Mumbai Diary: Friday Dossier

Souza’s Jung

A dated photograph of FN Souza from 1955. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons; (right) The book. Pic Courtesy/Niyogi Books

Who said psychology cannot be rewarding? Janeita Singh’s latest title FN Souza: The Archetypal Artist (Niyogi Books) was awarded the 2025 Oxford Bookstore Art Book Prize this week. “The journey for the book began in 2011 to 2013, when I was going through a personal turmoil, and into readings of literature and art. That’s when I began looking again at Francis Newton Souza’s art. Till then, I had always regarded him as part of the Bombay Progressive Artists Group [PAG]. But as part of the self-healing process, I began perceiving new insights into it. By then I had been embedded in Carl Jung’s psychology. I was fascinated by the uneasy space in his art. He was able to access, not just his personal, but the collective unconscious too,” she revealed.

Janeita Singh

The artisans are here!

The halls of St Xavier’s College (Autonomous) will play host to National Award-winning artists making a trip to the city this weekend. Starting today, the department of Ancient India History, Culture and Archaeology (AIHCA) will host a four-day workshop of Paramparik Karigar with traditional artisans. “We will have Narayan Das [palm leaf etching], Tenzin Lama [Thangka], and Badhshah Mian [leheriya and Bandhani],” shared Dr Anita Rane Kothare, head of department, AIHCA.

Moments from previous workshops. Pics Courtesy/AIHCA

With a focus on protecting and building conversations about these heritage art forms, Dr Kothare added, “We want to host workshops so that students and the lay public understand them. The younger generation are usually not involved since it is not commercially viable. This leads to these traditional art forms slowly dying out. I want them to understand, and learn the value of this heritage.” With the workshops open till Tuesday, readers can WhatsApp 932658963 for more details. 

Echoes of the forest

Inhabitants of the Aarey Forest lead the celebrations last year

We’ve heard echoes of a soundcheck coming from the heart of the Aarey Forest. Tarpas are being dusted off for a grand celebration this weekend on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (August 9). “It’s not just the residents of Aarey, but also nearly 1000 participants from all across Mumbai who will walk from Unit 5 in Aarey to the Birsa Munda Chowk, showcasing indigenous traditions along the way,” said co-organiser and activist Akash Bhoir. Amidst a vibrant showcase of tribal traditional dances, music and attire, the forest’s inhabitants won’t lose sight of their mission. “A powerful display of slogans will underline our call for conservation,” Bhoir confirmed. To know more, log on to @voiceofaarey on Instagram.

A performer plays the Tarpa. Pics Courtesy/Akash Bhoir

Sibling notes on Rakshabandhan

Rahul Deshpande

It is always sweet when a sibling duo show off their artistic skill in tandem, but this time the occasion will be sweeter with Rakshabandhan adding more resonance to the performance. Abhangwari, a grand musical celebration marking 10 years of devotional expression through music, will feature two artistes, brother-sister Rahul Deshpande and Deepti Mate, on Saturday at Prabodhankar Thackeray Auditorium, Borivli. Deshpande, a stalwart in Indian classical music said, “Abhangawari has always been close to my heart. This year is even more special as we celebrate its 10th year. On public demand, we are bringing it to Borivli. Thank you for the immense love you’ve showered on us all these years. Keep loving us and blessing us always.” Deshpande is also Mate’s mentor, encouraging her to pursue singing. Brother-sister hail from a family of renowned Hindustani classical vocalists, including their grandfather, the late Dr Vasantrao Deshpande. Let us hear it for Rakshabandhan and sibling revelry. For more details, call 9529089548.

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