that, two days before the attack, he had a dream of being attacked by a gladiator with a spear in a Roman amphitheater, and didn't want to attend the talk. "And then I thought, 'Don't be silly. It's a dream,'" he told CBS in a recent interview. He was also paid "generously" for the event, he says, and needed the money for home repairs. Rushdie had been invited to talk about protecting writers whose lives have been threatened -- an irony not lost on him. "It just turned out not to be a safe space for me," he told CBS. In the book, Rushdie says he has experienced nightmares in the wake of the attack. Suzanne Nossel, of free speech advocacy group PEN America, said they were eager to hear the full story. "A master storyteller, Salman has held this narrative close until now, leaving us to marvel from a distance at his courage and resilience," she said. 'Lightness'Rushdie, who was born in Mumbai but moved to England as a boy, was propelled into the spotlight with his second novel "Midnight's Children" (1981), which won Britain's prestigious Booker Prize for its portrayal of post-independence India. But "The Satanic Verses" brought him far greater, mostly unwelcome, attention. The atheist author, whose parents were non-practising Muslims, was forced to go underground. He was granted police protection in Britain, following the murder or attempted murder of his translators and publishers, and moved repeatedly while in hiding. Rushdie only began to emerge from his life on the run in the late 1990s after Iran said it would not support his assassination. He became a fixture on the international party circuit, even appearing in films such as "Bridget Jones's Diary" and US television sitcom "Seinfeld". The author has been married five times and has two children. His 21st novel, "Victory City", was completed just before the attack and released in 2023. He has revisited the Chautauqua Institution, where the near-fatal event was held, writing in the book that the trip was cathartic. "As we stood there in the stillness, I realized that a burden had lifted from me somehow, and the best word I could find for what I was feeling was lightness," he writes.
16 April,2024 05:19 PM IST | New York | AFP
Anticipation mounts as collectors and bidders gear up for the third edition of Todywalla Auctions, offering ancient relics and artefacts dating back to as old as 11th century AD. Founded in 1964, the House of Todywallas is a numismatic avant-garde emerging as India’s first Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-licensed auction house, helming the trade of rare Indian coins. Foraying into classical Indian paintings, sculptures and silver works -- the auctioneers have curated a diverse collection spanning the Deccani, British and Mughal eras along with chased, gilded and engraved relics in Indian silver. Additionally, they have sourced sculptures in stone, metal and wood depicting Vishnu, Goddess Durga, Buddha and more. Some of the exotic items up for bidding are the face-off between Krishna and Rukma, A ‘sati’ scene, silver paan daan, Sita in Ravana’s palace garden, two Jain illuminated folios, the interiors of the Taj Mahal, bronze sculptures of Druga and Vishnu, a five-piece silver tea set and more. A Durbar scene with an expansive bird's eye view of a kingdom, Awadh, late 18th - early 19th Century Floor bidding opens todayYoung collector Supriya Lahoti is set to bid telephonically as the floor opens today at Rendezvous, Taj Mahal Palace in Colaba. “With a display of over 160 lots, I'm particularly curious to know the top bid for the Mughal era painting named ‘Ladies on a palace terrace celebrate Diwali’ which is valued between 15 to 25 lakh,” Lahoti tells Midday. The imperial artwork is a noteworthy highlight showcasing Diwali being celebrated by a woman and her attendants against the backdrop of fireworks, informs Malcolm Todywalla -- a pioneer in the field of Indian Numismatics. It is attributed to the Mughal painter Muhammad Afzal about whom little is known to date. Adding to the excitement, a counterpart of this painting resides in the Freer Gallery of Art at The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in Washington DC. Opaque watercolours with gilding on wasli surrounded by a border of gold rules within which are meandering flowers in gold on a buff background, mounted on a gold flecked album page The next item that piques the bidder’s interest is the 11th-century stone sculpture of Pala Vishnu Stele which exists in immaculate condition -- beholding conch shells and discs in his lower hands, mace and lotus flowers in his upper hands. “A masterpiece of this calibre may invite an obscene sum. We're starting the bidding at 30 lakh, but with the right bidder, it could soar well beyond that, possibly reaching the million mark," opines Anil Keshav who has curated artworks for the upcoming auction. Chetan Shah (name anonymised at request), a Mumbai-based collector is eyeing the silver work of 'mukhwas' container crafted by Oomersi Mawji from Bhuj in Kutch (circa 1880). Designed like a quail with wings stretched out -- the exotic piece contains openings on the bird's back along with four more openings on the base meant to keep ‘trinkets’ , informs Keshav. A silver ‘mukhwas’ container, Oomersi Mawji, Bhuj, Kutch, circa 1880 Shah is also drawn to the three oval miniature portraits of courtly ladies and musicians which are priced in the range of 2.5 - 3.5 lakh. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Mughal miniature portraits were common, especially the ones depicting Mughal Emperor's profiles and their consorts like Jodha and Akbar, informs Malcolm. It was a Darbar scene that caught this writer’s attention. Within a vast palace complex, above a pool of crystal-clear water - 3 noblemen sit for a discussion. They are accompanied by two retainers with one waving a ceremonial morchal, all dressed in pure white cotton. What makes it special is the bird’s eye of the entire kingdom. The range of this painting is estimated between 8-12 lakh. Also Read: AI skills are a must for better career opportunities; here's why The art of collectingSpeaking about her experience with collectibles, she shares that while bidding, there are items you truly desire and others you bid on hoping for luck. “For the ones you're deeply interested in, there's a sense of anxiety about whether you'll surpass your preset limit or secure it within your budget -- which makes the session incredibly suspenseful and intense.” Lahoti recalls that she has been bidding at the Todywalla Auctions since their first edition. “My first collection was actually from Toddywalla's. It was a painting, a Dhanvantri, from their inaugural auction. I found something very appealing about that particular painting, and I was determined to acquire it.” Working as a consultant with the Indian Ministry of Culture, she has been collecting relics for the past four years. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in Indian arts, Lahoti has been surrounded by art from a very young age. Her parents are the founders of the Kalakriti Art Gallery in Hyderabad and have their own collection of relics, paintings and ancient Indian artworks. On the other hand, for an extensive period, Shah and his wife have journeyed across the globe, encountering relics reminiscent of those found in India. They've observed that each country possesses its unique heritage, culture and antique treasures. Their interest extends beyond Indian antiquities as they also avidly collect artefacts from other regions, including Southeast Asia. Shah adds that while visiting Southeast Asia, one learns that Buddhism holds significant cultural prominence. Consequently, the region boasts a plethora of stone and bronze sculptures akin to those found in Todywalla's collection of Indian statues and sculptures. A Pala black stone relief depicting Durga, Bihar, circa 9th / 10th century Also Read: Books, games and costumes: Why this book club in BKC is a hotspot for Mumbai’s executives and Gen-Z Authenticating relicsMalcolm shares that while curating artworks for the auction, his team keeps in mind three factors:A. it has to be genuineB. it has to be of standard quality C. it must be in good condition To ensure authenticity, Malcolm and his team have assembled a panel of experts, each with specialised knowledge in various areas such as coins, paintings and calligraphy. These experts include academics, collectors and material researchers, all of whom possess extensive experience spanning several decades in the study of Indian antiques and relics. “Once the authenticity of an object is established, we begin our research and collate information for the same. This involves photographing the item, compiling a catalogue, seeking details of the makers and then returning it to the dealer. Before finalising the catalogue, we analyse the items as per standards set by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).” This process is time-consuming and requires significant effort as the team meticulously researches each object based on its authenticity, quality, condition and other relevant factors, adds Malcolm. Lahoti concludes by sharing why auctions are an ideal starting point for collectors:1. There's transparency, as auction prices are public and open to all bidders, reducing the risk of being misled. 2. Unlike buying from a dealer, where the price estimate could be subjective, auction prices are determined by multiple bidders, providing a more reliable valuation. 3. Additionally, auction houses conduct due diligence, offering further assurance, particularly beneficial for inexperienced buyers like myself. Three oval Mughal miniature portraits of a courtly lady and musicians, Delhi, c. 1780
16 April,2024 10:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Ainie RizviADVERTISEMENT
