Rupesh Sangale, a theatre maker, recollects a memory from his childhood of watching the Nandiwalas perform. He remembers the sound of the bells, the sight of the decorated Nandi bull cut-outs, and the beating of the drum. “Nandiwala is a style of folk storytelling, a lok kala that uses art forms like puppetry, music, and dance to tell stories,” Sangale tells us. This makes it a dynamic style that calls upon its audience to participate. Children tend to find joy in it the most, possibly because it keeps up with the energy they bring to any room. Inspired by the potential of this style, Sangale decided to put together a show called Gubu Gubu with the Gillo Repertory Theatre. The play is about a hardworking and honest farmer whose landlord, Saheb, tries to exploit him. But as it unfolds, we see the farmer use his intelligence and his knowledge of the crops to escape the exploitation. When we try to prod him to find out the significance of the title, Sangale refuses to reveal. “It’s a surprise. The audience must come and experience the play to figure out,” he says. Rupesh Sangale He also promises that despite being written in Marathi, it will delight and arrest the attention of those who aren’t familiar with the language. The various elements have been arranged in a manner that makes the play interactive. “The audience is a crucial part of it at each stage. I am not the sole performer,” he adds, recognising the power of an actively engaged audience in performances such as these. At the beginning, he, therefore, plans to invite them to enter the story. “Aapko bhi mere saath kahani mein aana hi padega” (You, too, will have to step into this world and experience it with me). Observing how children respond to performances like these, he shares how it was necessary to transform monotonous narration of a story into a theatrical show. Children get excited by the various moving parts that have been included. “They are curious to know how puppets talk. They are very playful. Stories hold their attention; music and dance hold their attention,” he notes. Sangale believes that the theme will leave the kids growing up in urban environments with something to reflect on as well. “We all have some roots that go back to a rural setting, whether that is through our parents or grandparents. We must know where the food on our plate comes from,” he adds, before he returns to his rehearsals for the big day. ON April 28; 5 and 7 pmAT Prithvi House, 20, Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road, Juhu.LOG ON TO bookmyshow.com COST Rs 200
25 April,2024 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaEvery now and then, I find the urge to hit the off-tread track. As a collector of quirky pop-culture prints, I stumbled upon an interesting collection from Wanemerch. Their merchandise is perfect for the ongoing election season. My pick was a design that combined two universes: the quartet of Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai, EV Periyar and Dr Ambedkar walking the road crossing made famous by The Beatles’ album cover. My voting day outfit is set. LOG ON TO wanemerch.blinkstore.in COST Rs 499
25 April,2024 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThursday Bask in poetryEvent: Savour the magic of poetry with three talented writers in Aditya Jadhav, Varsha Panikar and Saranya Subramanian for an evening of evocative verse and introspection.Time 7.30 pmAt APRE art house, 3rd Pasta Lane, Colaba. Log on to insider.in Cost Rs 399 Friday Photographs from the exhibition on sangeeta bari kala kendras. Pics Courtesy/Kunal Vijayakar Flourish in culturePerformance: Groove to the traditions of Lavani at a one-day festival by BSpot Productions that includes a play, photo exhibition and a Lavani workshop. Time 5 pm onwards at Prithvi Theatre, Juhu Church Road, Juhu. Call 9892009357 Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 500 onwards Saturday Pic Courtesy/Instagram Sample urban history Walk: Take in the history, urban legends and stories that define the Fort district of Mumbai’s downtown neighbourhood in this weekend walk with conservation architect Mallika Kheer. It will end it with breakfast at Café Military.Time 8 am to 10.30 am Meeting point revealed upon registration Call 8591390149Cost Rs 900 Learn the green way of lifeFood: If sustainability is your thing, drop by for a one-day exhibition that brings together food and fashion sustainability and conservation.Time 11 am to 7 pmAt The Quorum Mumbai, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. Free TesseracT at a performance. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons Rock to the beatsMusic: A good weekend is incomplete without great music. Join metalheads as they move to the riffs of Brit alt-rock band TesseracT on the India leg of their album tour.Time 7 pm onwards At Phoenix Market City, LBS Marg, Kurla West. Log on to skillboxes.com Cost Rs 1,999 onwards Sunday Chuckles in the suburbsComedy: It might be tough to avoid a giggling bout as Siddharth Shetty opens his solo act, Phack You Avocado, in his home suburb of Mira Road. From middle-class quirks to food habits, learn about how the other side of Mumbai lives.Time 6 pm at Some Place Nice, Mira Road. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 299 Sign up for graffitiArt: As graffiti takes over the streets of Mumbai, get a taste of what it is to be a street artist with this workshop that teaches you on the art of spray painting, shaping and colours. Time 4 pm to 6 pm At Cafe Calma, The Shalimar Hotel, Kemps Corner. Log on to troveexperiences.com Call 8262916889 Cost Rs 2,500 (paint cans included)
25 April,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarOn a weekend when Mumbaikars donned their trendiest costumes to grace the popular annual superhero convention in Bandra, the scenes at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Borivali offered a different kind of convention in the outdoors. Like every weekend, it’s where naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts, armed with cameras and bicycles as their props, gather to explore the national park. Last Sunday, we joined their ranks by signing up for a summer buggy tour that promised an introduction to four unique tourist spots inside the park. We were greeted by a group of young cyclists making their way back from a tiring trail, evident from the exhaustion on their faces. Not far away, a fleet of eight parked buggies caught our eye. As we struck up a conversation with a driver about the 2.5 km-long ride and purchased a pass (R50 per adult), the buggy started filling with tourists like us. With six passengers on board, we rolled into the main area of the park. The buggy embarks on the trip “Keep an eye out for wild animals. If it’s your lucky day, you might spot a deer,” the driver announced as we approached the half kilometer-mark on the trail. A kilometre, and no deer sightings later, we halted at the first stop — the Cat Orientation Centre. The driver showed us the way and instructed us to explore the museum and rendezvous at the entrance in 10 minutes. The two storeyed viewing gallery is dotted with life-sized replicas of wild cats made using fibre. Paired with information panels on the walls, they introduced us to lesser-known wild cats such as the Eurasian lynx and the caracal. We were drawn to an installation that presents the distinct features of a wild cat like its whiskers, paws and claws in a dissected form. What makes a wild cat’s claw different from a domesticated cat, and what exactly do those whiskers even do? Just as we begin to delve into the answers, a loud whistle echoes in the room. It was time to move out. With the short 10-minute limit, and a plethora of information to take in, having to leave the space without fully exploring it might have been a writing on the wall we missed. Young cyclists take a break from their ride at the park Back in the buggy, the driver, trained in the basic workings of the tour, briefed us about the concept of taxidermy as we navigate the smooth, winding roads inside the park. For the uninitiated, the process involves skinning a dead animal, measuring its carcass to recreate it using fibre and finally, stretching the skin over it. The results of the tedious process are displayed at the Taxidermy Centre, our second halt. A guide at the centre walked us through the various exhibits. We learned that the skins are sourced from animals who die a natural death in national parks spread across India and then worked on by Dr Santosh Gaikwad, professor of anatomy, Bombay Veterinary College, Parel. A guide within the space walked us through the collection of more than 200 exhibits, including a lion who infamously devoured an attendant and later died a natural death in the park. The walls are lined with birds ranging from sparrowhawks and the slaty-legged crake to the Indian cuckoo and peacocks. The newest addition to the collection, is a young spotted wildcat from the park. “Most visitors took a few selfies with these exhibits and left without enquiring deeper. We wished more people asked about the stories behind them,” our guide reveals, as we reached the end of the gallery. An installation of the Eurasian lynx We walked out feeling a mix of intrigue, fascination and the heebie-jeebies. The next stops — the orchidarium and a fragrance garden — would be a pleasant change of scenery, we hoped. The excitement didn’t last longer than our ride to the next spot. The driver informed us that the two spots that usually house a vibrant sea of orchids and flowers are barren during this time of the year. This was a downer since both locations were clearly mentioned in the publicity material that we referred to before signing up for this buggy trail. It was a disappointing end as we reached the drop-off point of our ride that was a few metres away. Later, we reached out to our fellow tourists for their verdict. A young consultant who was visiting the park for the first time voiced his concerns, “As a first-timer, I was a little lost at the gate and it was nice to have someone show you around. But I wish the stipulated time for viewing each spot was longer. A 10-minute exploration cannot suffice.” An older couple who’ve been regulars to the park for over a decade, echoed similar sentiments, “We wish the ride covered more areas. We were especially looking forward to the orchidarium. At best, this was a good respite from walking in the heat.” Over a short call with Shubham Hadkar, nature education officer, SGNP, we learned that the orchidarium, while open to the public throughout the year, blooms during the monsoons. He assured that both the orchidarium and the fragrance garden will be a part of the tour as soon as late May. We learned that transparent covers can be attached to either side of the buggies, allowing them to remain functional during the monsoons. Hadkar suggested an alternative for tourists visiting earlier than the blooming season — a tiger and lion safari spread across 40 hectares of land that is open all year, and offers the opportunity to spot the big cats. With the anecdote of the taxidermised lion still fresh in our mind, we deem it an adventure fit for another day and sign off. ON Tuesday to Sunday; 9 am to 5.30 pm AT Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East.CALL 7020141522 (for queries) COST RS 94 (park entry fees); RS 50, (buggy pass for adults); RS 25 (kids below 12 years old) Also check out Sign up for these upcoming events for a fun exploration of the forest Bombay #Runs: Join this close-knit community of foodies and runners who will be organising a run at the park on the last Sunday of every month.ON April 28; 9.30 amMEETING POINT Arundhati Bungalow, Krishna Nagar, Borivali East.FREE Cycle to Kanheri: Pedal through the green lanes of the park with this guided cycling tour that makes a halt at the 2nd century Buddhist caves.TIME 7.15 am to 12 noon (daily)LOG ON TO treksandtrails.orgCOST Rs 699 Jambhulmal Trek: This beginner’s trek to the highest point in the national park will help you learn about unique species of plants. TIME 6.30 am to 12.30 pmLOG ON TO treksandtrails.org (dates available on request) Salim Ali Point Trail: Learn the basics of birding at this guided trail to the Salim Ali Point.ON April 28; 8 amCALL 8591318027ENTRY Rs 450 (members) Rs 550 (non-members) Buggy tour guidebook Dos:. Stick to the route demarcated for the tour and avoid venturing into unknown trails alone. Wear dull, earthy clothing and avoid wearing heavy accessories. If you feel unwell, stop at one of the many protection huts in the park. Consult a park attendant in case of unusual sightings or encounters Don’ts:. While photography is allowed, avoid using flash. Do not feed the animals; allow them to forage for it on their own. Avoid getting close to animals; it reduces the chances of sightings in the future. Do not play loud music on your phone
25 April,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleTucking into spoonfuls of aamras in Mumbai’s sweltering heat is a silver lining that’s reason enough to make summer feel a shade better. Add puris to the mix, and you have one of the most eagerly awaited dishes to indulge in. Mango fans from across the city suggest their favourite haunt to relish this addictive combo. The end result is a sweet mix of offbeat, traditional and new-old spaces. The Guide’s Top picks from around town: The Maharashtrian way Cloud kitchen Laxmi’s Puran Poli by home chef Laxmi Varma is delivering across homes in the city the Maharashtrian staple with aamras — puran poli, with a dollop of ghee.Log on to laxmispuranpoli.com (delivers in and around Navi Mumbai).Cost Rs 40 (puran poli); Rs 140 (aamras) Whiff of saffron The cloud kitchen’s special aamras is saffron-infused and comes topped with pistachios.At Good Food Concept, Worli. (delivery across the city and suburbs)Call 9820842525Cost Rs 275 (includes four puris) Playful mix Indulge in aamras made of a mix of mango varieties like alphonso, payri, Karnatak Badami and Lalbaug; all sourced from local sellers at APMC market in Navi Mumbai. The 1996-established trust in the midst of Lonavala also serves unlimited aamras puri in a thali for the die-hard mango fans.At Nina Gujarati Thali, Sancheti Lawns, opposite Kumar Resort, Lonavala.Log on to @lonavalalocalCall 9820068611 Cost Rs 280 (unlimited aamras puri in thali); Rs 250 (1 kg aamras) Rs 12 (for extra puri) Healthy, yes! This haunt is famous among fitness enthusiasts for its sugar-free aamras made with organic mangoes. The puris come in both low-oil and phulka varieties.At Dr Amit’s Kitchen, Flavourzy, shop No 4, Ishwar Bhavan Building, Khadilkar Road, Girgaon.Log on to @dramit_kitchen Cost 9820959869 Nostalgic treatThis 73-year-old restaurant right across Girgaon Chowpatty has been serving its good old aamras-puri since its inception in 1951. It prides in continuing to serve the same quality of aamras to family members who are generations apart.At Crystal, near Wilson College, across Girgaon Chowpatty.Cost R125 (for aamras); Rs 25 (for puri)Call 23692482 Spice it upThis one is loved for its in-house signature blend which adds a spicy twist to the otherwise sweet and crispy delicacy.At Metkut, Ghantali Mandir, Thane West. Call 9819433423 Also check out >>Surti, Bhuleshwar Road, Marine Lines East.Cost R125 (includes 5 pieces of puri and aamras) >> Golden Star Thali, Charni Road (take-away only). Cost R295 (300 ml aamras; 5 puris) >> Sujata Upahar Gruha, Thakurdwar, Girgaon.Cost R115 onwards (additional cost for signature fresh mango ice cream) >> Delhi Highway, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort.Cost R549 onwards (for unlimited mango thali which include two mango desserts) >> Tewaris, Borivali; Sion. Call 9022335386 >>Manbhavan Premium Thali, Vasai. Call 9890821999 >> Aaswad Upahar and Mithaigriha, Gadkari Chowk, Dadar West.Call 24451876 >> The Soul Kitchen By Mihika (for a mango meal for two) Cost R1,200 (delivery across the city and suburbs) Call 9967317275 >> Khavayye, Majiwada, Thane West.Call 2235547155
24 April,2024 08:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiSari not sorry, whispered Rakul Preet Singh’s recent appearance in a blush-hued linen sari, which the actor effortlessly paired with a sleeveless white cotton blouse. And, as paradoxical as it may seem, her look spelled summer in so many ways. “That’s the thing with saris — they can lend themselves to a variety of looks, seasons, styles, aesthetics and moods. It all comes down to picking the right one and styling it right,” shares fashion designer Vaishnavi Sagwekar. She breaks down a few parameters to ace that summery sari look. Keep it natural A lightweight chiffon sari, as worn by Sara Ali Khan, makes for an easy-breezy look The best fabrics for the season are cotton and linen, or blends of these fibres. For dressier occasions, you can opt for chiffon or crushed chiffon for a breezy vibe. To create visually interesting looks, she recommends experimenting with colour and texture. “Summer lends itself beautifully to colourful looks. While whites and pastels are evergreen favourites, if your sari is in a lighter fabric, you can opt for darker hues such as purple or wine,” Sagwekar elaborates. Half-sari coolth Fashion designer Vaishali Sagwekar wears a half-sari drape Comfort should be your top priority, especially if you are wearing your sari to work and want to stay cool and chic all day long. Here, you can replace a traditional fitted blouse with a slightly boxy crop top, tee, kurta or even a shirt. If you must wear a blouse, Sagwekar recommends sleeveless designs made of cotton. “A drape that works really well for the summer is the South Indian half-sari. This comprises a sari draped as a skirt, which is paired with a blouse and a slightly longer dupatta that can be draped as a pallu. This style allows you to move freely, is much more breathable than a regular sari drape, and is quite fuss-free,” she adds. Lightweight, high style Replace your blouse with a crop top to stay cool. Add simple accessories like bangles to elevate your look When it comes to accessories, minimal gold and silver pieces score over chunkier, more elaborate styles in the summer months. If you are feeling experimental, beaded or fabric jewellery in floral designs can be an excellent way to breathe a little bohemian flair into your sari ensemble. “When accessorising, focus your attention to one part of your body — for instance, you can skip earrings if you’re wearing a statement necklace. A simple way to add interest, layers and movement to your sari look is with bangles,” Sagwekar signs off.
24 April,2024 08:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulIt is in the middle of a soundcheck that we catch theatremaker Mohit Takalkar for a conversation. The founder of Aasakta Kalamanch, Takalkar is busy preparing for his next production that goes up on the NCPA stage tomorrow. “It is one of the most exhilarating journeys I have been on,” he reveals. The journey he refers to is the adaptation of Love and Information, a play by one of the United Kingdom’s greatest playwrights, Caryl Churchill. The mystery of Churchill lies in the fact that the writer has remained a recluse, leaving barely any information for fans of her writing to add context to her work. The director says, “She has not given any stage directions, presets or scenarios about these conversations and where they are happening. So, it is entirely left to the actor and director’s imagination as to how they build it.” Kashish Saluja and Mahesh Saini The conversations are key to the work, the Pune-based Takalkar remarks, adding that while they can seem random, they are open and layered with multiple possibilities. The team, including 11 actors, will perform vignettes of over 50 scenarios and conversations; some of them as short as five seconds, but none longer than five minutes. Hidden between this flurry of information overload are moments that are key to understanding Churchill’s work. “Love is not what we know it to be. It can dazzle you, and surprise you, only if you spend time with it,” Takalkar points out. He compares it with finding dohas and abhangas by the Indian saints, Kabir and Tukaram, or the wisdom in passing conversations at coffee tables or over dinner: “Or the Japanese haikus. The play sets apart the difference between knowledge, wisdom and information.” Caryl Churchill. Pics Courtesy/BritishCouncil.org Written in 2012, this growing resonance of the work is what drew the director’s attention. “I had read it way back then, but never felt like picking it up. I was always unsure of whether it was a play for actors to showcase their skills,” he shares. The past few years seem to have shifted this perspective. “We are transformed into consumers of, not just information, everything. There, I think, the truth of this play emerges stronger. It is much more profound. But because it is profound, it need not be heavy, philosophical or inaccessible.” Takalkar (left) discusses a scene with Hanspal and Misra To be presented in English, Haryanvi, Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati, Churchill’s conversations will find a more resonant Indian context. Takalkar insists that the production is not a complete adaptation; in that they have retained the pure translation of the dialogues and context of the original work. “The axioms of love that she [Churchill] speaks of are universal. In a country like India that is fragmented by sex, class and caste among other things, we hardly need to create context for these conversations. The work is about humanity in the larger sense.” Moreover, since they are conversations, the languages will flow naturally. Ashish Mehta and Prajesh Kashyap Taking up such a large context for the first time can be a challenge. Yet, this is a conscious move by the playwright. His last work, Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta Ghanta finished in the top 10 best plays in the country at the recently held META awards. “I need to make sure that what I say is meaningful. I have been very careful in choosing my projects in that sense,” Takalkar explains.Having shaped, reshaped and worked with the actors over the last three months, the director admits that it is at an exciting apex. “For every scenario, we have had five different alternatives, read them, learned them, threw them out and brought them back again in the last 10 days. That’s why we call it exhilarating. After this, maybe I just need to let the information sit with me and rest. Perhaps that is best,” he laughs. On Tomorrow and 26, 7.30 pm; April 28, 4 pm and 7.30 pm; April 29, 7.30 pm At Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com; ncpamumbai.com Entry Rs 500 onwards (non-members); Rs 450 onwards (members)
24 April,2024 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarKeep it real Raunak Ramteke, educational content creator, @raunak_ramteke Cracking the algorithm: EVERY six months, people have a new favourite content creator. The audience’s needs and preferences change rapidly and we need to evolve and adapt. The algorithm is nothing but what the audience is interested in. My primary goal is to understand and analyse who my audience is and what they want instead of scrambling aimlessly. If you crack that, you crack the algorithm. Balancing the act: What I love reading, learning or doing is what I post about as content on my page and I believe that is how it should be if you’re in it for the long run. If creating content seems like putting on a façade, you’re doing something wrong. Having a different real life and a reel life is not sustainable. Tip: Start posting today. If it doesn’t work out, utilise the feedback loop to improve rather than overthinking about your content and postponing publishing it. Think, but don’t overthink. Tickle the funny bone Pranit Shilimkar, fitness coach and content creator, @fitnesstalks_with_pranitCracking the algorithm: Relatability, concise humour, and consistency. It can be challenging to consistently find humour in the subjects you talk about, but once you find an idea, it can be the key to beating the algorithm. Having a team that can brainstorm helps a lot. Balancing the act: Diversify into different spaces. I run a start-up that I focus on when I’m not making content for social media. Having something concrete going on for you at all times helps you stay grounded in this cut-throat space. Tip: Adopt an unabashedly positive outlook on yourself and have faith in your diligence. Simply show up each and every day with an open mind. Be content Neha Sharma, illustrator and vlogger, @neha.doodlesCracking the algorithm: Slow down. Getting carried away by positive responses and posting too much and too often can be counterintuitive and reduce your reach. I have also been interacting with my followers through new features like the broadcast channels. Even when I’m not posting, I am sharing stories there that keep me on the good side of the algorithm. Balancing the act: If you’re an artiste, stop looking at everyone as your competition. There is a large enough audience for every style of art that you will eventually find if you stay consistent and real. Tip: Don’t be afraid to let your content evolve with you. Your followers are on a journey with you and will like it if your content reflects your real life instead of sticking to a template. Sync with your fans Shreyaa Kapoor, personal finance content creator, shreyaakapoor_Cracking the algorithm: I read all the messages my followers leave me in the inbox or the comment section. I often find the answer in the bouquets and brickbats I receive there. Understand that the algorithm differs with platforms and time; do not blindly ape what worked for you once. Balancing the act: While you might want to oversee every single detail, try delegating and outsourcing jobs like editing and negotiating brand deals. Content creation involves a lot of screen time and so, I try to limit my exposure outside of work hours. Tip: It is more a mental game than a numbers game. Once you learn to ignore what quantitative data shows, and keep working based on your intuition, there will be nothing stopping you. Limit your screen time when you’re not creating content Content is king . Always have ideas ready to go. In case a reel you made goes viral, you will have a small window to show your new followers you’re consistent. If you fail, you lose them. . The quality of your content matters more than your set-up. My videos didn’t look professional; but they worked because they provided value to the viewers. . Focus solely on your content. Every other supplementary task can be delegated. Always have a list of ideas to pick up from on the go. Representation pics . Set a manageable standard for your content. Don’t get too complex with your work; it might be hard to keep up with going forward. . Make time for analysing your content, studying, and spending time in the real world. These can be good sources of inspiration and feedback. Dhiraj Takri, online spoken English instructor, @dhirajtakri
23 April,2024 07:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIn her book, Empires of the Sea (Pan Macmillan India), maritime historian Radhika Seshan asks: Does water have a history? If it does, how can this be traced? She attempts to answer this by mapping the history of human connections with the sea, drawing a particular focus on the Indian Ocean world, consisting of the sea and the surrounding land. We learn how these connections made trade and the exchange of knowledge possible and how empires used them to assert their supremacy over regions. Here are five facts from the book that offer fascinating insight about Bombay (present-day Mumbai) and its surrounding areas along the Konkan coast: Indian ship on lead coin from the Satavahana Dynasty. Pics Courtesy/Wikipedia.com . During the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century, the English faced numerous problems in Bombay. First, it was an island so it depended on its neighbours in the mainland for supplies. Second, it was a natural harbour but it had caught the attention of the Siddis, a group of Abyssinians employed by the Mughal rulers to keep a check on the activities of the Marathas, during the Mughal-Maratha conflict. There was fear that the Dutch would offer their help to Shivaji to take control of Danda Rajapur and Bombay, and it resulted in the Siddis’ actions causing a shortage of provisions in Bombay. . The Maratha navy was a stronger force in the 18th century. While this began with Shivaji who had involved the Kolis, a caste of fishermen against whom the English had made several derogatory comments, the navy truly grew after Kanhoji Angré assumed power and became the chief. Until Shivaji and Angré, the English had believed the sea to be their domain. Angré launched attacks on their shipping from Vijaydurg located at the entrance to Bombay harbour and the fort of Kolaba. All British counterattacks failed and he remained a threat to the British in Bombay until his death. Radhika Seshan . With certain cities located along the coast, one of the earliest uses of the sea was in the knowledge of the produce, specifically fish. The knowledge-keepers of this were the fishing communities. The Narali Poornima (coconut full moon) festival, celebrated in areas along the Konkan coast, is a great example of how this knowledge would then be preserved in rituals by these communities. Till today, Narali Poornima marks the end of monsoon and announces the time when fishermen can safely hit the seas for their catch. . The knowledge of navigation was often written about by the European travellers, who reportedly were some of the earliest to use the sea as a means to travel to the Indian subcontinent. One would navigate towards and away from the land. In Marathi, she explains, the word for the one who possessed the knowledge of navigation was ‘tandel’. The methods, before the compass was invented, included using “the stars, the colour of the water, and the kinds of birds and fish in different parts of the coast” to get a sense of where one was headed. . Inscriptions in Aihole mention the Battle of Gharapuri between the Mauryans and Chalukyas that occurred on the Elephanta island — at the time known as Puri — near Mumbai. It was the capital of the Konkan Mauryas and acted as an important revenue source for inland trade as well as sea trade. Pulakesin II of the Chalukya kingdom who defeated the Mauryas came to be called the king whose “rule [was] bounded by the three oceans.” There are some inscriptions about attempts made by the Satavahana rulers from Andhra Pradesh to seize Kalyan from the Kshatrapa rulers to gain maritime control. Available Leading bookstores and e-stores World Book Day: Sign up for these events 1. Join a trail based on CSMVS’s Children’s Museum publication, A Mischief of Rats. Check out the kids’ reading corner at the Kahaani Katta under the baobab tree or the online read-along sessions. TIME 11 am AT CSMVS, Fort. LOG ON TO @csmvsmumbai 2. Join reading coach Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta in a discussion with podcaster Shweta Rohira and educator Dr Swati Popat Vats about the benefits and delights of reading at a young age.TIME 5 pm AT Granth Bookstore, Taj Santacruz, Vile Parle. LOG ON TO @granthbookstore 3. This 12-hour online marathon will feature authors like Ramachandra Guha, Romulus Whitaker and Shabnam Minwalla. TIME 9 am onwards LOG ON TO @harpercollinsindia
23 April,2024 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaNeed for open spaces There are few open spaces in the city, so the choice is limited. Most of my nature trails happen during vacations. In Mumbai, my friends and I always prefer Juhu beach. The other spot I love is Priyadarshini Park. I like the open-air grounds since they are not claustrophobic. They are a getaway for me. The Mahalaxmi Racecourse is another lovely open ground. Even in the summers, it gets a cross breeze. Taking that away to make a theme park, I think it will hamper the few open spaces in the middle of the city.Ansh Suri, 15, Parel Breathing clean air The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of my favourite getaways. They are the lungs of Mumbai. They have hiking trails. I like visiting the Tulsi and Vihar lakes in the park. My mom introduced me to this park, and we always make a visit when we need a break. The other discovery was the Ovalekar Wadi in Thane. We recently visited the garden; it has such a diverse variety of butterfly species. Not only was it fun, but it was also educational. It reminds me that we can do so much with water conservation. We must protect our rivers and lakes, especially in the city.Akriti Raj, 13, Andheri Grow more trees I always have so much fun at parks. I usually go to Juhu beach where I like going for a walk and seeing the sunset. I also enjoy visiting the Kaifi Azmi park in the mornings. It is nice to walk on the grass, and soak in the greenery. A family at Juhu Beach There are trees, and it is quieter in the mornings. I think we need to be more mindful and avoid littering. I always notice people throwing things around in the city. Also, the rise of pollution means we need to plant more trees.Aahana Chheda, 13, Andheri A glow of pink I went on a flamingo safari in Airoli last year. I always used to go on treks or safaris out of town, but this was my first time inside the city. We went early in the morning, and we saw so many pink flamingos. A gathering of flamingos in Nerul This is my new favourite nature spot in the city. I also love trekking, so we often head for small treks through Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It is fun to get away from the city. It becomes so quiet inside the park sometimes. that you can hear birdcalls.Agastya Urankar, 15, Kalamboli Call of the hills I love trekking. So, one of the dream treks I am planning on is Kalsubai. But my more recent trip was up Yogi Hills in Mulund. It was a great experience as I went with my friends. It was very exciting. We had so much fun being so connected to nature. The weather was really good; it nearly felt like winter. We went there in the morning, so it was much cooler. Everything changes when you go up the hills. Unlike the roads in the city, these trails are very clean. That is why I feel that we need to work better on keeping the city clean.Deetya Tanna, 13, Mulund Green up with these events >> Flash dance by Nature WarriorsA flash mob of students from the JBCN International School (Parel) will portray the risks of climate change.ON Today; 4.30 pmAT Juhu Beach. >> The Climate ChroniclesPerformers will read a series of short stories that explore our connection with the changing ecosystem.ON April 26; 6 pmAT Coomaraswamy Hall, CSMVS, Fort. >> Climate City ChallengeSign up with the Naturalist Explorers to document the biodiversity of Mumbai.FROM April 26 to 29LOG ON TO @naturalistex >> Dadar Clean-Up DriveJoin the students of Kirti College as they set out to clean up the Dadar Chowpatty (above).ON April 28; 8.30 amAT Dadar Chowpatty, Kirti College Road, Dadar West.LOG ON TO allevents.in
22 April,2024 08:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarFor most Indian households, Cerelac is what Gen Z now refers to as a ‘core memory’ on social media. This ubiquitous brand of baby food is commonly recommended as a nutritious supplement to breast milk for children between six months and two years of age. But, as a recent report by Public Eye, a Swiss investigative organisation revealed, the formula does Indian infants far more harm than good. As per the report, Cerelac sold in India contained 2.7 gms of added sugar and honey per serving — a stark contrast to the UK and German versions that have no added sugar. Although the manufacturer, Nestlé, has claimed to have reduced the amount of added sugars by up to 30 per cent over the past few years, the discrepancy has sparked conversations about if and how baby formula can be safely used by concerned parents, to cater to their children’s nutritional needs. Staying a’breast’ “Breast milk is always the first choice for infants under the age of six months. It should ideally be their only source of nourishment. However, some new mothers struggle with lactation, in which case we refer them to lactation specialists who can guide them about the necessary steps they should take to begin breastfeeding. Medication is also available and should be sought as needed. However, if the mother is unable to produce enough breast milk, or has a health condition that mandates medication which prevents her from breastfeeding, she may be recommended baby formula whose sugar content is equivalent to breast milk. While many mothers opt for cow’s milk, often diluting it to make it palatable to infants, it is not recommended as cow’s milk lacks the folic acid needed to meet a baby’s nutritional requirements,” shares Dr Jayashree Deshpande, a paediatrician and president of Palghar Academy Of Paediatrics. Gradually introduce the baby to boiled and puréed vegetables or fruit in the first year. REPRESENTATION PICS Dr Gauravi Warty-Lokegaonkar, a dentist and mother to a four-year-old adds that what makes the use of baby formula concerning is that new mothers are taught to indiscriminately reach for it, without first being educated about the merits of breastfeeding. “Breastfeeding has innumerable benefits for both mother and child. However, in my own experience, my child was fed formula soon after his birth, without any consultation with me. And this was despite my willingness to take the necessary steps to breastfeed my child, from his very first meal.” When questioned about her distrust of baby formulas, she explains that the high sugar content (higher than breast milk) makes it easier for children to get hooked to the taste and shun breast milk for formula. (From left) Gauravi Warty-Lokegaonkar and Neha Rajadhyaksha with their children “Breastfed babies are known to have fewer instances of infections and hospitalisation episodes due to the antibodies passed down from the mother. These nutrients are also absorbed better. While I am not opposed to the use of formula, I believe it should be restricted to very limited scenarios and only in the absence of other alternatives,” she clarifies. Both Warty-Lokegaonkar and Deshpande emphasise on the need to create and refer new mothers to breast milk banks. Warty-Lokegaonkar further laments the lack of education and preparation offered to new mothers who may be struggling with the mechanics of breastfeeding, as well as the availability of safe public spaces to breastfeed at. Read nutrition labels on the packaging beforehand For entrepreneur Neha Rajadhyaksha, being diagnosed with a viral infection meant that she had to feed her baby formula while in recovery. “However, once I checked the contents, I was quite alarmed, and decided against it. I would highly recommend that new mothers learn to read and decode labels, instead of picking up baby foods that are popular,” she notes. Diversify the young palette Kajal Bhathena Once the weaning process begins, infants can be introduced to homemade foods, in a phased manner, advises Kajal Bathena, a nutritionist at Health and You. “When your baby is six to seven months old, start with steamed or boiled mashed, or puréed vegetables and fruits such as beetroot, potato, pumpkin, tomato, spinach and apples, as well as uncooked firm fruit such as papaya, banana and chikoo. You can feed these to your baby twice a day, and fill the gap with breast milk. For the next two months, you can introduce ragi porridge, dal pani or rice kanji for lunch and dinner, with vegetables and fruit as a pre-lunch and evening snack; continue with breast milk for breakfast. Dr Jayashree Deshpande By the child’s 10th month, feed him/her soft foods such as khichdi, oats, dosa and chilla. You can also introduce animal protein in the form of soup, once or twice a week. However, avoid adding sugar or salt to your baby’s meals until the child is a year old,” she elaborates. For parents who prefer to eschew packaged baby food altogether, Rajadhyaksha suggests home-made khimti (a preparation of ground rice, moong dal, ajwain and methi) for babies who are six months and older, while Deshpande advises a wholesome homemade ragi porridge.
22 April,2024 08:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulADVERTISEMENT
