Indian-Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta is set to screen her documentary ‘I am Sirat’ at the Kashish Pride Film Festival in Mumbai on May 18. ‘I am Sirat’ follows Sirat Taneja, a trans woman, as she navigates her life in New Delhi. Sirat leads a fulfilling life outside her home, with a steady job, a supportive circle of friends, and an active presence on social media. However, at home, she is forced to hide her true identity and pretend to be someone she's not - a dutiful son to a mother who cannot come to terms with having a transgender daughter. Shot almost entirely on smartphones, this collaborative documentary offers us an intimate look at Sirat’s life and explores the duality that is an oppressive reality for many LGBTQIA+ individuals. Mehta, best known for her Elements Trilogy, ‘Fire’ (1996), ‘Earth’ (1998), and ‘Water’ (2005), has received critical acclaim for her nuanced portrayal of complex social issues, and human rights struggles through intimate storytelling. This dedication to social commentary has garnered her numerous awards and accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film for ‘Water’. Also Read: Gen Z and Technology: Bandra-based Gen Z redefines dabbawalla deliveries in Mumbai The festival will also unite Mehta with acclaimed actor and director Nandita Das for a conversation with noted film critic and curator Meenakshi Shedde to celebrate 26 years of the release of ‘Fire’. A landmark film for the LGBTQIA+movement in India, ‘Fire’ broke ground by depicting a lesbian relationship, a topic absent from mainstream Indian cinema at the time. This portrayal brought homosexuality out of the shadows and into the homes of middle-class India. The film sparked public dialogue and challenged traditional views on sexuality, paving the way for greater visibility and understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community in India. In an exclusive chat with mid-day.com, Mehta talks about her unrelenting curiosity, the public response to ‘Fire’, and discovering a liberal side of Delhi through her co-director. Here are edited excerpts: In ‘Fire’, Sita tells Radha, “There is no word in our language that can describe what we are. How we feel for each other.” In times when most people were not armed with the vocabulary to self-identify, what drew you to make the film? I think other folks in India were armed with the vocabulary for self-identity, but perhaps ‘Fire’ allowed them to express it. At least the anger that ‘Fire’ unleashed by self-confessed ‘protectors of Indian culture’, who proclaimed across the board that there were ‘no lesbians in India’ reverberated through the country. I remember vividly when the Regal Cinema in Delhi had been trashed for screening ‘Fire’, a protest that evening just blew me away. As far as one could see and observe I saw women carrying placards that proclaimed, “We are lesbians and we are Indians.” I think we underestimate the human ability to see through bull shit! I had made a film about emotional empathy turning into a physical relationship, and was curious about how it would affect the two female protagonists. Little did I know that it would affect a large part of the Indian population. Male and female. Too bad it was shut down and our amazing Indian distributor Jhamu Sughand took a huge financial hit. I remember what he said to me as ‘Fire’ was taken off all the movie halls, “Jaane do. Hum ne accha kiya. Paisay gaye, to kya hua?” Also Read: Anuvab Pal: ‘There is intolerance towards everything. Laughing is what makes it tolerable’ The film's ending is powerful and ambiguous. Can you discuss your reasons for choosing this ending and what you hoped audiences would take away from it? I am glad you think the ending is powerful and better still that it is ambiguous. There is no certainty in life. Change is the only constant. Forgive if it sounds trite. But hey, that’s what I really believe. After the Central Board of Film Certification cleared ‘Fire’ without any cuts, did you anticipate the scale of protests the right-wing subjected it to? Do you believe ‘Fire’ could see a theatrical release in the current scenario? I was deeply touched when the censor board of India (headed by two really strong women) passed the film without any cuts. But the irony is that it was the Mahila Aghadi-the women’s wing of the Shiv Sena that barged into a Mumbai theatre and rampaged the movie hall. Most of them carried ‘belans’ and flourished them like weapons! Could ‘Fire’ see a similar scenario in the current climate? Only if it serves a political purpose, I think. Today, audiences view cinema with a microscopic lens and quickly comment on what’s appropriate. Do you believe ‘Fire’ has aged well? Looking back at the filmmaking process, is there anything you would have done differently? I think the curiosity that made me make ‘Fire’ has aged well. The cultural battle between duty, responsibility, and family obligation versus self-determination still rages. As Avni Doshi in her brilliant novel ‘Burnt Sugar’ has the protagonist ask, “Why is self-determination in women interpreted as selfish?” If anything, I wish we had made the film in Hindi. But when the translation arrived, I felt it was a bit heavy-handed. And unfortunately, we didn’t have the time nor the money to have it get another go. How did you come across Sirat Taneja? What made you invested in telling her deeply personal story? Sirat Taneja played the role of a jailer in the dystopian series Leila (which was co-directed by Mehta). We all (Huma Qureshi, Priya Sreedharan and Netflix Creative) loved the fact that she had no hesitation in going the distance. Sirat is fearless! LGBTQIA+ representation in the media has often lacked the nuance and sensitivity of a queer perspective. I am Sirat is a collaborative directorial effort by you alongside Sirat Taneja. How did her queer gaze influence the documentary? How has your storytelling evolved in depicting queer lived experiences? Sirat was an invaluable partner in making ‘I Am Sirat’. I learnt so much from her and more importantly, she exposed me to a Delhi that I thought did not exist. A liberal Delhi of the gay and transgenders. Far less bound by tradition than what would be expected. After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, I am Sirat is set to screen at the Kashish Film Festival in Mumbai. What are your expectations from Indian audiences? I am so glad that ‘I am Sirat’ is getting screened at South Asia’s largest LGBTQIA+ film festival as it will find a larger audience. I think Sirat the protagonist, Sirat the co-director, Sirat the transwoman, Sirat the hopeful (against all odds) Sirat the Instagram persona, Sirat who loves her family, Sirat who laughs easily, Sirat who is so wise and kind would be BLOODY hard to resist!
12 May,2024 11:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai Agarwal
When Mumbai sailor Anandi Chandavarkar started sailing for fun in 2019, the 15-year-old had no idea that she would be sailing professionally, competing internationally and winning medals in the next five years. “I first started sailing in 2019 because of my dad who took me to the sailing club in Mumbai. It was a really good experience. I did not think I would be competing internationally. I was just having fun with some of my friends who were also sailing with me. I sailed one regatta, and I didn’t even know what I was doing,” shares the teenage sailor from Bandra, in an interview at the mid-day office. Almost five years and two Phuket King’s Cup wins later, she is juggling between Mumbai and countries around the world. We meet the young Mumbaikar after she had just returned from New Zealand where she participated in the Open Skiff Nationals in Auckland. Before that, she was at the OpenSkiff Eurochallenge on Garda Trentino 2024 in Circolo Vela Arco in Italy. While she won a bronze in Italy, she bettered it and won silver in New Zealand in the Under-17 and Girls category. Exploring the world stageCurrently, she is preparing to compete in Hungary later this month. Ask her how she feels about her progress, and she retains her child-like enthusiasm. She expresses, “I am still having fun with sailing and competing around the world. I competed at my first World Championship in 2022 and didn’t know what I was doing there and finished in the 140s. From there, I decided that I can get better and doing events and improving.” Chandavarkar’s recent trip to New Zealand proved to be fruitful in more than one way because she was not only able to participate in the competition but also the attend a coaching clinic before that. She shares, “We were in Auckland, which is called the ‘City of Sails’. So, it has a pretty big sailing culture and we got to meet Olympians, Olympic medallists and they were talking to the kids, so that was great for me.” The Mumbaikar has come a long way from when she first started out five years. Less than a year after she started her sailing journey, the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, and everything came to a standstill. However, it was only the start because with Mumbai’s wind and surrounding waters setting sail to her dreams of exploring the seas, she decided to continue from 2022 and hasn’t looked back since then. After trying her hand at a variety of boats, she happens to be the first one sailing in the Open Skiff internationally. While that may seem unique, it presents its own sets of challenges. However, the fleet is slowly growing in the country and for the better. Also Read: Sailing the high seas: Why more people in Mumbai are indulging in sailing Juggling education and city infrastructure for sailing As she juggles her sailing competitions, she also has an eye on her education, which she does not miss. While it is tiring because of her schedule, Chandavarkar says she has achieved the fine balance between her studies and love for sailing and competing at the international level. “After you get used to the time-difference, it gets better and becomes normal. If I have my classes, I have to schedule it with my time difference but that’s how I am able to do it online.” It gets better because her school Ecole Mondiale World School has been encouraging and lets her take some days off. “They have been very flexible because of which I don’t have to do certain subjects. So, that let’s me take some days off school and go sailing in Gateway of India. I sail on the weekends and then maybe one or two days in the week,” she adds. It may seem like the teen is only sailing but she does find time to spend with her friends and even have other hobbies, some of which include playing football, windsurfing, adds her mother, as she also intends to try her hand out at other fun activities, which she is tight-lipped about as of now. Till then, she is busy exploring the surrounding waters of Mumbai near Gateway of India and Mandwa as she also achieves a different kind of bliss, that she enjoys a lot. “You are all on your own because you are the only one in the boat. All the decisions are yours and you don’t have to share that with anyone. It is a lot of fun,” shares a smiling Chandavarkar. However, she highlights that sailing is not as popular in the city, which boasts of its love for cricket at every nook and corner, even as it overlooks the vast expanse of water. “In all other countries, especially in Europe, and Australia and New Zealand, it is pretty popular, and people have access to the water and the clubs. Even the schools have inter-college regattas for them to compete,” she adds showcasing how the city lacks adequate infrastructure, especially when there is a lot of scope in the sport. “Firstly, it is a lot of fun. It is also an Olympic sport. There are a lot of things coming up in sailing, like the Sailing GP among others.” If nothing else convinces Mumbaikars and the concerned authorities, then she says sailing is also just a fun way to take things off your mind. “You don’t have to do it competitively. Maybe, you don’t even have to sailing, it can just be any other water sport,” adds Chandavarkar. Also Read: How recreational activities are essential to manage stress Every time the teenager gets ready to compete around the world, she obviously packs up her gear that she is comfortable with, especially when she wants to try out something new. Apart from that, she reveals, “We charter a boat wherever we go, so sometimes I take my own sail because sometimes you get good sails, other times you don’t.” Like all good things, ask the Mumbaikar if she has a name for her boat, and she says, “I named my boat Dark Star, which is the name of a really fast jet. That was my first name, then I named my boat AC50 because the initials of my name are A and C and there is this really fast boat called F50.” Training in Mumbai’s choppy watersEven as the Mumbaikar is busy preparing for the Regatta in Hungary later this month, she is also training for the World Championships in July. “After that, I will be sailing the 29er. I am also looking forward to try sailing this really cool foiling boat called ‘The Wasp’ because it is a boat that ‘flies’,’” adds Chandarvarkar, who says some of the biggest challenges in sailing is balancing everything out and being really calm while you deal with tiredness. All of which she has been trying to achieve under the watchful eye of her coach Dipesh Nerpagare, who spends six months in Finland and six months in India. Nerpagare has been an instrumental part of Chandavarkar’s journey as he has seen her grow from the first time she stepped onto the boat to go on to achieve medals for India at the world stage. “It has been a whole journey – right from trying the boat she sailed first before the Open Skiff came to India. I still remember the first day, she went on the Open Skiff. She said, ‘I don’t know what to do when it is so fast, it is so quick and so much different from what I have done before’. On this journey, I have witnessed everything – right from not planning anything to getting close to the World Championships – it has been amazing.” The first time they sailed was in August 2019 in Pawna Lake in Pune. However, it wasn’t smooth sailing. He explains, “Then we came back to Mumbai after the monsoon got over and we could sail here. However, the Covid-19 pandemic hit soon after, and then the accessibility in 2020-2021 went low. We also missed the World Championship, which we wanted to go for before 2022, it was in 2020, but was postponed to 2021 because of the protocols and we didn’t train enough – the second and third wave kept going.” With so many hurdles, they had to delay her progress to try the Open Skiff. “We could have done better in the Under-12 at that time but then we had to enter in Under-15 in 2022, and she was the only boat training in India and there was no competition.” The need for competitive sailing in Mumbai is important in such cases, he says because when you go overseas, you race against 150 sailors, which has 75 in each fleet. “You don’t know what moves you need to do in the race and that was the biggest challenge because you don’t know how to tackle such a situation when you come across it.” Giving us a quick lesson in sailing, Nerpagare says sailing is a very different sport than running or swimming, where you have your own lanes. He further explains, “Here you have your own lanes, and there is going to be traffic around you, and you have to tackle that to get out of it and you come across different levels of sailors and be first in the race. In one of the races, Anandi was in the top 10 even though she didn’t finish it.” It was the first time that Nerpagare, who has been the assistant coach of the Indian national team from 2013 to 2016 including until the Rio Olympics Qualifications, says he knew Chandavarkar was really fast. “If you are there for at least half of the race, then you are really quick in your skills and speed.” From there on, it was only upwards and onwards as they trained harder and results showed as they won the gold at the Phuket Kings Cup in Thailand not only in 2022 but also in 2023, as they juggle training time. Also Read: Attend these interesting events in Mumbai this weekend He explains, “In India, you get is very limited to train because we have seasons. We have monsoon, and then October to February, it is not that great conditions because it is cold and the breeze is slightly moving in the morning and the afternoon sweat, so we faced those challenges, but we did quite a few events in 2023.” These include finishing in the top 10 in Italy in April 2023 among other events. He explains, “We had to do these challenges because she is alone in Mumbai. For all the other sailors when they sail, every day is a regatta championship, because there are 10 sailors in the top and they are all doing their moves every day but for her she is doing it alone and there is nobody around you, so you don’t know how you could handle a situation because she doesn’t face in sailing. Even the other sailors who are there are not as fast as her, and that is why we are aggressively doing these challenges.” Mumbai’s need to boost its sailing culture With Chandavarkar’s progress, where does Nerpagare see Mumbai’s sailing prowess? Being a coach for 12 years now with national and international experience, the Indian coach started by working in Mumbai at West Coast Marine Sailing School at Girgaum Chowpatty. “At that time, there was a place called H20, which was a boating and sailing place. It was a beach, and we didn’t have a big infrastructure but there was accessibility of the beach in Mumbai. It was a very calm bay at Marine Drive and good for kids to learn, and it stopped.” After that, he went on to coach in Hyderabad and even coach a girl, who represented the national team. While assisting in training the national team, he was in Chennai, a city that also boasts of a rich sailing culture, and maybe Mumbai could learn from them. “When I was in Chennai, they had infrastructure at the port, which was given by the government. Mumbai also had it in 2009 but it ran only for one year.” It is also why he says the authorities could explore the port as a medium to encourage sailing in the city. Nerpagare shares, “There was a sailing centre in Versova beach in 2019, where Anandi first stepped into the water. It ran for six months but had permission issues and had to be shut down.” Even as individuals like him try to shed light on the sport, one has to admit it is really expensive. It is also why he believes that with the kind of influence the government can have, they should invest in infrastructure for civilians to come and learn – at least to not take it up as a sport. He shares, “At least to experience sitting in the boat and sailing around in the sea for one hour, where you don’t hear the horns, you can hear the water.” For context, Nerpagare currently works in Finland, where the 130-year-old sailing club gets grants from the city to run it on an island. “We also get sponsors like Continental, Range Rover and the banks, and that money helps the club to grow because the equipment are so expensive.” With Chandavarkar’s shining bright at the world stage, he hopes there will be more awareness about sailing in Mumbai and the country to encourage more people to take it up. Also Read: BMC urges Mumbaikars to avoid beaches amid high swell wave alert from IMD
12 May,2024 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
The dabbawalas – Mumbai’s OG delivery agents, might be at the cusp of a change. In a recent workshop introduced by RevolGo, Parel-based dabbawalas were powered with 8 cargo bikes that claimed to double their last-mile deliveries.“Beyond speeding up delivery time, it also slashed off a major load of goods in transit. And with its ergonomic design, my legs don’t get tired anymore!” exclaims Mahadeo Havaji Bachche dabbawala when asked about his experience with RevolGo. He is not alone. Ravi, a young vendor who sells coconut in Bandra East has also switched to the futuristic bike. From 7 am to 4 pm, he is on a roll serving 40-50 coconuts across a distance of 15 kilometers. Adding to the list of riders are more delivery partners from DHL, local kirana stores and more porter services.The green venture founded in 2022 by Bandra local Amartya Raj (23), is a novel entry into the e-bike realm committed to diminishing carbon footprints and fostering environmental synergy. “We have been working with the dabbawalas for over five months now. We wanted to equip them with a tool that doesn’t disrupt their daily functioning,” Raj tells Midday. So, how does RevolGo work?On a Tuesday afternoon, this writer, a locomotive enthusiast, hopped up to Kalanagar grocery store Meena Bazar, to check out the brand new RevolGo it had received. Packed with a not-so-usual giant basket in the front, the e-bike is just like any other bicycle but with an accelerator. The rider can either use the throttle to speed up or pedal down to her destination. Delving into tech specifications, Raj tells us that the speed limit is 25 km (per hour), meaning that no prior licensing is required to acquire or ride it. The battery size is that of a Bluetooth speaker, which takes a little over three hours to charge, lasts all day (30 to 50 km) and comes in a pack of 2. Boxy, edgy and an absolute trouble-shooter – this electric cycle stands as a common means of transport in Europe. Also Read: How AI simplifies decision-making in real estate“When conceptualising the bike's design, our objective was inclusivity. You ask who can RevolGo? And our answer is just anyone that has anything to carry,” outlines Raj.Central to Revolgo's mission is versatility. The cargo bicycle, dubbed as the Long John model, offers ample space for various cargo types, catering to a diverse range of businesses. From grocery stores to event management companies, the applications are manifold. The team's collaboration with the Ed Sheeran concert exemplifies this adaptability, where their bicycles facilitated seamless logistics during the event at Mahalaxmi Racecourse earlier this March.Drawbacks of using EVThe increasing demand for lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries, has led to shortages, admits Raj’s long-standing friend and schoolmate Harshaan (23). He joined the green venture as a business partner in February this year. A firm believer in clean energy, he recounts, “Yes, there have been shortages, but as the demand for such products increases, people are going to find new and innovative ways of creating batteries and charging batteries. This is going to happen because, at the end of the day, fossil fuels are bound to run out.”Harshaan reflects upon the core ethos of RevolGo: sustainability and accessibility. His belief in the future of electric vehicles (EVs) is tempered by a pragmatic acknowledgment of associated challenges. While issues like lithium sourcing and charging infrastructure persist, he remains optimistic about evolving solutions and governmental support for green initiatives.Genesis of RevolGoThe genesis of Revolgo can be traced back to a transformative trip to Europe two years ago. It was during this journey in the summer months of 2022, that founder, Raj was struck by the practicality and sustainability of cargo bicycles, igniting a passion for eco-friendly transport solutions. The inception of their work turned into reality at the Mumbai International Bike Fair. “We had created a prototype of a cargo bicycle for the exhibit. The bike was far from functional, yet this exercise took our innovative concept further,” Raj tells Midday.Having spent time studying in the US, Raj frequently returned home every six to seven months. Each time he was back, he couldn't help but notice how Mumbai was evolving at a lightning pace. The transformation was palpable – from the modes of transportation to the everyday convenience of Swiggy deliveries. “It became evident to me that the existing transportation infrastructure was ill-equipped to handle the evolving demands of modern delivery services. This prompted me to devise a specialised transport vehicle tailored specifically for efficient and sustainable delivery operations, challenging the status quo of our current systems,” remarks Raj. Also Read: Is your child hooked to screens? Check this digital detox summer camp in BandraUpon returning from college, the team embarked on refining their prototype, a process that extended until late last year. The design, although not revolutionary in appearance, aimed to address the specific needs of urban delivery services. One size fits allNavigating the intricacies of urban mobility, RevolGo has ventured beyond traditional partnerships. Collaborations with Mumbai's iconic Dabbawalas and local businesses like Meena Bazaar underscored their commitment to grassroots impact. Harshaan's emphasis on community-driven initiatives highlights the team’s holistic approach to sustainable urban development.As the cargo bike expands its footprint beyond Mumbai, strategic partnerships and innovative financing models are crucial. Micro-financing schemes that are under process, aim to democratise access to their bicycles, empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs. With manufacturing operations shifting to Delhi and plans for a nationwide expansion, the e-bike’s trajectory signals a promising future for urban mobility solutions.In the middle of rapid growth, RevolGo remains steadfast in its commitment to social impact. Recent collaborations with pet shops, coconut vendors and even potential partnerships with resorts hint at their inclusive approach to mobility solutions. Through diverse partnerships and a relentless focus on innovation, Revolgo continues to revolutionise urban mobility, one pedal at a time. Log on to: revolgo.inCost: Rs 60,000 onwards Also Read: Rent denied to residents for 6 years, 50 illegal flats made in Santacruz society
11 May,2024 11:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi
In just a short span, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has permeated various facets of the real estate ecosystem. From property valuation and market analysis to customer interactions and property management, AI's influence on the realty domain is pervasive. As AI advances rapidly, experts hint that its role in reshaping the real estate landscape is only set to deepen. “Both buyers and sellers are benefiting,” remarks Sandeep Ahuja, CEO of Atmosphere Living: A Bandra-based realty service that works to transform luxury living with customised end-to-end amenities. In a bid to investigate how AI is ushering in a new era of innovation in real estate operations, we dialled up Mumbai-based experts, who uncover the myriad ways AI has revolutionised this sector. How businesses leverage AI in the realm of real estate A growing number of architects are now using AI in their daily operations to streamline space planning and design. Meanwhile, in customer-facing sectors of the realty business, Govind Rai, CEO and co-founder of Andheri-based real estate marketing and data analytics group - Insomniacs Digital, discusses AI's growing presence in his field of work: Automation in communication: This encompasses everything from crafting creatives to implementing intelligent workflow automation tailored as per various customer personas based on factors like location, inquiry timing, family size and preferred language. Virtual experiences: Creating virtual experiences for customers in the virtual reality world and developing digital twins for cities or projects. Predictive customer transaction analysis: Predicting the likelihood of customer transactions with properties through iterative analysis of their interactions at different touchpoints. Real-time call centre assistance: Supporting call centre teams with real-time customer interactions by providing guidance for accurate responses and implementing triggers for prompt and relevant answers. Also Read: Expert analysis on anticipating trends in the real estate market in 2024 Ahuja stresses that investor empowerment will always be the first thing to mention when talking about the impact caused by AI in real estate. When investors are empowered with the knowledge of diverse opportunities available to them in every aspect of real estate investment, that too in real time, the buyer's side of the value chain is forced to upgrade as well. When buyers are more empowered, they are more aware of the offerings that the market is truly offering to them, not just in terms of returns from an investment, but also crucial details extracted from mountains of documentation that could be highly tedious for buyers. “I think it's safe to say that the decision-making being simplified on all sides of the value chain has been one of the primary ways in which AI is transforming the segment,” he adds. Lucy Roychoudhury, CEO of Runwal Bliss, a prominent real estate developer in Mumbai specialising in residential, commercial, and organised properties, emphasises that AI is changing the industry at a lightning pace. From personalised property searches to recommendations, AI has significantly enhanced the homebuyer's experience. Moreover, AI's applications extend beyond customer-facing interactions, proving invaluable in studying business analytics. Role of AI in shaping Mumbai‘s estate market Commenting on how AI has been an integral factor in the execution of various real estate projects in Mumbai, Roychoudhury remarks that AI has helped in developing an understanding of market trends, price dynamics and demand patterns in different micro markets within the metropolitan. “It has been useful in figuring out the impact of infrastructure development on demand, shifting consumer preferences, locations in demand, etc. Take, for instance, the growing demand in hotspots like Kanjurmarg, Dombivli, Navi Mumbai and other burgeoning areas, which AI can analyse to facilitate well-informed choices,” she outlines. Ahuja reveals that in addition to the data analysis and investor empowerment brought about by AI, it has also played a huge role in the sheer luxury offered to buyers. The resultant effect is that the luxury real estate market of Mumbai now offers a lifestyle that might have been unimaginable just a decade ago. Sophisticated smart home systems connecting exquisite physical luxuries are one example of its application. When it comes to Mumbai’s real estate sector, Rai points out that AI and Big Data play crucial roles in optimising property valuation and investment strategies by analysing vast data sets that include past transaction data, current market conditions, regulatory changes and consumer behaviour trends. For instance, tools like predictive analytics can model property valuations under different market scenarios, thus aiding in investment decisions.With this kind of knowledge available at the fingertips, decision-making processes are enhanced in all directions. “This enhanced investor persona in the real estate market is going to be the reason behind the real tech industry’s boom in the coming years. We envision that anyone who is in the network of value within the real estate industry will soon have options of apps and user interfaces to choose from, for both individual entrepreneurs as well as enterprise clients,” predicts Ahuja. (L-R) Govind Rai, Lucy Roychoudhary, Mr. Sandeep Ahuja Also Read: How do new interconnected roads impact Mumbai's real estate projects in multiple ways? It's algorithmicRai shares how AI algorithms analyse market trends and patterns to help businesses make informed real estate decisions. “By studying historical data points around supply and demand, developers are now gaining an edge by making a sound choice around what configuration would be the best fit for particular land parcels.” For instance, algorithms prove invaluable in projecting profit and loss (P&L) estimates for a specific land parcel, comparing it against data from the Forest Survey of India regarding consumption and considering the planned mixed configuration. Additionally, AI algorithms have made it possible for businesses to “co-pilot” real estate development projects from start to end, highlights Ahuja. “Some of these possibilities opened to us in the sector thanks to innovations in space optimisation and schedule generation.” These solutions offered by AI to the real estate segment today allow businesses to automate large parts of their processes, thereby enhancing efficiency in previously time-consuming tasks such as tenant request management, and lease negotiation. Limitations of AI in real estateTill the time all the data sets are analysed right, with proper attribution given to the variance, there’s no real threat in terms of leveraging AI models, stresses Rai. However, he admits that projections regarding profit and loss (P&L) could be inaccurate if a location has historically experienced a high volume of cash transactions and the appropriate benchmarks are not considered. In such cases, the model might generate entirely erroneous forecasts for those areas and projects. He suggests that in order to develop an effective media mix, the technology employed across the entire ecosystem must be robust enough to capture accurate data and attribution at every stage. Excessive manual intervention at multiple stages can lead to significant deviations in predictions.On the other hand, Roychoudhury highlights that one possible challenge with AI could be rapid evolution. This will require constant correction in integration methods and evaluating the output accordingly. She continues, “another critical aspect of real estate, especially with home buying, has been the emotional involvement with the purchase. Home buying has always been one of the biggest investments anyone ever makes and this is something that developers need to keep in mind. With its digital power, AI analyses projects, location, price, supply, etc factually with hard numbers but without the involvement of any human emotion.” While this is beneficial in terms of analysing data, emotions linked with a purchase decision will also have to be factored in separately to arrive at a holistic conclusion, she adds. To conclude, Ahuja remarks that real estate players must know their limitations as a business that is part of a larger community. “There are numerous aspects of real estate that remain difficult to quantify, and more harder still, collect data for. This factor, in combination with the rapid flux that Mumbai as a city is always in, can make it challenging to rely on data to make predictions too far ahead in the future.” However, with the evolution of the city, the real estate sector is also moving towards more formalisation and more structure at a rapid rate, he informs. Thus, it wouldn’t be wrong to be highly optimistic that India’s real estate market and India’s AI adoption could peak simultaneously, leading to a boom that has rarely been witnessed before in real estate. Effective tools for AI in real estate Several AI tools have proven effectivein Rai's experience, such as predictive analytics platforms and AI-driven CRM systems that offer insights into consumer behavior and sales trends. Tools like Chat-GPT and Google Gemini aid in powering multiple solutions today for real-time decision-making by providing predictive analytics and customer engagement insights, which have significantly boosted operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Accuracy data used in AI-driven decision-making processes Real estate professionals ensure the accuracy and reliability of data by integrating AI with robust data governance frameworks. This involves regular audits, using reliable data sources, and cross-validating AI outputs with market trends and historical data. By centralizing data through an enterprise AI that aggregates and cleans data from multiple sources, the risk of inaccuracies diminishes significantly. Also Read: Equipped with AI skills? You could get a pay hike of over 54 per cent
09 May,2024 03:03 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi
At the southern railway bridge connecting Dadar West to East, Narendra Patil stands at the crossway serving a higher purpose. While pointing to the west side, he announces: “For Andheri, head to the second station – ticket price Rs 10. Fast mein jana hai, toh teen number platform.” Interrupting his speech, a middle-aged woman screams hastily: “Grant Road?” Pat comes the reply: “Mataji, keep to your left and reach platform number 2 for the Churchgate slow train.” What prompted Patil to serve as a human signpost? Before the current layout of parallel foot overbridges, Dadar station had a single straight bridge connecting its platforms. “Back then, all the indicators used to work,” Patil informs this writer while pointing at the southernmost bridge of Dadar station. Post the demolition of the bridge by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) – a new bridge was constructed in 2022. While this served as a respite for crowd management at Mumbai’s busiest railway station – the absence of train indicators has led to confusion and chaos amongst new passengers. “This new bridge is confusing for people, many of them fail to locate the station and run around in circles. Ladies come running, seeking trains for Malad, Virar, Goregaon and Ghatkopar with puzzled faces. It is very frustrating to watch these people struggle.” Upon noticing the widespread confusion due to missing indicators – he complained to the station master “Indicator toh lagao!” The station master conveniently brushed him off by saying: “lagata hu!” Patil knocked on the authorities’ door for eight consecutive days. Despite repeated requests – there was no effort from the railways to install an indicator. “I approached Sawant sahab at platform number 2 and requested him to look into the matter. He shrugged and said: hamare hath mein kuch nahi hai, go speak to municipality or use a bigger jack!” They suggested he consult local ministers, but Patil, being just an average Joe, decided he'd rather not take on on the epic quest of persuading bureaucrats. Frustrated, he took matters into his own hands. “The railway master kept on stalling me, eight days went by and there was not even a single signage. I decided not to wait further.” The next morning, the cement firm worker reincarnated as a train indicator to end commuter woes. Rail doot or Railway messenger Patil has carved out a window for himself from 9.30 to 11:30 (rush hours) when he dictates his ultimate act of rebellion: Before he rides off to work, he guides helpless commuters on platforms and trains. In an interview with this newspaper, he tells Rajendra Aklekar: “I initially tried to help them while on my way to the office. Then a couple of years ago, before the lockdown, I started waiting outside the station on the western side before heading to work and spent some time guiding people.” It has been 26 months since there has been no indicator at the Dadar railway station. This was just before the renumbering of platforms at Dadar station which was not accompanied by appropriate signage and indicators. Therefore, people ended up on the wrong stations due to lack of signposts, informs Patil. “Public sochta hai k main idhar jau ya udhar jau?” He remarks that everyday commuters are well-versed with the routes, however, new passengers are lost without the sign boards. Mumbai’s Dadar Railway Station has always been a dramatic spot for local trains. Numerous episodes of overcrowding, congestion and train accidents have earned it a notorious reputation. Catering to almost 8-10 lakh commuters daily – this station is one the most important and busy junctions where the Western and Central lines of the railway meet. It also is a Terminus and stop for out-station trains. Special Sixties: What is the secret behind Chembur's age-defying grannies? An act of impact Patil had been serving at his spot for the past 15 months when the authorities acknowledged his efforts. What followed was one signboard that went up on December 6, 2023, marking Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birth date. The boards read ‘platforms 2 and 3’ with an arrow pointing towards the respective platforms. “Another board has come up indicating platforms for Churchgate and Virar,” Patil said with a sheepish smile. However, these efforts are still not satisfactory for him and the general public as the font is small and the boards are placed hastily which misses the eyes of travellers. “Laga do na patra..for each platform.. why work half-heartedly? Their promises have failed us and now it has been 26 months with no solution in sight,” exclaims Patil. Dadar’s Good Samaritan “Namaskar...” – Patil greets a middle-aged man in white. An everyday face at Dadar station, people pay him in smiles and greetings for his selfless act. Before the lady clad in a formal suit could open her mouth, he gauged her baffled look and asked: “Kahan jana hai madam?” and later guided her to the desired platform. While guiding lost commuters, he exudes a positive light and has an inviting appeal. Not only is his smile wide, his vision is swift to identify the needy passengers. “Madam I don’t do this to get paid – for that, I have a job,” the Worli resident tells me. As the clock strikes 11.30 am, he hops on to Thane slow local and heads to Mulund where he works to sell cement. “I can do this only in the morning as I have to reach work by Midday. When I will get free – only the lord knows?” he jokes modestly. Man on mission Despite working till late in the night, Patil has a single-track mind to get back to Dadar station every morning and impart his duties (like clockwork). A daily commuter of Mumbai local, he is well-versed with the routes. “Doing this gives me immense satisfaction,” he remarks. Despite him giving free service – the railway authority has not taken cognizance of the missing indicator. The inconvenience remains ignored and people continue to rely on his directions to reach their destination. In our brief interaction, at least a dozen people greeted him, and another dozen followed his directions with obedience. Serving as a commuter’s guardian, Patil is an angel of a higher order. How long will he go on? “I will stop when the indicator goes up,” says the man on a mission. Also Read: Outrage in Santacruz’s Khotwadi: Builder denying transit rent for 6 years, erected 50 illegal flats
09 May,2024 01:52 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi
Many Mumbaikars who travel by road daily either by public or private transport may curse at the never-ending traffic that leads to them getting late to work but not Gaurav Kumar. Kumar has found a solution – he combines his love for guitars and sound with his need to travel for work. The Mumbai-based engineer, who travels from Thane to Andheri plays the guitar every time he is stuck at the Saki Naka traffic signal. “Everybody knows that the Saki Naka signal is the worst signal in Mumbai, and we end up spending at least 30 – 45 minutes there daily,” shares Kumar, who is an electrical engineer and insurance professional living in the city since 2008. Everybody who has lived in Mumbai long enough knows how it is infamous for its traffic and that only gets worse in different areas of the city including Malad, Goregaon and Andheri – all of which have offices, that people travel to from different parts of the city. Mumbaikars travel from as far as Virar in the north to Thane in the east and even Churchgate in the south. The vehicles come from all over make it a total hodgepodge at Andheri, particularly at the Saki Naka signal, as Kumar has experienced. However, most people have just accepted their fate and bide their time on the phones or talking to someone. With his love for the guitar and his love for electrical engineering, the 40-year-old decided to do something about it. Finding bliss in Andheri It all started when a little over two years ago, Kumar was approached by his former boss to join him on a project that involved creating a health insurance plan for a state bank in the western suburb. However, at the time, the Mumbaikar, who moved to the city in 2008, after completing his degree in engineering in Himachal Pradesh, didn’t want to work and instead wanted to start something of his own. “He said, ‘you give me two years because after that even I am retiring and maybe even I will join you’. Being a pioneer in the field of health insurance, I was convinced and said let’s do it. So, I had to travel for two years from Thane to Andheri near the Mumbai International Airport. From Thane to there, it is madness because you had to spend two-two and a half hour in travel time. Most people leave office at 6:30 pm – 7 pm and at that time Mumbai’s most infamous signal is the one at Saki Naka. I used to wait at the signal for about 45 minutes and even one hour. If I practice for 45 minutes every day, I will become a really good guitarist,” shares Kumar. Armed with his electrical engineer knowledge and love for the guitar, Kumar decided to make a guitar cable. He explains, “It is one that is a 6.3 mm plug and goes into a guitar on one end and on the other end, I cut it off, and connected an earphone jack, and put it into the car amplifier and it gave a nice overdriven sound.” After that, every time Kumar was at Saki Naka signal, he started removing his guitar, which had found its place in the back seat, and started playing or practicing it. While it was earlier only limited to him playing alone, soon his friends started joining him on his journeys and on one such trip, they shot a video, that showcases Kumar at his best. “My team was in the car, and I told them ‘I will show you something’ and then I played ‘Sultans of Swing’ by Dire Straits,” adds Kumar. Also Read: Meet this 15-year-old Mumbai sailor who is making India proud around the world While that has been the case for the last two years, Kumar still continues to do it every time he goes to Andheri – which is mostly once every week. He shares, “I continue to do it whenever I travel to Andheri. One of my guitars is permanently in the car. I also have a small amplifier that runs on six AA batteries; I also have a charger that charges my batteries, but the amplifier is also always in the car.” While he may not always have recorded videos, it is certainly a stress buster for the Mumbaikar who picked up the guitar very late in his life at 24 years in 2008, compared to most other people. While Kumar fell in love with music and the guitar because of Pink Floyd, he takes the liberty to play different kinds of things like practicing his scales. Falling in love with the guitar Interestingly, Kumar’s journey with the guitar did start over 15 years ago but it was when he was in college at the National Institute of Technology in Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur. Kumar reveals, “All the projects I worked on in college were naturally inclined towards sound and processing of sound.”With people from all over India coming to the college, he was introduced to different kinds of music in his fourth year of college and English rock band Pink Floyd was one of them. “I was inclined towards them because I believe nobody can beat their sound quality level,” the electrical engineer in him explains. It was also around this time that he first picked up the guitar and more particularly the Strat electric guitar and absolutely loved the sound and has never looked back since then. After coming to Mumbai, he started working at the Tata power plant but the itch to buy a guitar started to develop and it only increased after watched the film ‘August Rush’. “I took a day off from my work and went to Marine Lines in Churchgate and bought a Chinese acoustic guitar,” shares the Mumbaikar, who says at the time he didn’t even know how to tune the guitar but really wanted to learn how to play his favourite song ‘Coming Back to Life’ by Pink Floyd. It is also when he actually fell in love with the sound of the English band. Going into a rabbit hole of reading research papers on the different kinds of electronic devices they use including works by the eminent record producer Alan Parsons. He adds, “I knew every tiny bit of detail of Pink Floyd’s rig – how the amplifier is, what tubes are there, what kind of guitar and string gauge they had – everything.” Also Read: Looking for Mumbai's biggest Harry Potter fan Eye for detailYou can call the electrical engineer a guitar nerd because even though he went on to study further at IIM Lucknow, he used to go back to his Yamaha electric guitar and even had a digital Fender Mustang amplifier to beat the competitive environment on campus. While playing the guitar, he was also studying music theory online and started to go deeper into it. The real bug to build his own custom-made devices really came in when he joined Raymond’s car parts division as the head of strategy. Being a bachelor at the time, he stayed in a rental apartment and being obsessed about electrical parts, his house looked like a garage. “I used to finish work at 5 pm and work till 2 am to build my custom-made amplifier. I was sourcing parts from 13 countries at that time. I wanted to make a guitar amplifier, a guitar cabinet and a stereo amplifier, a transmission line speaker and pedals. After one year, I made a guitar amplifier that is the exact replica of what David Gilmour (of the Pink Floyd) still uses today.” Meeting several like-minded people in the guitar community, Kumar started getting orders to make amplifiers and in two years from then, he started a brand Insignia Hi-Fi from 2015-2017, and everything used to usually get sold in one month. With an ear for refined sound, he has built transmission line speakers over the years, and currently has speakers weighing 100 kilograms each in his home studio, and two base amplifiers too. “To make this amplifier, I contacted the author of the research paper who is an 85-year-old from Denmark, who is a music director and engineer. To my surprise, he replied to email after one month.” While he said he was too old to make chart on a computer, so he would draw it and send it to him. “After 10 days, I received a post in which there were 15 – 20 pages of the circuit diagrams to help me make it,” adds an extremely grateful Kumar. Six years later, Kumar who became obsessed with collecting guitars now boasts of 15 guitars in his home. Over the years, he has even dabbled with music as he released an instrumental psychedelic rock music album ‘Beyond The Horizon’ (2017) digitally and produced 1,000 CDs with his group of friends as a band called Grooved Cranial Highway. “It is a total analogue recording and nothing digital in it,” boasts Kumar. The Mumbaikar is onto his next venture of setting up a software company, but not without an interest in guitar and sound that with only grow louder even if it means at a traffic signal in Mumbai. Also Read: 80 percent of content creators experience stress at least once every week
09 May,2024 09:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoOnline music streaming app Spotify released a first-of-its-kind research, ‘Audio: Where Creators Come To Pause,' earlier today. The report puts the spotlight on the daily lives and challenges of India’s content creator community, and how they deal with emotions. The study, conducted with musicians, podcasters and social media content creators in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, presents a comprehensive understanding of creators’ mental well-being. Nearly 80 percent of the respondents experience excessive stress or pressure in their work at least once every week, reveals the study. Content creator Dolly Singh remarks, "Nowadays, it’s important for creators to realise that we need time to distance ourselves from the screens, from social media and think about how much toll it’s taking on our mental health.” Key findings from the research: There are five main types of challenges that content creators deal with: Intellectual: The constant need to keep up with changing algorithms and posting frequencies builds high pressure to post content regularly.Emotional: Negative feedback and comments significantly affect creators’ self-esteem, with nearly 40 percent facing ‘fear of the future’.Physical: Almost 40 percent of creators spend more than 3 hours a day to make content, leading to exhaustion and an adverse impact on health.Social: Creators face loneliness and isolation within their circles, with nearly 65 percent of them feeling inadequately supported by the creator community.Financial: Content creation is not always financially rewarding, especially during the early stages. Creators also shared coping mechanisms and practices, including the pivotal role of consuming audio, to navigate their content creation journey. The research reveals that audio plays a key role in coping with these challenges with 50 percent of the respondents using music as a coping mechanism. Additionally, 7 out of 10 creators agree that music, podcasts audiobooks and guided meditations help them deal with stress. For actor and comedian Mallika Dua, “One of my greatest joys in life is music, it’s a big part of self-care and my way to gain inner peace. Music is like a person who is always with me in my room, making sure I never feel alone”. Indie Ingenuity: How DIY music creators thrive beyond record labels Women creators are feeling overwhelmed Female content creators are more likely to feel stressed (33 percent) than their male counterparts (20 percent). In lines with the findings of the research, celebrity chat show host and producer Sneha Menon Desai concedes, “If my reel doesn’t hit the 10,000 mark then there is a bit of anxiety in me.” A similar pattern is also seen in the creators from the age group of 30-45 years (35 percent) compared to 18-29-year-olds (24 percent). Nearly 45 percent of the respondents feel that their current coping mechanisms are ineffective and are facing a range of need gaps, including inclusive and accessible support tools like therapy and counselling, and a safe space where creators can have open conversations while being vulnerable and protecting their privacy. Vasundhara Mudgil, Head of Communications, Spotify India, said, “Content creators are part of an industry where the entry barriers are low, burnout is always just around the corner, and constant comparison with other creators is common. The Spotify study highlights some of the most relevant issues that the creator community in India faces, and the role that audio plays in supporting their overall well-being. Through this initiative, and on-ground sessions with mental health experts, we want to encourage the creator community to see audio, and Spotify, as a place where they can come to pause”. Also Read: What women in Indian hip-hop owe to rap music
08 May,2024 03:45 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi
With Mother's Day around the corner, we sat down with Sagrika and Gaurika Rai, the dynamic mother-daughter duo steering Banarasi textile heritage in Mumbai. Under the peaking sun at Marine Lines, their workstation is brimming with fabrics for bridal lehengas, odhnis, dupattas and exquisite couture waiting to undergo tailored fittings. Owning two decades of expertise in hand-woven silk, the store Warp 'n Weft was once just a fantasy dreamt by a conceiving mother. Sagrika (the mother) takes us back to 1997 when echoes of Kashi began to stir within her. Back then, at the age of 26, her womb had come to fruition when she got hooked on the idea of slow luxury wrapped in Indian handloom. “While enjoying the bliss of motherhood,” she reminisces, “what haunted me often were the refined textiles of Banaras.” Tracing these visceral images, she attributes them to the company of karigars whom young Sagrika spent her formative years with. As time unfolded, she bore witness to their craftsmanship on the soft weaves of katan, mulberry, muslin and other dainty fabrics. - Giving birth to ideas - Forward to the year 1997 when her daughter Gaurika was born, Sagrika reveled in the quiet it brought. “The solace between me and my daughter prompted me to kind of figure out what I want to do in life,” she tells this writer. “I would pack Gaurika in her little seat and drive around the town to go store-hopping in search of handcrafted fabrics.” As a young woman living in Bombay in the late nineties, Sagrika learned that there was a “complete vacuum of good textiles” in the Maximum City. It was upon gauging the fabric gap, that this Banaras-born couturier found her calling. ‘Marrying the handloom artistry from Banaras with unabashed glamour became our motto,’ recounts Sagrika, who recently draped Alia Bhatt, Chitrangada Singh, Raveena Tandon and other big screen divas in the quintessential silk sarees. Bollywood actresses Hema Malini and Soha Ali Khan dressed in custom Warp 'n Weft ensembles. Pics/Warp 'n Weft Also Read: How this Mumbai mom duo is lending a healthy twist to traditional Indian snacks The store’s long-standing relationship with indigenous artisans remains unchallenged. Since its inception till today, the brand has maintained its collaboration with the same family of craftsmen that it began working with. Recently, they have also been conferred a Geographical Indications (GI) tag by the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Artisans in Banaras weaving yarn on looms to craft exquisite fabrics. Pics/Warp 'n Weft - Working as a mother-daughter duo - Gaurika’s take Gaurika jumps in to shed light on the mother-daughter jugalbandi. “I joined my mother last year and just to give a bit of a background, I'm a business student so I don't come from the world of textiles.” With no formal education in fashion or design, the 27-year-old is not at a disadvantage. Having grown up in the world of textiles, weaves and yarn continue to run in her blood. Yet, this Gen Z takes the legacy further with her prowess in business strategy and marketing communications to expand the atelier’s philosophy. Reflecting on how it is to collaborate with her mom daily, she says: “Creatively, my mother's guidance remains paramount, and I continue to learn from her expertise. However, in other facets of the business, particularly those aligned with my education and work experience, the transition feels more seamless.” At Warp ‘n Weft, their signature weaves include Shikargahs, Rangkats, Guldavaris, Gyasar, Khinkhwabs, Jamdanis, and Ektaras among others which make it a very colourful place to work at, admits Gaurika. “It's a smooth amalgamation of the influence from my upbringing and the application of my academic knowledge. This blend allows me to access not only my IQ but also my creative and emotional intelligence.” Also Read: A photo exhibition in Colaba narrates the tale of women who don Parsi Gara aesthetics View this post on Instagram A post shared by Warp 'n Weft by Sagrika Rai (@warpnweftbysagrikarai) Sagrika’s take “Gaurika joining me has been the biggest reward in my career. Previously, while I worked for the artisans and weavers, there was a sense of solitude. However, with Gaurika by my side, there's now a newfound energy and camaraderie, knowing that I'm not alone in this journey,” confesses Sagrika. She continues by saying that now it feels like they're two minds, and four hands, and their synergy brings an abundance of creativity to the table. “With both of us involved, the tasks I used to manage and pursue alone now carry double the passion. Everything feels amplified and intensified,” she adds. Sagrika has a different view of her daughter. “If Gaurika says she's not creative, I wouldn't buy that. If your roots lie in Banaras, you are bound to have the little ingredients of culture, which include not just the colours of textiles, but also the colours of the ghats, Ganges river, sunrise and sunsets, funeral pyres, temples and the dances.” Renowned as the UNESCO epicenter of arts and creativity, the “city of lights,” (as Banaras is popularly called) bestows upon its residents a profound shade of cultural finesse. Sagrika remembers how she used to nudge her daughter to pursue arts fiercely. “Even though she studied finance, I kept telling her to study arts and music. Now that I look back, I think her decision to study finance was sound.” As far as creativity is concerned, the mother believes that ‘history is repeating all over again’ as Gaurika continues to grasp the technicalities of the field. “I had to take on the legacy. Especially now that the company is 27 years old and is more of an institution now than just a fashion brand,” remarks the fresh face of Warp ‘n Weft. A skilled artisan in Banaras works on yarn to intricately weave silk sarees, mastering the art of warp 'n weft. Pics/Warp 'n Weft - Manifesting a design on fabric - “A design always follows an inspiration,” articulates the senior Rai, “It could be a thought, it could be just a word that you may use in your interview today with me that may leave me thinking, okay, is that a possibility, how do I translate it?” However, she concedes that this inspiration is followed by a highly technical process. It's commonly assumed that handloom weaving is simple because it's handmade, but that's not accurate. In reality, it involves intricate science and mathematics, surpassing even the complexity of embroidery. In embroidery, you can simply sketch your design on paper and convey it to the artisan who can then create it. However, weaving operates differently. It adheres to a grid system, particularly with handlooms, where the movement of shuttles and the interlacing of yarns by needles (bobbin weft) follow specific patterns, she informs. “The grid, measured in centimeters and millimeters, must be precisely interpreted for the pattern to be translated. Even when designing on paper, it's not solely about artistic skill; one must also grasp the intricacies of the loom,” stresses Sagrika. Then, the design is translated accordingly at the workshops where artisans sit in Banaras. It's a collaborative effort between the Sagrika, the designers and the weavers. “Even when I hire textile designers, I emphasise that they comprehend the mechanics of the loom to execute the design effectively. This meticulous aspect is perhaps why I gravitated towards looming effortlessly; its inherent structure kept me mentally stimulated and engaged,” Sagrika tells Midday. When asked about how challenging it is to manifest a design on a piece of fabric, she differs by saying, “I don't perceive these as challenges or limitations of handloom; rather, they are nuances that assist us in structuring our vision. They enable us to methodically realise our dream of bringing a bit of Banaras to Bombay.” Also Read: Bollywood fashion designers reveal how to combine fashion with sustainability
08 May,2024 12:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie RizviRenowned Urdu litterateur and academician, Shaikh Abdussalam Abdurrazzaq, famous by his pseudonym Salam Bin Razzaq, passed away at his residence in Navi Mumbai after a prolonged illness, a family friend said here on Tuesday. Razzaq was 83 and is survived by his wife, daughter, son, plus several grandchildren and great-grandkids. The last rites were performed at the Marine Lines cemetery in Mumbai in the presence of a large number of family members, friends, and literary figures. Razzaq won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu literature for his acclaimed short stories collection, ‘Shikasta Buton Ke Darmiyan’, in 2004. Born in 1941 at Panvel in Raigad district, Razzaq had a very humble beginning in life. He was deeply inspired by the trials and travails of the common masses which reflected in his writings, both prose and poetry. Many of Razzaq’s popular characters in his literary narratives were based on the commoners around him, encountering and conquering ordinary problems in life in their quest for survival. He shot to relevance in the 1970s, when Urdu fiction was receding in popularity. Over four dozen of his stories were broadcast on All India Radio, while more than a dozen of them are prescribed in the syllabi of school, college, and university students. Working as a municipal school teacher in Navi Mumbai in the early part of his career, he also wrote three major collections of short stories, including two in Urdu and one in Hindi, and translated several Marathi fictions into Urdu, besides being a chronicler of the communal riots. Over his long literary career spanning more than six decades, Razzaq was decorated with honours like the Sahitya Akademi Award, Ghalib Award, Maharashtra Urdu Sahitya Akademi Award, and many more. Top figures from the Urdu literary fraternity, academicians, and others have condoled the demise of Razzaq, many terming it the ‘end of an era in Urdu literature’. Some of Razzaq’s literary creations include ‘Nangi Dopahar Ka Sipahi’, ‘Muabbir’, and ‘Zindagi Afsana Nahin’, among others. 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
07 May,2024 10:04 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSProtesters in New York converged near the Met Gala 2024 on Monday in a rally against the ongoing war in Gaza, leading to several arrests, police said. Among the rallying points were the gates of Columbia University, which has been the center of spreading demonstrations, before protesters marched through Manhattan to American fashion's biggest night -- or at least as close as police would let them. The Met Gala, which attracts celebrities, fashion designers and mass media attention, is a yearly mammoth fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. It was unclear how many arrests were made as stars walked the carpet and posed for photos, but AFP journalists confirmed several arrests while the New York Daily News reported the number was about a dozen, out of hundreds that gathered near the soiree. Organisers on X, formerly Twitter, posted a flier for an event dubbed as the "Citywide Day of Rage for Gaza." Monday's protest appeared unconnected to the demonstrations that have rocked Columbia's campus, culminating in the university calling the police to clear out student protesters. Despite growing concern from a number of young voters and some members of Joe Biden's Democratic Party over the growing civilian death toll, the president has continued to support US ally Israel in its war in Gaza. Under domestic pressure from the left and the right in an election year, Biden has tried to walk a thin line, pushing for a ceasefire deal and warning Israel not to invade the Gazan city of Rafah -- though he has not stopped US arms from flowing to the country or conditioned future aid. Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Militants also abducted 250 hostages on October 7, of whom Israel estimates 128 remain in Gaza, including 35 whom the military says are dead. Vowing to destroy Hamas, Israel launched a retaliatory offensive that has killed at least 34,735 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. Also Read: Meet the mother-daughter duo reviving Banarasi handloom legacy in Mumbai
07 May,2024 02:06 PM IST | Mumbai | AFPMore than 80,000 employees in the technology sector have lost jobs in the first four months this year, and layoffs continue to haunt the overall startup ecosystem globally. Latest figures from layoff.fyi, a portal that tracks tech sector job cuts, 279 tech companies have sacked 80,230 employees to date (till May 3). In 2022 and 2023, tech companies worldwide laid off more than 425,000 employees, as global slowdown hit the IT/Tech and the startup ecosystem. In a latest job cut, US customer experience management platform Sprinklr sacked about 116 employees. Exercise equipment and fitness company Peloton this week announced to lay off 15 per cent of its workforce (about 400 employees). Google also laid off about 200 employees from its core teams in a reorganisation move, according to reports. In fresh job cuts, Elon Musk-run Tesla laid off hundreds of employees, weeks after reducing 10 per cent (or 14,000 people) from its global workforce. The tech billionaire disbanded the entire Tesla charging team in the new layoff round. In India, ride-hailing platform Ola Cabs has started a restructuring process that will impact at least 10 per cent of its workforce. Also Read: In 2023, 417 tech firms lay off over 1.2 lakh employees in January-February alone 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
04 May,2024 01:50 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
