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v o l u m e X X VII . No. 2 March–April 2013

INDIA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE

Sponsored by the Department of Tourism and Culture, the IIC hosted ‘Odisha’, the two-day festival conceived by Ileana Citarishti, the Odissi dancer from Bhubaneswar, which featured Odissi in both its music and dance manifestations. Students of Utkal University, trained under guru/dancer Nabakishore Misra, were a fairly competent group, presenting the lasya and tandav of Shiva and monsoon images with Meenakshi as the best dancer. An undecipherable mix, sporting both the late Debaprasad Das and Kelucharan Mohapatra’s stylistic influences, is a pointer to what the future holds for Odissi, with all the legendary gurus now gone.

Built round the abstract theme of Time, ‘Kala—Time Bound’ the work had the textual base of verses from the Upanishads and Devdas Chotray’s specially composed poetry, with music by Ananta Prasanna Patnaik who also provided melodious vocal accompaniment. Rhythmic sequences were composed by Mardalist Sachhidananda Das. Geometrical formations of group movement, a vigorous male solo sequence showing the tyranny of Time, Ileana’s abhinaya interpreting ‘Ritu aye, Ritu Jane re’ on cyclical

Time, and quietude at Mansarovar where one transcends Time, revealed moods of moving Time.

The well-knit performance/seminar music aspect saw

Chittaranjan Mallia speak on history and Kirti Narayan

Padhi on its special identity, substantiated in the

performances of Ramahari and Shyamamani. Gopal Panda’s lec-dem on old ragas featured Sangita

Panda’s delightful singing. Important to preserve Odissi identity, than run

after the classical tag!

■ LEELA VENKATARAMAN

Odissi Music and DanceFESTIVAL: A Glimpse into Odissi Music, Dance and Monuments of OdishaMarch 22–23

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A Musical TraditionCONCERT: Qawwalis. Wajahat Hussain Badayuni and Party and Rizwan–Muazzam a nd Party, March 2

The Qawwali concerts brought together two hereditary musicians belonging to two distinct musical traditions: Wajahat Hussain Khan who inherited his music from the inimitable Ustad Jaffar Hussain Khan Badauni, and Rizwan–Muazzam Ali Khan, from their uncle Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

The evening started with Wajahat performing the traditional opening piece of a Qual–a saying by the Prophet in Arabic, Man Kunto Maula, establishing his succession with Hazrat Ali. Amir Khusrau expanded this with a Tarana, Yalali Yalali Ray, which while appearing to be meaningless is the rhythmic invocation, Zikr, of the name of Ali. Another Khusrau composition followed in Raga Bahar, heralding the changing of seasons—Hazarat Khawaja Sang Khaliye Dhamar-Phool Rahi Sarason. Wajahat demonstrated the emphasis of melody in his musical traditions by the

subtle coming together of the rhythm of music, Taal, and poetry, Bahr, accentuated by smooth Aakar and Bol-taans.

Rizwan–Muazzam’s presentation followed the flow of languages from west to east, from Arabic and Persian to Urdu, Sindhi and Punjabi, as Qawwali pursued its missionary purpose while bridging different linguistic and cultural regions. The Arabic chant in praise of God, Allah Hu Haaq, was followed by Amir Khusrau’s Persian composition, Nami Danam Chi Manzil Bood Shab Jaay Li Man Boodam, which evocatively describes the metaphor of travel to a mystical dimension. Another composition in Persian, Haq Ali Ali Maula Ali, was followed by the composition of Baba Bulle Shah in Punjabi: Ni Main Jana Jogi De Nal, ending with the well-known Mast Qalandar. The brothers sang with a wide vocal range continuously complimenting and responding to each other with an impressive range of Bol-bants, Layakari, Takarar, and poetic insertion of phrases or Girehs.

■ VIKRAM LALL

Swar Katha UpanishadPERFORMANCE: Swar Katha UpanishadPresented by Sunaad, March 25

The dice seemed heavily loaded at the surface level. The Bangalore-based Sunaad Group was using the dhrupad style, borrowing elements of classic Sanskrit theatre in presenting a dialogue between Yama, the god of death, and the youth Nachiketa. Yet the show received a standing ovation and generated countless queries. The wow factor contributing to a re-think about classical sources such as dhrupad and Sanskrit drama was the choreographer of the show, Tara Kini, who had envisioned these inputs as a framing device to showcase the essence of the Swar Katha Upanishad.

The story comprised a dialogue between Yama and Nachiketa, examining tenets such as the meaning of

death, the spiritual level of consciousness, the idea of true self-realization, and the concept of Bliss as it is understood by the musician. The vision on stage was one of a well-arranged set of vocalists, dressed in yogic shades of saffron, madder, and earth-yellow, scrolling their tablets for verses from the Upanishads, and singing them in dhrupad resonation. In fact, the evocative aura that their music created was a close reminder of the Samagana chants mentioned in the Sama Veda. The male characters had adopted the minimalism of the Sanskrit theatre where only the uttariya or neck scarf is worn in various ways to indicate a change of character.

The overall effect was a presentation that went beyond the limits of the present. It provided a microcosm of the immense possibilities that can be unearthed from our past cultural traditions.

■ SUBHRA MAZUMDAR

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Played almost in the same manner as a Cello, the Baryton (or Viola di bordone) is a plucked and bowed string instrument with a characteristic sound. Ornate and expressive, it dates from the latter half of the 17th century and remained popular until the early 19th century. Initially it was made by adding another register of metal strings (8-20 or more) to the six or seven bowed strings of a specially made tenor-bass viola da gamba. These being sympathetic strings, their resonance provided the Baryton with its unique sound. In addition, the strings could even be plucked from behind the neck of the instrument with the left thumb.

With a repertoire replete with Barytontrio compositions by Haydn, Tomasini, Neumann, Burgksteiner and Lidl, the Haydn Baryton Trio enthralled a discerning audience in a characteristic classical style. Expectedly, the audience insisted on an encore, and the trio gracefully obliged. Of special note was Tomasini’s Barytontrio in C-major, No. 7, which featured dance music of the Baroque period. It is also noteworthy to mention that the Haydn Baryton Trio’s last presentation, Barytondivertimento in G-major, No. 3 (moderato, andante, presto) by Lidl, was performed using Lidl’s original music manuscript from the 18th century!

■ DEEPAK CASTELINO

Music lovers, musicians, senior bureaucrats, and members of the diplomatic community were treated to a delightful concert of Western classical music by the acclaimed Haydn Baryton Trio from Budapest, featuring composer Franz Joseph Haydn’s (among others) compositions for the Baryton. The Trio, comprising Jozsef Spengler on violin and Andras Kaszanyitzky on cello, plays all Barytontrios by Haydn as well as quintets, octets and the baryton divertimenti from other composers of the Esterhazy circle.

Bringing Haydn to LifePERFORMANCE: Concert by the Haydn Baryton Trio from BudapestCollaboration: Hungarofest; Balassi Institute Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre; and Delhi Music Society, March 21

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Focus NortheastPERFORMANCE: Concert by the Tetseo Sisters from NagalandCollaboration: INTACH, March 15

The concert of folk songs of Nagaland was presented by the Tetseo Sisters in colourful traditional attire. The music instrument they used was the age-old, one-stringed Naga instrument, the ‘Tati/Heka Libuh’. The performance was visually fascinating and aurally engaging. Mutsevelu (Mercy), Azine (Azi), Kuvelü (Kuku), and Alune (Lulu) sang ‘Li’ in the Chokri dialect of the Chakhesang Naga tribe.

■ DAISY DEKA

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Focus NortheastFILM: Mayong–Myth/Reality Director: Utpal Borpujari, March 11

AurangzebPLAY: AurangzebDirected by K. S. Rajendran, March 14

Mayong: Myth/Reality is a fascinating documentary on the magical heritage of Mayong, a mystical land of black magic situated in the Marigaon district of Assam. Since time immemorial, this place has earned its reputation as a land of sorcery and has a legendary status in Assamese folklore. The film beautifully traces the cultural as well as historical elements in the practice of black magic in Mayong. We see the visual exploration of contemporary magic practices in the village, and also the fascinating, strange and inexplicable ways people use

The story of Aurangzeb is well-known. In 1657, Emperor Shahjahan fell ill, leading to a war of succession among his four sons. The main contenders were Dara Shuko and Aurangzeb supported by their sisters, Jahanara and Roshanara, respectively, The Emperor favoured his eldest son Dara, who was conveniently present at Agra and willing to undertake his financially wasteful project of building a black marble masoleum for his father on the other side of the Yamuna river facing Mumtaz’s Taj Mahal. The playwright, Indira Parthasarthy, through ideological interplay and historical references to the earlier secular reign of Akbar, has brought out the inner

magic practices in day-to-day life. Mayong Myth/Reality firmly establishes Mayong’s magical history and its status as the magic capital of India. The camera shows various shots in the village setting of the people and also visually explores the books and devices used in this age-old practice.

This 53-minute documentary film has been done in ethnographic travelogue format, directed by Utpal Borpujari and produced by Jayanta Goswami of Darpan Cine Production. This visually enticing documentary has been shot by Biswajit Changmai and the captivating music, a blend of traditional and contemporary, has been created by Anuraag Saikia. The narration has been done by Robin Kalita and the documentary has been edited by Parveen.

■ DAISY DEKA

conflicts of the characters. Director K.S. Rajendran has evolved a gripping tale through his presentation. The setting was the IIC Rose Garden. By relocating simple elements such as an arch, a make-shift throne, a stool, Rajendran was able to switch the ambience from a palace, to a prison, to a war zone. It was a treat to watch intense performances by actors playing Aurangzeb (Mahendra Mewati), Roshanara (Priyanka Sharma), Dara, and Shahjahan (Neelesh Deepak). In

different productions, one has seen varying interpretations of the same historic event. Ajoka theatre group from Pakistan presented ‘Dara Shuko’, in Bharat Rang Mahotsav in 1911, which was totally empathetic to the elder brother Dara. Rajendran’s play empathized with Aurangzeb, highlighting him as a tragic figure who was repentant in his old age. The play was written during the Emergency and in some ways reflects the political compulsions of that time as well.

■ MANOHAR KHUSHALANI

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the discussion on the urgency to arrest the moral and political decline in Parliament, coupled with a keen audience, the debate was taken to another level.

Differences were highlighted on the one hand between an active British Parliament where there is a culture of genuine debate and discussion in passing bills, constant interplay between gallery and Parliament, and an interested public which kept the political class on its toes, and on the other, in sharp contrast, was the Indian Parliament which needed serious political reforms, and was beleaguered by various anomalies and little accountability. It was reiterated, however, that Parliament remains an irreplaceable institution and ensures democratic governance. Dr. Florian Hartleb, while throwing light on the German parliamentary system, stressed the need for gender equality, with more representation for women in politics and the Parliament. He also observed the importance of the media in a democracy where, based on popular perception, changing emotions and volatile voting behaviour, it is difficult to rely on opinion polls or predict the success of any leader or political party.

■ GAURIKA KAPOOR

The two day seminar on ‘The Indian Parliament and Democratic Transformation’ to mark the golden jubilee year of the Indian Parliament in 2012 , kicked off with an engaging debate focusing on the current paralysis in parliamentary functioning in India, and parliamentary practices in other parts of Europe.

Dr. Kavita Sharma in her opening remarks very rightly said that India is now at a crossroads with a parliament that is impacting the democratic polity adversely. With eminent parliamentarians and experts steering

Crisis in ParliamentINAuguRATION OF ThE SEMINAR: The Indian Parliament and Democratic TransformationOpening Remarks: Dr. Kavita A. Sharma Keynote Address: Lord Meghnad Desai and Dr. Florian Hartleb Inaugural Address: Dr. Karan SinghChair: Ved Marwah Introduction: Ajay MehraCollaboration: Centre for Public Affairs, April 19

Iran-India RelationsSEMINAR: Iran-India–Sassanian and Post–Sassanian Periods, March 20 and 21

India and Iran have shared ancient civilizational ties from time immemorial. However, historical data shows the interconnectedness of both these powerful countries during the Sassanian and Post-Sassanian periods. These connections can be seen in linguistic, economic and political domains.

While introducing the theme of the conference, Professor Daryoosh Akbarzadeh recounted the linguistic, cultural, civilizational and anthropological histories of both countries, and also pointed out that the linguistic connection as well as the dependence of terminologies in Persian to Sanskrit and vice-versa

was a very important aspect, along with the remarkable Sassanical and Post-Sassanical ties between India and Iran which were unfortunately not given due importance over course of time. The main motive of organizing this conference was to spread the ‘creative expressions’ of these relations, rather than following only the line of politics.

Dr. Lokesh Chandra in his keynote address touched every aspect of the relationship of both countries, going deep into the ocean of a history of almost 8,000 years. He started with the name ‘Iran’, which was derived from ‘Aryan’, the Sanskrit word which means ‘the noble’: thus Iran means the land of nobles. He further said that the Sassanians were not only one of the most important political powers of the time, but were a cultural, economic, military power, as well as a linguistic power.

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The roundtable on ‘Globalization and Elite Schools’ posed some crucial questions: what is the notion of ‘elite’; is it constituted in terms of facilities or money or power structure; is it something restricted to the rich and powerful; Or is it the notion of quality education which produces students who go into the bureaucratic and decision–making structures.

As Dr. Jane Kenway said, the definition of elite schools is slippery, and what is elite in one country is not elite in another. Most research on elite schools is within one nation state. The question that arises is whether, due to globalization, these schools are changing and helping social groups to become

global. It was such questions that led to a study of elite schools in nine countries around the world.

Dr. Joanna Fey spoke of the conceptual framework of this study. It is a global, multisided ethnography of global schools and globalization. It has three aspects: global focus, connections and imagination.

Professor Fazal Rizvi focused on one school in India, founded in 1882 with contributions by the Nawabs and Maharajas with the intention of producing students who could engage with the British and the ruling class, as well as with national development. The focus was on producing graduates who could work all over the world. They are a part of the Round Square group of schools in Scotland.

Amita Wattal exploded the myth of elitism, saying that the theme of education in India today is inclusion. Amit Kaushik said that the characterization of the elite is changing.

■ RACHNA JOSHI

Elite or Inclusive ROuND TABLE: Globalization and Elite Schools – Staying Ahead of the GameINTRODuCTION: Dr. Kavita A. SharmaSPEAKERS: Jane Kenway, Joanna Fey, Fazal Rizvi, Amita Wattal and Amit Kaushik, March 7

It was not only about Indo-Iranian ties but also about how the relations of these two countries with other neighbouring countries played an important role in developing ties and impacting on different regions of the world. To put forward this idea, Dr. Antigoni Zournatzi studied the political, cultural and economic/commercial networks that facilitated Indo-Greek contacts, particularly during Sassanian periods. On the other hand, Professor Shirin Musavi discussed not only the linguistic and terminological dependence of both ancient powers, but also pointed to the literary dependence of both on each other through folklore elements such as Panchtantra, Kaleela-Dimna, Sindbad Jahazi and Baluhar.

A comprehensive review of the commercial, political and cultural relations of India and Iran was presented by Ms. Heshmatipouri and Ms. Kadkhodaei, who

both pointed out the importance of the spice and silk trade routes from China, India, through Iran to Central Asia and Europe. They also briefly discussed the Sassaniad and Gupta periods of Iran and India. The architectural and cultural resemblance between India and Iran were presented by Professor Qureshi and Ms. Tsumura. They pointed out the international acceptance of Sassanian coins as international currency due to which they were not only copied, but also regarded as a standard currency form. Another important aspect of progress and development of society like education and knowledge was discussed by Ms. Moein with a focus on Post-Sassaniad and Post-Gupta periods of Iran and India. According to her, these two countries were major hubs of knowledge and education which led to the heights that Arabs achieved in education, and then to the renaissance of Europe.

■ SUMAIYAH AHMED

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Remembering Professor Tan Chung, the chair Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan launched the book with the chief guest Jairam Ramesh. With increasing levels of maturity and prudence in the bilateral relationship, the perceptions of the Chinese Indologists were important to understand, not only from the geopolitical and strategic interface, but from what Professor Tan Chung espoused was the ‘geo-civilizational’ interface.

The book is a much-awaited sequel to the earlier book published in 1998—Across the Himalayan Gap:

An Indian Quest for Understanding China. Ravni Thakur, one of the editors, noted that the present volume introduced Chinese intellectuals and thinkers on India with many of the articles in translation, covering various aspects of Indian society, polity, economy, strategic culture and history.

Jairam Ramesh argued for increasing our engagement with China. He suggested that we be more realistic about China and learn to live with it, rather than being Sino-phobic or sceptics. He also cautioned that we must view and understand China from indigenous eyes and not blindly follow the West. T.C.A. Rangachari remarked that the influence of Indian culture through fables, stories and religion was making a dent in China since two millennia.

Finally, Nalin Surie, former diplomat to China noted a ‘cycle of quest’ between India and China complete with this volume. He further said that there was need for greater zeal in the quest for better understanding between the two countries in the contemporary period, given economic, political and other uncertainties.

■ BHIM B. SUBBA

China and IndiaSEMINAR: Across the Himalayan Gap–A Chinese Quest for Understanding India—(IIC–Asia Project and Konarak Publishers Pvt. Ltd). Edited by Tan Chung, Zhang Minqiu and Ravni Thakur Speakers: Ravni Thakur, T.C.A. Rangachari, Nalin SurieChair: Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan Chief guest: Jairam Ramesh, April 4

Women and ViolenceROuNDTABLE: Violence Against Women – Implications for Political Economy, March 14

The round table on Violence Against Women – Implications for the Political Economy was an attempt to highlight the political economy as an additional dimension underpinning the issues being discussed after the December 2012 gang rape case in New Delhi. In her opening remarks, Devaki Jain said that the feminist movement has much to celebrate in the recent uprising of young people, but the need of the hour is to dwell deeper and explore the economic conditions and circumstances that perpetuate violence.

Indira Rajaraman, Member of the 13th Finance Commission, stated that women cannot thrive if the economy is not doing well, and discussed it in the context of violence against women in both the public

and private spheres. Zoya Hasan of Jawaharlal Nehru University welcomed the recent extraordinary social mobilization but shared her disappointment with the state’s response. The Nirbhaya Fund and the Women’s Bank, two major initiatives announced in the recent budget, were inadequate and disappointing, and the jury is still out on 33 per cent reservation for women.

Navsharan Singh, Senior Programme Specialist, International Development Research Centre, highlighted the need to understand the political and economic conditions that exacerbate women’s vulnerability to violence, suggesting an approach that looked not just at crime and punishment, but also addressed deterrence. Syeda Hameed, Member, Planning Commission, said that the government is increasingly responsive to women’s issues, and drew attention to the current plan statement which strives for a multisectoral action plan for women and children.

■ SHALINI SINHA

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Community Radio SEMINAR: 9th Iawrt Women’s Film Festival 2013 – Community Radio and Democracy in South AsiaCollaboration: IAWRT India Chapter; Korean Cultural Centre; Goethe Institute; ActionAid; Sangat South Asia; UNESCO; Public Service Broadcasting Trust; and Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communications, March 3–8

The seminar showcased a diversity of community radio practices and concerns and bore testimony to the thriving culture of community radio in the subcontinent. The introductory panel included a keynote address by Rukmini Vemraju followed by Algole Narsamma’s account of community radio activism in rural Andhra Pradesh against Bt Cotton. Narsamma said that their shared ownership had led to the active involvement of women and men of the community.

The panel on ‘Radio in Promoting Freedom of Speech, Gender Rights and Peace’ included diverse voices from South Asia, including Afghanistan—Najiba Ayubi of Killid Media, Kabul, Raghu Mainali of Nepal, Ayesha Siddika Anu and Tasneem Ahmar of Bangladesh and Pakistan, respectively, and Sri Lankan academic and community radio researcher, Wijayananda Rupasinghe who spoke of the challenges they faced.

‘Radio Experiences in India’ included discussions between three community radio practitioners who have managed to garner the support of the community in a positive way. These included Namrata Bali of SEWA, Pinky Chandran of Radio Active, and Archana Mewat of Radio Mewat.

The conference on community radio ended with a discussion of the importance of research initiatives to push forward other similar projects in India and South Asia.

■ ANINDITA MAJUMDAR

Today, when the segment of older people is increasing rapidly in the total population, concerns relating to their care are becoming pertinent, especially with the nuclearization of families, the migration of the younger generation, and older persons in general preferring an independent life. The need for old age homes, for home care solutions, assistive technologies and health insurance is growing in the country; but there are limited providers. Also, gender and age-related sensitivity in providing care, whether at home or in old age institutions, is absolutely essential.

Besides, as all the speakers, Mathew Cherian, Kavita Sharma and P. C. Sen agreed, there is need for measures

which encourage ‘third age education’, second careers, volunteering, work from home options, half-pay salaries, respite care to care givers, etc., to cater to the new demands of the ageing population. The need to create a ministry exclusively for older people is being expressed by many concerned citizens for a single window approach to meet growing requirements. As Narender Yadav, Member, Planning Commission pointed out, recognizing older persons as social capital is necessary, along with building a barrier-free environment for meeting their needs. Clearly, programmes such as AdvantAge which provide discounted pricing of services are welcome since they address the neglect, isolation and economic insecurity of older people and promote active ageing. It is important to have innovative provisions for personalized care for the elderly at home, as Epoch Elder care products, Help SOS Telecare for seniors, and Age Ventures presentations showed through emphasis on various old-age safety programmes which they offer as part of the emerging market.

■ MALA KAPUR SHANKARDASS

Urban ElderlySeminar: Meeting Critical Challenges of Urban ElderlyWelcome: Amal Ganguli Presentation: Mathew Cherian Collaboration: HelpAge India, March 12

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This book is a departure from recent publications on themes such as Maoism, State and Conflict, on account of its focal theme: it is centred on the daily lives of the people residing in the Maoist insurgency-hit Paschim Midnapur district. The author, Chandan Sinha contends that a conceptual shift needs to be made as far as the understanding of backwardness is concerned. Instead of thinking of backwardness as a function of poverty and vice-versa, he argues for usage of the Village Vulnerability Index as an indicator to map backwardness.

One of the most eminent physicists and an authority on nuclear policy, fissile material and science policy in general, Professor R. Rajaraman also has the remarkable ability to communicate complex subjects clearly to diverse audiences. It was fitting that a series of talks on scientific subjects for the general public should begin with so lucid a speaker.

Saying that the many approximate symmetries in nature became a basis for the idea of exact shapes, he explained why symmetries are a powerful tool

for getting quick results while analyzing complex situations. The earth’s symmetry, for example, makes the force of gravity pretty much uniform for people all over the world. In quantifying such symmetries and presenting them in precise language, science has to select the right kind of approximation and also provide an indication of how close the approximation is. Much of science, he said, exists because space-time is symmetrical, allowing experimenters to reach the same results at all places and times.

Professor Rajaraman went on to describe various types of symmetries and their characteristics, such as discrete symmetry, internal symmetry, parity, time reversal and the like. It was a fascinating journey through the universe around us, large and small. He concluded by giving the audience a glimpse of spontaneous symmetry breaking, an area of science that is attracting a lot of interest today.

■ MAHADEVAN RAMASWAMY

Understanding BackwardnessTALK: Kindling of an Insurrection – Notes from JunglemahalDiscussion around the new book by Chandan Sinha Discussants: Dr. Jairam Ramesh and N.C. Saxena Chair: Dr. Mihir Shah Collaboration: Routledge India, March 11

Science and TechnologyTALK: Symmetries in Nature Speaker: Professor R. Rajaraman, Emeritus Professor of Theoretical Physics, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University Chair: Professor N. Panchapakesan, April 5

Dr. Mihir Shah, while introducing the book, said that it is a remarkable and unusual book as it portrays the alienation and exclusion that tribals face from the mainstream. He pointed to the ‘tribal predicament’—the fact that tribals remain invisible to policy makers as they reside in small settlements. The book fills this critical void by giving micro accounts of tribal concerns. He, however, commented that instead of an insurrection, a positive governance agenda could resolve the problems faced by the adivasis.

Dr. Jairam Ramesh applauded the viable model of Jungalmahal where the convergence of tough action by security forces, sensitive developmental strategies and bold and aggressive political interventions by political parties have combined to fight the perils of Maoist insurgency.

Mr. N. C. Saxena also drew upon the connection between underdevelopment and the rise of violence in tribal areas. He commended the author for remaining in touch with the ground realities of the village which, for him, is a crucial function for an administrator.

■ VIKAS TRIPATHI

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Unearthing SwatDISCuSSION: The Wonders of Swat Illustrated lecture by Dr. Luca Maria Olivieri March 22

mountain range. Alexander is said to have crossed the Swat river before he turned south. In the 20th century, Swat continued to maintain an independent status under a wali (ruler), and ceded to Pakistan in 1969 when it became part of the North West Frontier Province.

Over the last six decades, the Mission has unearthed a variety of archaeological sites ranging from fifty-two painted rock-shelters discovered in lower Swat and dating to the second millennium BC, to the well-known examples of Gandhara Grave Culture at Gogdara and Udegram sites. Amluk-dara, the biggest stupa in Swat was built on a 34-metre high podium and dates from the 3rd to the 10th centuries AD. The work of the Italian Mission is significant in tracing the larger Buddhist networks that linked Swat to other parts of the subcontinent.

■ HIMANSHU PRABHA RAY

This presentation was an overview of the archaeological work carried out in the Swat district of Pakistan by the Italian Archaeological Mission. The Mission was established in 1956 by the famous Italian scholar Giuseppe Tucci (5 June 1894 – 5 April 1984), whose research focused on the history of Tibet and Buddhism. According to tradition, the eighth century Buddhist philosopher Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was a native of Udyana, identified with Swat. Padmasambhava, it is believed, introduced Buddhism to Tibet and also taught at Nalanda in the present state of Bihar.

Swat takes its name from the river that runs through it and is surrounded by offshoots of the Hindukush

Interdisciplinary EducationTALK: The Role of Liberal Arts Education in the Future of AsiaSpeaker: Professor Tan Chorh ChuanChair: Professor Ved Prakash, March 25

Liberal arts education and its prominence in contemporary Asia was the main theme of this discussion. Asia, especially Singapore’s education system, noted the speaker, was inherited from the British system which relied on deep specialization. The new educational framework that was consequently employed was based on breadth and flexibility. In order to explain this further, the example of the new entrepreneurial Yale–National University of Singapore (NUS) system was examined.

The change from the UK model to the Yale–NUS model was made due to the increasing commoditization of education and technological advancements. There has also been a significant change in the nature of students because of a change in the nature of work available. There is now a different work landscape for the graduates of the future; for example, the idea of a life-time career no longer exists. As a result, the job of the University has also changed. There is now a strong focus on critical thinking skills which takes into account diverse cultures and trends. The speaker emphasized broad-based multi-disciplinary learning in arts, humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and computational sciences. In order to implement this, the curriculum of the Yale–NUS programme incorporates great works of the East and the West, focuses on the individual and society, on the natural sciences, and is primarily based on an interdisciplinary approach to education.

■ RAJANI SHARMA

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aunt played in the A.I.R. National Orchestra when Panditji was its director in the early 1950s.

Ravi Shankar, the sitarist, had borrowed liberally from the techniques of other schools of sitar playing, but had absorbed effortlessly to create a style that was uniquely his own. Though not formally trained in Dhrupad until late middle-age, he incorporated its salient features into his playing to give it considerable depth . Thanks to his famous elder brother Uday Shankar, who had put Indian dance on the world map, Ravi Shankar was able to travel as a boy with his brother’s troupe to Europe and the US, and experience cosmopolitanism, which he would make the cornerstone of his art.

Kalidas dwelt a lot on Ravi Shankar’s very colourful personal life, which may not have impinged on his music.

■ PARTHA CHATTERJEE

S. Kalidas, the well-known musicologist and critic, paid tribute to Pandit Ravi Shankar, the legendary sitarist and composer who died late last year in California. Ravi Shankar had migrated to the United States over fifty years ago and had opened doors for other Hindustani and Karnatik musicians to follow. He was India’s most successful cultural ambassador. Without him, even his brother-in-law, the sarod genius Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, would have found it difficult to find a foothold in the US in particular, and in the West in general. S. Kalidas’s tribute was personal in nature, having known the sitar maestro when he lived in Delhi during the late 1980s into the mid 1990s. His

A Tribute TALK: Pandit Ravi Shankar – Tansen of Our Times Speaker: S. Kalidas, April 3

A Slice of AzamgarhFESTIVAL: Azamgarh FestivalCollaboration: Indian Trust for Rural Heritage and Development, April 4–6

The district of Azamgarh came alive through a three day festival. It was a story about the arts, crafts, poetry, music and culture, with audiences getting a glimpse into the distinct and diverse talents and cultural offerings of three of the villages of this district. The charpoys with large bolsters and the muddas in the Gandhi-King Plaza played host to many spectators who passed their time listening to the Bhojpuri and Maithili Lok Sangeet of the village of Hariharpur, played on a make-shift stage while observing craftspeople at work. In this idealized recreation of rural life, the women embroidered the sujni wraps with thick black threads that held the quilting together, the black pottery with its fine silver tracery from Nizamabad reminiscent of the far more expensive Bidriware, the weavers of silk from Mubarakpur demonstrating on a frame-loom, their finished products on display. In the more formal atmosphere of the auditorium, the three evenings of mushaira and music performances

played to a full audience. The simple white sheet for the musicians and poets, the elegant black backdrop, the petals and the lit diya were a perfect foil to the excellence of the performances. The Purabang Gayeki, Taal Yatra—the incredible assembly of nine tablas, Thumri Dadra Kajri, the Tridhara ensemble of sarangis, harmoniums and tablas. The singers and musicians who formed an unbroken line in an age-old tradition, performing as their ancestors did, acknowledging at the start of the performance their gurus, their school and their tradition; the mushaira, kavi samelan highlighted the poetic heritage of this region. The hereditary passing on of skills and traditions is now a vulnerable tradition.

■ RITU SETHI

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On the 14th of April each year, a seminar around the theme, ‘Celebrating Women’s Leadership’ is organized to mark the turning of the sod for the foundation of the India International Centre building by Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, a Gandhian, a social reformer, a freedom fighter. She was most remembered for her contribution to the Indian Independence struggle, and for being the driving force behind the renaissance of Indian handicrafts, handlooms and theatre in post-Independence India.

The project ‘Re-Imaging the People of India’ has been inspired by a passion for studying and collecting images from the early years of photography, especially in the context of the Indian subcontinent. It also relates to the evolution of the visual space with the advent of new technologies, from cameras with no shutter to high-speed electronic devices.The original ‘People of India’ project in 1850 was very significant as it was the first photography project

Handicrafts and the Economy TO REMEMBER KAMALADEVI ChATTOPADhYAY: Contribution of Handmade Goods to India’s Economic GrowthSpeakers: Dr. Devaki Jain, Gulshan Nanda, Reema Nanavati, Ritu SethiChair: Rita Menon, April 13

Visual Representation and IdentityEXhIBITION: Re–Imaging the People of India (1850–2013) Photographs of rare albumen prints from 1850, and images by Dinesh Khanna, Dileep Prakash, Mahesh Bhat and Sandeep Biswas Curator: Aditya Arya Collaboration: Neel Dongre Awards/Grants for Excellence in Photography and India Photo Archive Foundation, April 18–26

Devaki Jain drew attention to the critical and steady contribution of the handicrafts sector to India’s employment, exports and GDP. Despite this, however, the overall picture is bleak for the industry because of low earnings and occupational hazards from old techniques and tools. This is also why the younger generation is averse to this form of work. Gulshan Nanda very sensitively recounted the life and times of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, her own involvement with her, how Kamaladevi conceived her ideas, and how handicrafts started in 1952. She also talked about what she believes are the winning subjects of today with respect to the handicrafts sector. The larger question the session discussed is, ‘How can we revive the space and energy for this form of production, based on the argument that it is a growth sector that asks for very little power and infrastructure, and yet provides a sustained contribution to India’s GDP?’

■ SHUBH SHARMA

combining street with studio. This project, ‘Re-Imaging the People of India’ under the aegis of the Neel Dongre Awards/Grants for Excellence in Photography was conceived with the idea of providing a visual comparative interpretation of a multicultural nation from widely contrasting standpoints. Even though in the past this original work has been under scrutiny and heavy criticism for its biases, these images, unlike the descriptive texts which accompanied them, are left open to interpretation.

The theme of castes and tribes visually explored in the context of the earlier work is extremely interesting. While the contemporary artists have given it another brilliant twist, the subject raises the question of ideologies of the past and the present context of the execution of this work. It is also critical to understand the role of technology used then and now.

The four photographers have produced remarkable and brilliant images that force us to take another look at the redundant idea of caste, tribes and social identities in today’s context.

■ ADITYA ARYA

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A-0421 Shri V.S. Bhagat A-1123 Dr.(Lt.Col.) K.L. Kapur A-1610 Smt. V.S. Rama DeviA-2003 Shri Hari Sharan Chhabra A-2247 Shri Prem PrakashA-3471 Dr. Rakesh HoojaA-3816 Ms. Surrindra Dhawan A-4411 Shri M.P.M. MenonA-5442 Smt. Mrinal C. Bam

subscription along with all previous dues. They should specifically indicate payment for Annual Subscription, IIC Quarterly and other bills.Please note that as per Rule 9 of the IIC’s Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations, it shall be the responsibility of the members to ensure due and timely payment of subscription and a default in the timely payment of annual subscription on or before 31 May 2013 would result in removal from the membership roll.

Remembering Bhicoo Manekshaw (1922-2013)

At a memorial meeting at the Centre on 2 May 2013 for this extraordinary personality, rich tributes were paid to Bhicoo Manekshaw and her many accomplishments. Many in the IIC believed that she was an institution by herself. Tall, imposing —almost regal—impeccably dressed and coiffed, this beloved figure established the IIC’s reputation as one of the city’s best dining experiences. For years, she planned menus, trained chefs and whipped up food that had her signature style. She was also the first Indian lady to earn a Cordon Bleu degree, a respected culinary advisor and author of several recipe books.Professor Menon and Soli Sorabjee recalled her affectionate relationship with the kitchen staff, her impeccable taste and her devotion to work, while her Parsi friends remembered her for her sense of community service and amazing zest for life. Her editor said that Bhicoo brought grace and love to everything she touched. The meeting ended with her favourite Offenbach composition, Bacarolle.

Disruption of Water and ElectricitySome of the Members of the IIC Staff Union had resorted to disruption of water and electricity in the Centre on 26th March 2013 between 1-3 p.m. Suspension Orders and Show Cause notices were issued to the errant employees.The Union and the concerned employees have tendered an unconditional apology to the Management and have also given an undertaking that the act of disruption of water and electricity, which caused inconvenience to members and their guests, will not be repeated in future.Keeping in view the unconditional apology by the Union and concerned employees, the Management has withdrawn the Show Cause and Suspension Notices issued to the employees of the Centre.

Parking for self-driven vehicles of Members and Fellow Flat Residents

Parking in front of the Kamaladevi Block is now permitted only for self-driven cars by members and for residents of the Fellow Flats.Members are requested to show their Membership Cards when asked by the security persons/IIC staff to avail of the facility.Overnight parking is not permitted.

Annual Membership SubscriptionMembers who have not paid the annual subscription so far are requested to immediately pay their annual

A-5449 Smt. Padma DinodiaAT-057 Dr. B. ChakravortyL-0300 Smt. Sharda MukerjeeL-0317 Shri Brajesh Chandra MishraM-1308 Shri Prithvis Chakravarti M-2001 Mrs. Bhicoo J. Manekshaw M-2017 Professor P.V. Indiresan M-2415 Justice (Retd.) J.S. Verma M-3463 Professor P.V. Narasimham

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Highlights for May-June 2013Lectures

21 May 2013 at 6:30 pm in Conference Room – IFrom the Shadow of a Capital City to a Cultural Capital: Rediscovering Old BhubaneswarIllustrated lecture by Dr. Sanghamitra Basu, Associate Professor, Architecture and Regional Planning Department, IIT Kharagpur, and Member, National Monument Authority of India

22 May 2013 at 6:00 pm in Seminar Rooms I – III, Kamaladevi BlockInterrogating Women’s Leadership and EmpowermentDr. Karan Singh, MP will release the special issue of the IIC Quarterly (Winter 2012-Spring 2013)Followed by a panel discussion

24 May 2013 at 6:30 pm in the Annexe Lecture Room – IIMusic Appreciation PromotionLove Minus Zero/ No Limit Bob Dylan’s Music Plus Words PlusIllustrated lecture by Indrajit Hazra, novelist and journalist who has written on music since 1992 in The Telegraph and started his column Rock`n’Roll Circus in The Asian Age which he continued writing in The Hindustan Times until 2012. He currently writes the column Under the Influence in Rolling Stones India. He was once a member of The Great Elastic Rubber Band that never made it beyond the treacherous early 90s

13 June 2013 at 6:30 pm in Seminar Rooms II – III, Kamaladevi BlockMajor Schools of Indian PhilosophyAdvaita VedantaSpeaker: Swami Atmapriyananda, Vice Chancellor, Ramakrishna Vivekananda University

18 June 2013 at 6:30 pm in Conference Room – IYour Sites – Our Homes: Iron Age Burial Sites Around ChennaiIllustrated lecture by Dr. Satyabhama Badreenath, Archaeological Survey of India(Collaboration: National Monument Authority, India)

5 July 2013 at 6:30 pm in Seminar Rooms II - III, Kamaladevi BlockThe Science and Technology SeriesMalaria: War Must Go OnSpeaker: Dr. Amit Sharma, Group Leader, Structural Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New DelhiMalaria is caused by single cell parasites and results in tremendous misery to humans worldwide. Malaria directly leads to loss of life and kind in endemic regions and its control remains a multi-faceted problem. Strategies to understand and eventually control this disease will be discussed

17 July 2013 at 6:30 pm in Seminar Rooms II – III, Kamaladevi BlockBuddhismSpeaker: Ven. Geshe Lhakdor, Director, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamsala (Collaboration: Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama)

Performances

27 May 2013 at 6:30 pm in the Annexe Lecture Room – IISarod RecitalBy Subhabrata Chatterjee from Kolkata, disciple of Pt. Deepak Chowdhury and Pt. Manilal Nag

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31 May 2013 at 6:30 pm in the AuditoriumBharatanatyam RecitalBy Radhika Prabhu from Bangalore, disciple of Shubha Dhananjay

7 June 2013 at 6:30 pm in the AuditoriumTexts and Textures: Navarasas in Mahabharata Through Songs and StoriesAn engaging and innovative performance that freely mingles songs and stories and is a re-telling of stories, episodes, moments, anecdotes from the epic along with rendering of classical music that captures the emotions of the NavarasasPresented by V.R. Devika, renowned Chennai-based storyteller and Sushma Somasekharan, Carnatic Vocalist

27 June 2013 at 6:30 pm in the AuditoriumConcertPresented by Aroha Choir from ShillongConductor and Pianist: Pauline Warjri

PLays

20 May 2013 at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium GandhiPlay scripted and directed by R’jesh BaliPresented by Drashta India

Moving away from the popular images of Gandhi, the play is located in the immediate aftermath of post-partition India and the riots that followed. The play focuses on Gandhi’s efforts to heal the wounded hearts of the victims and his opposition to partition

29 May 2013 at 6:30 pm in the AuditoriumRomeo, Juliet and the 7 ClownsDesigned and directed by Sukhmani KohliPresented by Purple Mangoes, ChandigarhAdapted from William Shakespeare’s

“Romeo and Juliet”, the play explores the juxtaposition of clowning and Romeo and Juliet’s love story(Collaboration: Center for Education and Voluntary Action)

fiLms

30 May 2013 at 6:30 pm in the AuditoriumSaanjhi, Traditional KalakaarDirector: Devika Gamkhar who will introduce the film

3 June 2013 at 6:30 pm in the AuditoriumThe Open FrameDirector: Chetan Shah who will introduce the filmThe film tracks the artistic and personal journey of painter S.G. Vasudev

exhibitions

8 – 12 June 2013, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm daily in the Annexe Art GalleryVibrant StrokesAn exhibition of paintings by Mohit

29 June to 3 July 2013, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm daily in the Annexe Art GalleryPorcelain PaintingAn exhibition by Madhu Bhalla Ahluwalia

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This issue of the Diary has been assembled and edited by Omita Goyal, Chief Editor; Rachna Joshi, Senior Asst. Editor; and Ritu Singh, Senior Asst. Editor. Published by Ravinder Datta, for the India International Centre, 40, Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi-110 003, Ph: 24619431. Designed by Poonam Bevli Sahi at FACET Design, D-9, Defence Colony, New Delhi - 110 024, Ph: 24616720, 24624336 and printed by Mastan Singh at I.G. Printers, 104, DSIDC Shed, Okhla Phase-I, New Delhi - 110 020.

diaryReg. No. 28936/77

A Note from the DirectorLike every year, this year too the IIC participated in the Bougainvillea Show organized by the Bougainvillea Society of India at Buddha Jayanti Park, New Delhi. The Centre won several prizes: six first, four second and seven third prizes. Our Lilium and Tulip Garden Trays were a significant attraction of the flower show.

I am sure all those visiting the Centre enjoy the lush

green gardens of the IIC with its trees, climbers and annuals. Some of these trees like Pilkhan, Alstonia, Ficus rumphii, Chorisia speciosa, Cassia nodosa and creepers like Wisteria sinensis and Vernonia were planted during the initial years by Shri C.D. Deshmukh, the founder and Life President of the IIC who was himself a knowledgeable botanist and nurtured the IIC gardens with a lot of care and affection.

The Delhi winter of course is beautiful with its warm sunshine and the varied vibrant hues of flowers that can be seen not only in the gardens but also in the roundabouts of Delhi roads. The Centre too was ablaze with colours from October to April. There were the Chysanthemum, Sweet Sultan, Statice, Petunia, Kale, Alyssum and Antirrhinum. Some of the favourites of members were Myosotis, Impatiens, Lisianthus, Mimulus, Lilium, Tulip, Sweet Peas, Pansy, Anemone mona lisa, and Bellis. The Geraniums, Petunias and Schizanthus’ are still blooming.

April brought Rhyncospermum jasmineides with its sweet fragrance that spread over the serene environment of the Centre. Even in the bristiling heat of Delhi, the IIC has managed a flourish of colours with the shining green of Kochia, red of the Coleus leaves, the purple of Gomphrena and the yellow of the Sunflower together with the colourful flowers of Zinnia. With the onset of summer, as the bustling activity of the winter takes a pause and we get ready to enjoy the languour of indoor programmes at the Centre, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the members for their active contribution to the Centre and its programmes in the last year and look forward to a fulfilling year ahead.

■ Kavita a. Sharma