Culturama April 2016 by Rohini Manian

culturama POWERED BY GLOBAL ADJUSTMENTS

APRIL 2016 Volume 7, Issue 02

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Traditions cast in bronze All about the ancient art of making bronze sculptures

April 2016

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April 2016

Dear Readers, Why is this cruel Indian god stepping on a baby? This was the reaction of the 6-year-old son of one of our first clients, who had relocated to India. He was referring to a bronze Nataraja statue that was kept as a sign of ‘welcome’ in our offices. We had never thought about it this way until that moment. Ranjini Manian with students of MOP Vaishnav College for Women, on International Women's Day This is what happens when we are surrounded by our own culture and immersed in it – we take it for granted and don't even think to ask questions. These 21 years of running Global Adjustments has taught us to become acutely aware of India’s traditions and we have seen it as our job to explain the ‘whys’ to the intrigued Westerner. ‘Oh no Kevin, it’s not a baby that he is stepping on. It’s a demon.’ That demon stands symbolically for ignorance, and the idea is that the true knowledge of our core divine self gives us the power to remove ignorance in life. ‘Oh, okay, so long as it’s not a real baby. Thank god!’ little Kevin had said. He stayed on for five years in Chennai, leaving India as a big fan of our food and making many friends. Last year, at his college graduation he asked for a gift from his parents, to come back to visit India. India touches people and then you can never take it out of them. We have seen this over and over. The feature in this issue on the bronzes of Swamimalai in South India is inspired by Kevin. Hope you also enjoy the review of Aikya, our fundraiser concert, in Page 70. We thank all our well-wishers and partners who made this possible. Ranjini Manian Editor-in-Chief globalindian@globaladjustments.com

Editor-in-Chief Ranjini Manian Managing Editor Yamini Vasudevan Senior Editor Lakshmi Krupa Business Head Archana Iyengar Creative Head Prem Kumar VP Finance V Ramkumar Circulation S Raghu Advertising Chennai Archana Iyengar Bengaluru Meera Roy Delhi/NCR Ruchika Srivastava Mumbai/Pune Arjun Bhat To subscribe to this magazine, e-mail circulation@globaladjustments.com or access it online at www.culturama.in Chennai (Headquarters) 5, 3rd Main Road, R A Puram, Chennai – 600028 Telefax +91-44-24617902 E-mail culturama@globaladjustments.com Bengaluru No.: A2, SPL Habitat, No.138, Gangadhar Chetty Road, Ulsoor, Bengaluru – 560043. Tel +91-80-41267152, E-mail culturamablr@globaladjustments.com Delhi-NCR Level 4, Augusta Point, Golf Course Road, Sector 53, Gurgaon 122002, Haryana Mobile +91 124 435 4224 E-mail del@globaladjustments.com Mumbai #1102, 11th floor, Peninsula Business Park, Tower B, SB Road, Lower Parel, Mumbai – 400013 Tel +91-22-66879366 E-mail mum@globaladjustments.com Published and owned by Ranjini Manian at #5, 3rd Main Road, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai – 600028, and printed by K Srinivasan of Srikals Graphics Pvt Ltd at

Culturama is delighted to welcome on board Namita Jain as an Advisory Board member. Learn more about Namita in the special Thought Leaders column this month, on Page 40

#5, Balaji Nagar, 1st Street, Ekkattuthangal, Chennai – 600032 Editor-in-Chief Ranjini Manian Disclaimer Views and opinions expressed by writers do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s or the magazine’s.

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Cover Image

The cover image for this month is a sculpture of Hindu Goddess Parvati, from 11th Century Tamil Nadu, made of copper alloy. It is currently at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Advisory Board Members N. Ram is an award-winning journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu. He is Director of Kasturi & Sons Limited, publishers of The Hindu. Suzanne McNeill lived in India for seven years before returning to Scotland. She is a freelance writer and graphic designer. Marina Marangos is a lawyer, and enjoys travel and writing. She lived in India for four years before moving to Australia. www.mezzemoments. blogspot.com G. Venket Ram is an acclaimed photographer and the creative mind behind many a Culturama issue. www.gvenketram.com Annelize Booysen is a business consultant and social entrepreneur. She lived in Asia for more than a decade, which included three years in India. She is currently based in the United States. Namita Jain, founder of Jaldi Fit, is a leading fitness guru and a businesswoman who helms Kishco, a world-class cutlery brand.

Contributors Susan Philip is a freelance writer based in Chennai, and the editorial coordinator of Culturama’s various coffee table books. Eknath Easwaran (1910–1999) was a spiritual teacher, author and interpreter of Indian literature. In 1961, he founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation and Nilgiri Press in California. Preeti Verma Lal is a New Delhi-based freelance writer/photographer. She writes on travel, lifestyle and culture. Visit www.deepblueink.com Rohan K. Abraham is a chartered accountantturned-entrepreneur who can be found exploring the hills of Nagaland. He started India Trail — a travel company that designs customised experiences in north-east India.

Letters to the editor Dear Editor,

I look forward to reading the ‘Ten for the Road’ column, each month in Culturama. Especially with summer vacations fast approaching, it has helped me think of newer places for holidays. Vinayak A, Mumbai

Dear Editor,

Your Women's Day story featuing a cafe run by acid attack victims and the makers of Lijjat Papad was deeply moving and informative. I encourage you to write more about women achievers of India. They deserve a platform like Culturama. Pramila Mani, Chennai

Dear Editor,

The piece titled ‘A Man, A Sage, A God’ on the many forms of Shiva was simply superb. Thuriya Kumar, Chennai

Dear Editor,

It was inspiring to read about the 55 young women that Global Adjustments helped, by conducting various workshops. Kudos. Manimekalai Sriram, Delhi

culturama – Subscribe Now! Get your copy of Culturama as a hard copy or as an e-magazine - visit www.culturama.in to subscribe For other enquiries, e-mail us at culturama@globaladjustments.com or call us on +91-44-2461 7902

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Contents 20

Picture Story

Watch as man plays god, breathing life into statues at Kumartuli, a traditional artisans village in Kolkata.

Ten for the Road

Trivia about an Indian state – featuring Tripura this month.

India Now

26 Feature We explore the many ancient martial art forms native to different parts of India.

India’s Culture 08

Short Message Service

A recap of the events and people that made news in the last month.

Short, engaging snippets of Indian culture.

Expats in India share their views about life in India.

Festival of the Month

April marks the beginning of the New Year for many communities in India.

Journeys Into India 46

Seeing India

Visit north-east India for picture-perfect landscapes, lush greenery, interesting history and more.

Holistic Living

Look Who’s In Town Thought Leaders

Namita Jain talks about easy ways in which you can stay fit, while balancing your career aspirations.

Calendar of Events

See what’s going on in the main cities and suburbs.

In Focus

We are not meant to be tied down to things, but to soar like beautiful birds. We all have wings.

Regulars 68

At Global Adjustments

Connoisseurs of the genteel language, Urdu, gathered at Jash-eRekhta in Delhi. Celebrating two events. Global Adjustments turning 21 and Aikya 2016.

Relocations and Property

India Impressions

Learn all about the bronze statues of Swamimalai, in South India.

Space and the City

Property listings in Chennai.

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April 2016

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by Suzanne McNeill Short cultural snippets for an easily digestible India

The village of Ajrakh in the Kutch Desert region of Gujarat is home to the highly skilled craft of block-printing using hand-carved wooden blocks to create textiles with complex geometrical designs and repeat patterning. The delicate black-and-white patterns are usually printed on a background of rich crimson or deep indigo, and designs feature a central web-like motif or jaal, framed by intricate border designs. There may be up to 30 stages of dyeing and resist-printing, using pastes and mordants made from local plants and minerals, and other ingredients such as lime, gum Arabic, castor oil and camel dung. The craft was brought to the region in the 16th century by Muslim artisans from Sindh and the fabrics are an essential part of Sindh culture — worn by men as turbans, cummerbunds and shawls, and by women as dupattas and shawls.

Photo: saumyanagar.wordpress.com

Art/Textile/Craft Ajrakh block-prints

Word of the month Ji

Food and drink Kahwah

Indians often add honorific titles to names, out of respect. Some common ones are ‘Sri’ for men, meaning ‘Mr’, and ‘Shrimati’ for women, meaning ‘Mrs’. ‘Swami’ is used for a revered ascetic or religious guru. The word ji may be derived from a Sanskrit word that means ‘soul’ or ‘life’, and is used as an honorific suffix, at the end of someone’s name, to convey respect. The most famous usage is associated with Mahatma Gandhi, who is often referred to as Gandhi-ji. Ji is also used to denote respect from a younger to an older person, such as ‘guru-ji’ to a teacher. Ji has also made its way to South India as a stand-alone word: ‘What’s the news, ji?’

This traditional aromatic green tea is drunk in India’s Kashmir Valley. It accompanies sweet Kashmiri flatbreads at breakfast or is drunk after lunch to aid digestion. Kahwah is made by boiling special green tea leaves with saffron strands, and a combination of spices including ground cinnamon, cardamom pods or cloves. Occasionally, the petals of Kashmiri roses are added for aroma. The tea is strained and served with sugar or honey with finely ground almonds sprinkled on top. Traditionally, kahwah is prepared in a huge copper kettle called a samovar.

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Name to Know Priyanka Chopra A talented and glamorous film actress, style icon and celebrity, Priyanka Chopra is a household name in India who has leapt to international stardom as the first South Asian actress to play a lead role in an American TV drama series, Quantico. Chopra was born 1982, in Bihar, to parents who were both doctors in the Indian army. She spent her childhood on the move, living at army posts across India, and moved to the United States during her teenage years. Her career was launched in 2000 when, already Miss India, she won the Miss World pageant. This gave her a breakthrough into film-making, playing romantic leads, comedy and action roles to growing critical and commercial acclaim over the years. She has recently starred as an Interpol officer in the mega hit Don 2 with Shah Rukh Khan, and earlier in the US-set comedy Dostana opposite Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham. In 2014, Chopra played the boxer Mary Kom in the eponymous biopic, building muscle and boxing skills through months of physical training. Immensely hard-working, Chopra also runs her own film production company and has recorded as a playback artist. Known as determined and highly professional, she speaks out on womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issues, particularly education and equality, and works for UNICEF. Chopra dazzled in diamonds to the value of $8 million at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oscars ceremony, where she was one of the presenters.

Interpretations It is customary to tie red and yellow threads to temple trees when asking the gods to grant a wish. A tradition has evolved at some South Indian temples for couples who wish to be blessed with children to tie a miniature cradle to the temple roof. Snakes, or nagas, are considered divine beings in India and are associated with fertility. It is a superstition in some parts of India that killing or antagonising a snake in this or any former lifetime, even by mistake, can lead to a delay in childbearing. But the naga has the ability to bless as well as curse, and childless couples pray to images of the snake gods, dressing them in golden fabrics and daubing them with vermillion as acts of veneration.

Photo: Nancy Reisig, USA

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India Impressions by Devanshi Mody

Traditions, Cast in Bronze My love affair with the bronzes of Swamimalai began when I tried acquiring a stupendous Nataraj, looming a mighty 8.5 ft, that took 7 years to complete and required six artisans devoted to disparate anatomical and artistic details. But it weighed a ton. Yes! And our building management categorically refused to permit installation of this terrific ton that would cause the edifice to collapse. By then, my ‘love affair’ with these bronzes had turned quite obsessive, impelling an insatiable quest to acquisition gods more submissive to the constraints of contemporary existence. In the course of my visits to artisans and their patrons in Chennai such as Poompuhar, Cottage Industries, Srushti and Victoria Technical Institute (VTI), I stumbled upon the fascinating history and startling truths about these bronzes, often labelled the ‘Bronzes of South India’. Calling them the ‘Bronzes of South India’ robs them of their uniqueness and exclusivity, as bronze statues made in Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra, even if they follow the same process, are stylistically different. The sort of sculptures we

Among the many art and craft forms of India is the ancient art of making bronze sculptures – a painstaking process that involves technical intricacies, a suite of slow stages of fabrication and excruciating attention to detail

are treating here are made to date exclusively in the legendsteeped temple town of Kumbakonam, strictly not even in Kumbakonam but in Swamimalai just outside Kumbakonam, and there is even a distinction between ancient Chola bronzes and Swamimalai bronzes even if they both come from the Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Indian artisans and craftsmen have long been masters at extracting and shaping metals and alloys, as proved by archaeological finds from the 2nd to 3rd millennia B.C. For example, two well-known artefacts, castings of the dancing girl of Mohenjo-daro and the Mother Goddess of Adichanallur, Tamil Nadu, evince a considerable metallurgical mastery. Those castings were formed by the lost-wax process, which later was modified and became known as investment casting. In various parts of India, this age-old casting process is extant and largely unmodified. Despite their hoary heritage, the bronzes of Swamimalai are so insignificant in the greater scheme of things that they haven’t even a Wikipedia entry.

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While many ancient art forms are becoming obsolescent or resorting to machine manufacture, the millennial bronze sculptures of Swamimalai remain purely artisanal, involving technical intricacies, a suite of slow stages of fabrication and excruciating attention to detail, which can be painstakingly time-consuming. Mantra Vepathur in Kumbakonam invited me to explore the artisanal workshops of Swamimalai where I am escorted by the Front Office Manager, my personal guide, to countless workshops, of all sizes and ages, which extend a comprehensive knowledge of how these bronzes are

Photo: Samir Mody

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Photos: Samir Mody

perfection as the artisan fashions a hand by way of quick demonstration of the lost-wax process: Step 1: A wax model is made. Step 2: The wax mould is covered with clay and left to dry in soft sunshine. Step 3: After the entire mould is completely dry, the front and back are treated alternately in the same way and left to dry. Step 4: Once the clay covering on both sides is dry, the wax model within is heated and removed. Thereby, the inner part of the clay covering acts as a mould, that is, it will capture the exact model of the wax.

produced in exiguous shops slatted next to each other and those with big yards for the creation of colossal pieces. The tremendously technical process of creating each piece of work is demonstrated to us at one of the oldest artisanal workshops. They are a little fancier, speak English and are more touristoriented... I witness unravelling before me the 10 steps to

Step 5: Bronze is an amalgam of five metals (a copper alloy incorporating tin, nickel, silver and gold, although gold is scant used today, save for statues destined for temples) and now all the five different metals (Panchaloham) are placed in a heating contraption and melted in a furnace. Step 6: The molten metal is carefully poured into the clay mould through a hole already made during the clay covering process.

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Step 7: Once the mould cools, it is broken to obtain the metallic outline. Step 8: Unwanted waste is extracted from the casted metal. Step 9: After thorough cleaning, engraving is conducted. Step 10: Polishing culminates the process. We are shown a Panchaloha Panchamuga Ganesh that is 2 ft and took 2 months and 10 days to produce, but it is quickly explained that each individual creation demands its own time of production, depending on size and the delicacy of the engraving. If an 8-ft Nataraja can take years to complete, it sometimes and often can take over a decade to sell. Factors sabotaging sales could be, as with the masterpiece I tried to possess, the encumbering dimensions, weight, as few today have the luxury of a bungalow with sturdy foundations to enshrine a towering ton of solid metal. A grand hotel or public structure might be more accommodating, but the trend is to spurn tradition in the frenzy for the newfangled. Unlike Indonesian or even Cambodian art, nowhere as ancient or complex as Swamimalai's bronzes, the latter is woefully little marketed and scarcely understood, if known at all, outside South India. Consequently, there is neither the urge to possess the unfashionable and incomprehensible and

for those whose curiosity is piqued, the costs seem unjustified. North Indians certainly contend the same thing could be â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;machine-manufacturedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. My own uncle was consternated that I had lavished over a million on a collection of a Nataraja (this one only 5 ft and 100 kg), a 6-ft award-winning dancing Perumal (Vishnu), a dancing Ganesh and a Saraswati. This art form, cast into oblivion (pun not intended), will languish and artisans will suffer until such times as when awareness is raised that the time-taking ancient techniques and craftsmanship deployed to fashion and finish with finesse the bronzes of Swamimalai warrants the price. Artisans and government-run handicraft specialists and NGOs aver that miniature statues are easier to sell because they are cheaper, but even an elegant 1-ft reclining Ganesh that caught my fancy was a prohibitive Rs. 45,000 and an even smaller one of a Ganesh with a book that I thought would be a beauty for my desktop was a no less deterring Rs. 32,000. After the millions Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d already spent, my mother stopped funding my bronze addiction. Clearly, this art form requires more than one impassioned individual to keep it alive. Poompuhar has initiated a project to display pieces in the metro and other public places, where they are exhibited rather glamorously, thereby imparting a certain aesthetic contemporary relevance to this art form. They have launched an online shop to

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enhance sales and also organise regular art fairs in major cities – they never weary of narrating how a few years ago they turned up at Mukesh Ambani’s (Chairman of Reliance Industries) residence with a plethora of bronzes laid out in his gardens and effected the sale of not a few pieces. When I was in Paris over Christmas, for the first time amidst the chichi antique galleries of SaintGermain-des-Près, I spotted a spectacular Nataraja in bronze showcased in the central window. Astonished, I entered and was shown some other pieces from Tamil Nadu, including Ganeshas and Saraswatis in bronze, stone and wood. The gallerist explains that these works are an unusual occurrence in Paris where ‘Asian’ art galleries restrict themselves almost exclusively to Chinese, Japanese, South east Asian or ‘Buddhist’ art, quite the raging vogue. Most people in the West haven’t heard of the Hindu pantheon and its bronze icons, not for any want of merit of the artwork but because it is quite simply not marketed enough. The intrinsic worth seems incidental – it’s the en-vogue, glamour quotient that dictates market space and market value.

Photo: Samir Mody

The French connection is significant, as the great French sculptor Augustin Rodin, who has a whole museum in Paris dedicated to him, called South Indian bronzes as the ‘most perfect representation of rhythmic movement in art’. And, yet, currently, Swamimalai’s bronzes have a negligible if not non-existent presence on the international art circuit. Cast in Bronze, an award-winning artisan, however, forecasts a more burnished future for the art having sold an 11-ft Nataraja in Switzerland in 2003 and a 5-ft Mariamman in Malaysia in 2005. Having crafted a 54-ft Dwajasthambam pillar, they are now hoping to create a 23-ft bronze Nataraja to enter the Guinness Book of World Records. A tall order we hope the gods look down favourably upon! Although Lotus Sculpture, founded by three young brothers as passionate about bronzes as I am, apparently already has created a 23-ft Nataraja. We haven’t heard if Guinness is aware of this though...

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Picture Story by Team Culturama

Where gods are made They say God made man in His image. Walk down the streets of the Kumartuli area in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, and you’ll see man making God in his image! In this rustic setting, artisans play god, as murals and statues come to life, under their skilful hands. Here, you can see Kali in various stages, from the simple grey-coloured beginnings of the statues’ skeletons to the detailed beautiful one as it goes on to adorn the various ‘pandals’ across the country, during the famous ‘Durga puja’ held in October. Statues for other occasions, too, are made here. In some shops, you can catch a glimpse of a politician or two, being immortalised, while in others you can see many Hindu gods, goddesses, demons and other characters from mythology.

Throughout the year, statues of Kalis are made in Kumartuli. PHOTO: Karthik Pasupathy Ramachandran, via Flickr

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Kumartuli's transformation into an important tourist stop is all thanks to its talented artisans. PHOTO: Katjusa Cisar, via Flickr

April 2016

Ganeshas in various sizes await a coat of paint.

PHOTO: Nancy Reisig, USA

Women too form a major part of this artistic endeavour. PHOTO: Christine Valade, France

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29 Indias: One Nation, published by Global Adjustments, has 10 handpicked snippets about each of the Indian states. Read the book for free at www.globaladjustments. com. Global Adjustments has created an animated video that captures the cultural markers of all 29 states: http://tinyurl.com/ m734xsm

Ten for the Road by Susan Philip

Tripura

Explore the 29 states of this fascinating subcontinent. This segment will set out a collection of interesting, bite-size facts from each state – this month, we look at Tripura 1. How the Land Lies: Among India’s smallest states, it is bordered by Bangladesh on three sides, and only one National Highway connects it by road to the rest of India. Yet, this northeastern corner of India has contributed quite a bit to the country’s ethos. Agartala is the capital. 2.

Political Pressures: Tripura was a princely state, and did not really come under British dominion. It joined the Indian Union and became a full-fledged state a few years after Independence.

Past Glories: There are references to Tripura in the great epic Mahabarata, in the Puranas, and in ancient inscriptions. The best account of its rulers can be had from Rajmala, a court chronicle.

Ethnic Fingerprint: Chakma, Halam and Usai are some of the tribes from this part of India. Traditional Tripuri houses were elevated structures, to provide some security against wild animals. The indigenous culture of many of these tribes is giving way to modern influences. Take Saimar, for example, the language of one isolated tribe. It is all but extinct;only some four people are able to speak it.

5. Culture Quotient: The dramatic hojagiri dance is performed by women of the Reang tribe. Displaying astonishing flexibility of body, they balance on earthen pitchers and pots during the recital. One man, Satya Ram Reang, determined to preserve and propagate this art form, has opened a school to teach the hojagiri. 6.

Personality Plus: Sachin Dev Burman was born into the royal family of Tripura. His first lessons in music were from his father, but he later learnt it formally. He moved to Bengal, where he made a mark as singer and composer for radio. After a stint in Bengali cinema, Bollywood called, and he captured India’s heart. S.D. Burman wrote music for over a

100 films, both Hindi and Bengali. His eminently hummable compositions were greatly influenced by the folk songs of his native Tripura. 7.

Sights to See: If you have a taste for whimsy, visit Unakoti, which, translated, means ‘one less than a crore’. Legend has it that one crore Gods and Goddesses, led by Lord Shiva, made a night-halt at this place on their way to the holy city of Kashi. At daybreak, Shiva tried to wake his companions to resume their journey, but they did not heed him. Enraged, Shiva turned them to stone and set out on his journey alone. And so the rocks stand, even today, one less than a crore.

8. Tasty Treats: A trademark aspect of traditional cooking here is the low, or zero use of oil. So those who are calorie conscious, do try a Tripura recipe or three. A key ingredient of many dishes is berma — dried and fermented fish, which lifts the dish to another level of yumminess! 9. Crafted with Care: There was a time in Tripura when a woman’s worth was judged by her weaving skills! Now, the striking designs that come off the looms of the state’s highly skilled weavers fly off the shelves of stockists across the country. Shawls and dress materials are much in demand abroad too. The pan-Indian sari, some say, had its genesis in the rignai, part of the traditional attire of Tripura’s tribal women. 10.

Worshipfully Yours: Maliuma was the Goddess of paddy and wealth. Once, in the guise of a destitute old woman, she visited a wealthy family that was immersed in wining and dining. She was driven away, and went to a house where two hungry children were waiting for their parents to return from foraging for food. The family prospered while she lived with them. When she left, she told them to keep an earthen pot of rice in the house, and worship it daily. Traditional Tripura families still follow the custom.

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India now by Susan Philip

The month that was

As we enter a new month, we quickly recap the events, people and places that made news in the past month

Goals, inaugurated by Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, the Indian corporate sector formally adopted the 17 goals on the UN’s agenda. The meet was organised by the Global Compact Network in Mumbai. The Global Compact is a UN initiative to encourage businesses globally to adopt sustainable and socially responsible polices, and to report on their implementation. The top 50 names in India’s corporate sector, including the Tata Group, the Reliance group, the Adani group and the public sector Oil and Natural Gas (ONGC) will work towards the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDGs).

Scientifically Speaking The Little Frog Prince

Politics and Polity Battles for the Ballot The people of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and the Union Territory of Pondicherry will go to the polls to elect new Legislative Assemblies for their states. Elections are scheduled to be held between April 4 and May 16. While the polls will be held in a single phase in some states like Tamil Nadu, it will be staggered in others. Despite the electorate being vastly diverse, ranging from the politically savvy and educated to the illiterate and presumably naive voter, the Indian public has repeatedly shown itself to be mature and decisive.

There’s a new baby in India – or at least a newly discovered one. A team of researchers have discovered a tiny little frog which is a new species. Found in the laterite rock formations of India’s coastal plains, it measures just 1.7 cm. The discovery was announced in a paper published by the researchers. Named the Laterite Narrow-mouthed Frog, it belongs to the Microhyla genus found in South and Southeast Asia. Studies show that the Laterite Narrow-mouthed Frog exists only within a 150 sq km area around the coastal town of Manipal in Karnataka.

Awards and Accolades Woman of Power

For a quick overview of how the election system works in India, check out http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/essay/electionprocedure-in-india-8-steps/24935/

Business Matters Corporate Cooperation India made history on March 12 this year by becoming the first country where the UN has involved both the private and public sector to drive its sustainable development goals. At the 11th National Convention on Sustainable Development

Nineteen years ago, she was helpless when a woman asked for protection from an abusive husband. Today, she is a woman of power. A Catholic nun, Sister Lucy Kurien was living in a convent, and could not shelter the woman, who was

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subsequently killed by her husband. Sr. Lucy swam against the tide, got permission from her order to move out of the convent and live among the poor and downtrodden, to try and help them. She braved their suspicions, won their trust, and established Maher – mother’s home in Marathi. The 38 shortand long-stay units of Maher distributed through the states of Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Kerala shelter and help needy girls, women and children – from the streets, victims of abuse, the mentally challenged, HIV patients, and unwed mothers included. At Maher, no distinctions are made on the lines of religion or caste. It has so far rehabilitated around 4,000 women and 2,000 children. On the occasion of Women’s Day 2016, Sr. Lucy was one of those honoured with the Nari Shakti (Women’s Power) award by the President of India. Q. Sr. Lucy Kurien’s role model is another nun who left her order to work among the poor. Can you name her? A: Mother Teresa.

Sports Spots Catch the action India is hosting the ICC World Twenty-20 (T-20 for short) cricket tournament this year. It is being played in seven cities between March 8 and April 3. Sixteen international teams will be seen in action in this sixth edition of the popular tournament. Although all matches will be equally enthralling to the true cricket enthusiast, the nation as a whole will hold its breath when the arch rivals, India and Pakistan, clash. Q. The venue of the India-Pak encounter has been shifted to Kolkata. Do you know where it was originally scheduled to be held? A: Dharmasala

End of an Era Former Parliament Speaker passes away P. A. Sangma, a dynamic politician from the state of Meghalaya in north-eastern India, passed away after a heart attack, aged 68. He was the Speaker of the Lok Sabha – the Lower House of Parliament, between 1996 and 1998, and made a mark by running the often heated affairs of the House with a smile. He had earlier held portfolios in the Union

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Cabinet apart from various posts in the Congress party, and also served as Chief Minister of Meghalaya from 1988 to 1990. With two other leaders, he founded the Nationalist Congress Party in 1999 and, in 2013, the National People’s Party. Q. Mr. Sangma’s daughter Agatha Sangma was part of the previous government at the Centre. Her ministership was a record of sorts. Do you know what it was? A: She was the youngest person in the Cabinet.

This and That Kerala finishes first in digital race Kerala has won the distinction of being named the first ‘Digital State’ of India. The announcement was made by President Pranab Mukherjee. Among the factors that led to this achievement is that every gram panchayat (village-level administrative circle) in the state has broadband connectivity under the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) programme. It also has over 600 e-governance applications covering almost all government departments. It holds the record for digital banking and bank accounts linked to Aadhaar cards. Mobile coverage is 95 percent.

Let’s drink to that! Feni is well-known as a unique alcoholic drink native to Goa. It will soon be designated as the ‘State Heritage Drink’. Made from fermented cashew apples, it has been awarded the GI (Geographical Indication) status, the first alcoholic beverage to be thus distinguished. State Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said his government was in the process of formulating a policy for feni. It will cover price control and also provide marketing support for Goa’s signature drink. Did you know that a variety of Feni can also be made from palm toddy? It is called Coconut or Palm Feni.

April 2016

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Feature by Susan Philip

The Art of

Warfare India popularised in the world the concept of ahimsa or non-violence. The ancient rulers of the subcontinent were not particularly known for their territorial ambitions. Yet, despite being, by and large, a peace-loving people, Indians reserve a special slot in the scheme of life for the art of warfare – both armed and unarmed combat. The service to king and country was held in high respect in ancient India, as proved by the fact that warriors or Kshatriyas, as they were known, had a distinct slot in the caste system. The two epics of this country – the Ramayana and the Mahabharata – speak of battles great and small. While Lord Rama, the protagonist of the Ramayana, fought and won a great battle against the demon king Ravana who held sway over neighbouring Sri Lanka, the Kurukshetra War described in the Mahabharata was a battle fought on different levels – a fight for a throne between two sets of cousins at the most basic level and a war between good and evil on the highest plane. Warrior heroes like Arjuna, Karna and Abhimanyu are celebrated and teachers of warfare – Dronacharya, for instance – are eulogised. Going even further back into the mists of legend, Parasuram, considered one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, was a warrior. He figures in both epics as the martial mentor of the mortal warrior heroes.

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April 2016

Photo: www.youtube.com/buddhakalari

India is home to several traditional martial art forms, many of which are still practised and performed in India and abroad! Come with us on a journey across the country and discover some of them...

April 2016

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The Theory of Warfare The Dhanurveda is a section of the ancient Indian texts called the Vedas, which deals with the ‘applied science’ of warfare. Written in Sanskrit, it is probably the earliest manual of martial arts. In ancient and medieval India, all was certainly not fair in war. There were specific and stringent rules governing warfare – chivalry, humaneness and a sense of dignity in both victory and loss were the guiding principles. While organised warfare was left to designated armies, the skills of physical combat could be acquired by the man in the street. All over the subcontinent there evolved specialised forms of martial arts based on geographical and territorial considerations, with the emphasis on ‘art’. Expertise was developed and practised within strict parameters, and passed on in specialised ‘academies’ or from one generation to another. What was honed in times of peace often came in very useful during times of war. For a whistle-stop tour of just a few of the many martial art schools in India, let’s start with Kashmir, way up in the north. In the snowy Himalayan wastes, at a time ages ago, when men had to work on their reflexes not only to protect themselves from attacks by enemies and wild animals but also to hunt for food, a discipline evolved that eventually came to be practised by soldiers in Kashmir. It was given the name sqay – a Persian term meaning ‘knowledge of war’. The repertoire of moves includes locks, punches and kicks. Practitioners also wielded a single-edged, curved sword paired with a shield. Its importance waxed and waned with the course of history. At some points, it was compulsory for armies to be trained in sqay. At other times, not much attention was paid to it, and it almost vanished from public memory. Over the past couple of decades, however, there has been a sustained effort to revive and popularise this martial art beyond the boundaries of Jammu and Kashmir. Several Indian states now have centres which impart training in sqay, and tournaments are held across the country. In modern times, the sword is replaced by either a stick or a synthetic fibre fabrication covered in leather. Descending to the plains of North-west India, one comes to the state of Punjab. It is the land of the Sikhs, who have made such sterling contribution to the country’s armed forces. The gatka is a revered, ancient martial art form of the region. More than a mere system of defence and attack, it can be described as a way of life. It is a unification of spiritual, mental and physical disciplining. The term gatka refers to the

Photo: www.musicandtraditions.org Photo: Oxlaey, via Flickr

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April 2016

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Ahimsa with a caveat! Some scholars of the various martial arts that originated in the subcontinent believe that possibly the hardest to master is Bandesh. This ancient system emphasises the use of force without lethal effect. The aim is to defeat an opponent, even an armed one, without the use of weapons, causing him minimal harm in the process.

short stick or cudgel, the basic weapon, although other, more deadly weapons are also used. Gatka stood the Sikhs in good stead during various invasions of their land by the Mughals. In recent years, it has been popularised even overseas. At the other end of India, in the north-east, lies the little state of Manipur, an area of great strategic importance, geographically speaking. It is the home of several indigenous tribes and clans, which, in times past, engaged in skirmishes and battles for territory all too often. As a system of selfdefence as well as attack, there developed in the region a martial art known as Thang-ta, more formally called Huen Lalong. The art of sword and spear, it also involves meditation and other means of sharpening spiritual characteristics of practitioners. Although it was banned during the colonial era, it survived in secret schools, passed down from teacher to pupil.

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April 2016

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Photo: Inderpreet Singh, via Flickr

Photo: kushtiwrestling.blogspot.com

Of war and peace The Mauryan emperor Ashoka’s determination to add the fiercely independent kingdom of Kalinga to his territory resulted in one of the bloodiest battles in the history of that time. Horrified by the immense carnage of the Kalinga War, Ashoka eschewed violence and embraced Buddhism. Curiously enough, the Buddha was born Siddhartha Gautama, a Kshatriya and prince of Kapilavastu. As part of his royal training, one of the first things he learnt was the art of vajra mushti or diamond fist, a form of wrestling using a knuckledusterlike weapon. Simple wrestling or Kushti still has a loyal following in many pockets of India. Vajra mushti, in particular, gained popularity among the Wodeyars, who ruled Mysore in the South, and even now forms a part of the famous Dussera celebrations which the royal family presides over. Combat wrestling, also called Malla Yuddha, finds mention in ancient Indian texts.

The region that is now Odisha in the east of India had a warrior caste – Khandayats or Masters of the Sword. They led a peasant militia known as Paikya who practised their art in akhadas or gymnasiums. The ruling dynasties relied on the paikya or infantry to maintain law and order during peacetime; and in times of war, their services were called upon to augment the might of the army. They received rigorous training from the Khandayats, and their prowess was known even overseas. But during the British rule they were suppressed after they revolted against some of the East India Company’s policies. The Khandayats did their best to keep the martial art alive through annual demonstration shows. Even today, mock combats are staged during festivals such as the Kalinga Mahotsav. In central India, the Binot is an ancient martial art that relies heavily on wrestling techniques. The crux of this discipline is the disarming of armed opponents by an unarmed person. Moving over to western India, the hilly terrain, riddled with valleys and caves, of the Kolhapur region of the presentday state of Maharashtra gave birth to a system of fighting which focuses on hand-to-hand combat rather than battles between organised troops. It was called mardani khel or ‘manly sport’, but the element of ‘sport’ featured very little in it – the practitioners fought fiercely and astutely, as many a better armoured enemy realised to his cost. The wiry, agile men of the region favoured a particular type of long spear and a lance which was secured to their wrists by a cord. In common with many other indigenous Indian martial art forms, mardani khel was suppressed under British rule, but it never died out.

April 2016

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designs by

RICHA KAPOOR classic | bohemian | funky | chic

Exhibition and launch of Spring summer collection

Date: 11 th April to 13th April | Time 11.30 am to 6.30 pm Venue

2nd floor, Sri Krishna Leela Apartments, No. 34, 2nd Main Road, R.A Puram, Chennai - 600028 For appointment - +91-9884043206

Blog: http://richa-kapoor.blogspot.in/ eaglefashions by richa kapoor

April 2016

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Efforts to revive it in modern-day India have been largely successful. And today, it isn’t limited to men; women and girls are also trained in mardani khel.

Photo: Aurelie Marsan, France

The ancient inhabitants of southern India gave no less importance to martial arts than their contemporaries elsewhere in the subcontinent. Legend has it that the slice of land bordering the Arabian Sea, which is now the state of Kerala, was retrieved from the ocean by Lord Parasuram, who taught a group of upper caste Namboodiris his signature martial art, so that it could be propagated for the defence of the land he had created. The legendary sage Agastya is another patron of the art. This system, believed to be among the oldest in the world and renowned today as Kalaripayattu, is considered the root of many other martial art forms, not only in the subcontinent but also in China and other places in the Asian region. The word kalari means ‘school’, and it was taught in academies under the gurukul scheme of education, where students lived and learned with their master. Kalaripayattu is a psycho-physiological discipline, and an exponent is expert in the use of weapons such as sword, shield, dagger, spear and club, apart from unarmed combat. It is characterised by nimble footwork and students are taught to strike at vital points on the opponent’s body. Interestingly, the Kalaripayattu curriculum includes a system of healing. Even today, Kalaripayattu is valued as a discipline which harnesses, harmonises and channelises the energies of body and mind, and sportsmen and dancers are among those who seek its benefits. Today, many of these ancient martial arts of India are still alive and kicking! They are practised, not so much with an eye on defence or even attack but as a means of keeping fit in both body and mind. Silambattam from Tamil Nadu, for instance, a martial art that takes its name from the silambams or bamboo staffs which practitioners wield with amazing dexterity to subdue assailants or attack their foes, is being picked up by modern-day youngsters as an amazing workout method.

Women of war It wasn’t men alone who took to arms and fighting in ancient and medieval India. Unniarcha, who was taught the art of kalaripayattu along with her brothers by their father, went on to defend the women of the region as well as her family honour. Rani Chennamma of Kittur (in present-day Karnataka), who was the first woman to lead an armed rebellion against the East India Company, and Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, an important leader in the 1857 rebellion against British rule, are towering examples of women who were trained in martial arts. In the 21st century, Mary Kom from Manipur has done India proud, winning a bunch of international medals for boxing, including the bronze in the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

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April 2016

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Look Who’s In Town Delhi

John van Veggel, Vice President and Head of Global Services Operations India, Ericsson, and monique hailing from the Netherlands, on how much there is to experience in India!

Take

Too much for a lifetime We first learned of India via YouTube and the Internet. These were great sources of information. We researched a lot of things about India when we decided to accept the new contract to live in India. We must say the actual experience is a lot better then what we expected before we came here. Somehow, the negative messages on food, hygiene, climate and social gaps seem to get the most attention when you prepare. Dealing with that, being in India is a lot better than expected. Watching India What we really love doing other than watching TV and Netflix to pass time in India is to just look at people. When travelling by car, the best entertainment is to watch incredible India passing you by. Travel tales Excluding business travel, we went to the Jim Corbett Park, Goa, and have scheduled Varanasi for March. These were really great experiences, especially to see the diversity of what India has to offer. What I would like to change in India If we were to choose something here that will likely never change – the traffic and driving behaviour, especially the use of horns. I am taking home... We will take back an incredible experience, which will be impossible to explain to others. Not even with all the pictures, blogs and souvenirs we keep.

Best Indian friend: We have met with Jay, a gentleman who lives in a neighbourhood next to ours. He is now pretty much retired, but has travelled the world extensively and is interested in how we perceive and experience India. Favourite Indian food: Number 1 on the list is Butter Chicken! And as a snack, the alltime favourite is Bikano Navratan Mixture. Cannot stop eating this when watching TV. Favourite hang-out spot in India: Pebble Street in the Community Centre in New Friends Colony. A place we found during our initial stay in the hotel next door when we arrived in India. Next in line is an outdoor roof top terrace we found recently at Connaught Place. We’ll have to see how favourite that holds during Indian summer! Intolerable India: Using air-conditioners as if everything in the room needs to be frozen. We hate these overcooled restaurants and shops, which are simply too cold. It is bad for health and definitely not comfortable to sit in 17 degrees centigrade, with the clothing you wear outside where it is over 30 degrees. Second is the arrogant behaviour of some youngsters, with this typical ‘hand wave’ to tell others to go away. Loveable India: The diversity of this country — we go crazy going through travel books, trying to figure out what we are to experience next. India simply has too much to offer for a lifetime.

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April 2016

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Look Who’s In Town Chennai

Picture perfect Jessica Klecker from the United States thinks India is perfect just the way it is I first came to India on an educational trip with my college. In preparation, I did a lot of research online about the culture, and even asked acquaintances of mine who are Indian some questions. Before that though, I always had a huge desire to visit India. I was always fascinated by the country and its way of life.

Then & Now I have to be honest; some of my first impressions of India when I came were not the best. On hearing of the arranged marriages in India, I found it to be quite odd, especially coming from the ‘Hollywood love’ culture. But my perspective changed a lot after coming here. India on a platter One day, I was hungry and ready to eat at a party and we were waiting for the meal. When the food came, it was biryani; and I fell in love with the delicious flavor. Festival of lights I have taken part in Diwali and weddings in India. I enjoyed the Diwali experience, such as the crackers and the lights. It was, however, extremely loud for a very long time, but three days out of a year is fine if you are willing to accept it. I loved taking the share auto and looking at all of the lights strung around buildings and the streets. It really reminded me of home and celebrating Christmas. Movies with intervals I love going to the movies in India. I was especially shocked when the entire theatre screamed at the first appearance of Batman in the film! Then when the intermission came, I was extremely puzzled. My first thought was, ‘Did the rest of the film not arrive?!’ Nonetheless, this experience has always been a fun story to share with my family and it always brings on a smile. Wanderlust I have travelled to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Dharmapuri and a few small villages. Each of them has their own atmosphere that's unique! I am taking home... Curry leaves. We do not find curry leaves in the United States, at least not that easily or for an acceptable price. I love to cook Indian food for my family, and the main missing ingredient that I am always wishing I had is curry leaves.

Take

Best Indian friend: Daniel Godwin, my fiancé. Favourite Indian food: Biryani from the local road shops, bajjis and masala dosa. Favourite hangout spot in India: Besant Nagar. Intolerable India: Shops close too early on the weekdays. Loveable India: It's a family place. It's a place I can picture my husband and me bringing our kids to one day.

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April 2016

Thought leaders by Team Culturama

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Fitness is her business Founder of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Jaldi Fitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; movement and a businesswoman reimagining her family brand Kishco, Namita jain talks to Team Culturama about balancing her dual roles, the importance of staying fit and how it requires just a little bit of effort...

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April 2016

Namita Jain, a popular fitness guru, has under her belt a substantial set of qualifications from the American Council of Exercise, the American College of Sports Medicine, the Aerobic & Fitness Association of America and the Pilates UK Institute. She is a columnist for numerous leading newspapers and magazines on nutrition, fitness and various healthrelated issues. She has authored 10 health and wellness books which encompass adult fitness, teenage, diet and lifestyle, health, senior citizens and fitness for kids. Her most recent project is aimed at post-partum fitness for new moms. She hails from an illustrious Jain family. Her grandfather, Shriyans Prasad Jain, was awarded the Padmabhushan and was related to the family that owned The Times of India. Namita’s business acumen is the legacy she was born with. She has also taken charge of the highly successful family business Kishco (which was established in 1950), a world-class cutlery brand, and taken it to the international stage. Namita has relaunched Kishco as a premium brand. She is adopting a new international designer packaging while still maintaining Kishco’s brilliant quality. She answers Team Culturama’s questions on staying fit, finding inspiration, the importance of women leaders in companies and more… How was Jaldi Fit born? Jaldi Fit is a concept I launched to develop a series of books, DVDs and services. I feel a fitness routine should be safe, effective and enjoyable. Many start a vigorous or complex training programme – but then don’t last out due to injury or mental and physical burnout. It is then not a relaxing experience. Fitness and lifestyle changes should be a part of your routine and fit in seamlessly into your daily schedule – as a hard-to-break habit. Also, exercise must be reasonably time-efficient and give results. These are my answers to most people’s fitness woes: “It’s so much trouble going to a gym!” – You can do these safe and simple exercises in your own home. “Between work and leisure, I have so little time.” – All you need is 20 minutes of your day to workout. “I do not want to buy exercise equipment.” – All you need is a mat, a chair, a towel, a 500 ml water bottle. “Exercise is complicated.” – Walking is safe and it is an excellent form of exercise. “Eating healthy food is not practical on a daily basis.” – Be creative with your cooking so you enjoy the taste and retain good health.

How do you balance your dual roles, that of a fitness guru and running a successful family business of such legacy? •

I wake up in the morning and first think, then plan my day and finally act.

•

I prioritise and allocate time to both activities.

•

I exercise daily. Drink enough water. This gives me ample energy.

•

I meditate. This helps me focus and relax.

•

I stay positive. And count my blessings.

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Are there any principles from fitness that you adapt to your business, or vice versa? Fitness and business both require discipline and focus. Staying healthy and feeling well is a crucial aspect of gainful productivity. When I am constantly learning, imbibing, interacting, inspiring and contributing, I feel happy. What traditional Indian fitness practices do you recommend to those wishing a healthy lifestyle? Yoga: I recommend practising yoga and pranayama (breath control) regularly. This helps develop better mental concentration, coordination, flexibility, strength, postural awareness and breathing habits. Yoga also balances the functioning of the body’s glandular system and the chakras – the body’s spiritual energy centres. Yoga poses invigorate body and mind, stretch the spine and stimulate the internal organs allowing better energy flow. Diet: The food plate that is simple and delightful is our Indian thali! All the different food items – dal, rice, roti, seasonal vegetables, salad and curds – are the staples that make up a balanced thali. There is nothing more comforting than eating a freshly prepared, hot and hygienic, home-cooked meal with all the food groups and vital spices included. You have written several books on fitness for different types of people. What kind of research goes into the making of your book? I have written ten books on wellness, in addition to a fitness DVD. (For teens, older adults, children, pregnant women amongst others... and the latest one is for new moms.) People in various phases of life have unique health concerns – which need to be addressed. Keeping fit is a tricky proposition. I hope to reach out to peoples’ needs through interaction and my writings. Over the years, through education and experience as my main tools, I have written books. I have developed a broad-based foundation, encompassing clinical exercise, Pilates, sports medicine, nutrition and weight and lifestyle management. In the field of rehabilitation, I offer consultations

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April 2016

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Learn a new asana

Palm tree

See how well you can imitate a palm tree, by standing tall and strong, and pretending to ‘sway’ in the wind.

to the Bombay Hospital in Mumbai, structuring training programmes for people with special needs, training trainers and conducting specialised classes. Here, I interact daily with people across all ages understanding their health concerns. As a fitness guru and businessperson, do you have a word of advice for career women on the importance of a fitness routine? It’s never too late to make simple yet effective lifestyle changes. Even modest weight loss can bring about significant health improvements such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If you are overweight, reducing your weight by 5 to 10 percent is proved to decrease your chance of developing heart disease. Being a working woman myself, I fully understand the pitfalls of sticking to diets and fitness regimes. However, armed with your determination and willpower, it’s a cinch that you will soon be back on the road to good health and improved productivity. After all, you have nothing to lose, but so much to gain.

Stand upright, raise your arms overhead and interlock your fingers.

Now stretch to the right side and then the left; then sway from side to side, imitating the movement of a palm tree.

Benefit: It stretches and strengthens the body.

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April 2016

Seeing India by Rohan K. Abraham

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The rolling whites of Sikkim's beautiful mountains (left) and the greens of Meghalaya

Driving through paradise A drive through the north-east of India can take you through the majestic Himalayan ranges, the fertile river plains and tea plantations, heavy forested cover, rolling hills and some really beautiful landscapes

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From the year 2013, I have been on the move — travelling to new places, exploring new villages and towns, meeting new people and learning new things. If growing up in six cities and five towns wasn’t enough, I’ve made this new life centred on constant flux. And that’s what you need if you want to see India. I have been in India’s north-eastern corner for the past few years and still feel like I haven’t covered enough of this region. Here’s something I am not proud of — I have lived all my life in the country and in all four corners of the mainland, and the first time I was really fully aware of and interacted with people from India’s north-eastern states was when I reached university. I suspect this is the case for many people in the country. Time to change all of that! The north-eastern side of India has eight states — each so different from the other and so rich in its own history, culture

April 2016

and geography. All of this, in what is approximately 8 percent of India’s land mass! A drive through the north-east of India can take you through the majestic Himalayan ranges, the fertile river plains and tea plantations, heavy forested cover, rolling hills and some really beautiful landscapes. This drive would, of course, take you more than a few months given the terrain and accessibility of many places… but that’s what makes this region so intriguing.

Assam The tea plantations in Assam are the world’s single largest contiguous area under tea cultivation. Assam is one of two areas in the world that has native tea plants. Tea was commercialised and made ready for sale in the mid-1800s by the English. A drive through the tea plantations of Assam is such an enriching experience – learning about how tea is grown, tasting some of the different varieties, seeing how tea

April 2016

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(Clockwise from top) Clouds caress the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, a tea plantation in Assam and the winding hills of Nagaland.

is plucked and processed – something we use every day, but yet know so little about. For the uninitiated, the tea here is strong and full bodied.

Arunachal Pradesh The high-altitude valleys of Arunachal Pradesh surrounded by a mix of grasslands and rocky mountains make for wonderful destinations. Not only does the place enthral you, the long drive to get there is equally breathtaking. Arunachal Pradesh still has much of its forest land intact and appears to be something like Kerala – on mountains. All you see is lush green vegetation spread across the hills as you drive through from the lower altitude areas in the south to the much higher and sparser snow-covered regions of the north.

Meghalaya Meghalaya, also called the abode of clouds, is blessed with rolling green hills, steep cliffs and gushing waterfalls. Meghalaya has a 1.2 km scarp that overlooks the Gangetic plains of Bangladesh. This natural barrier catches a lot of the rain-heavy clouds coming in from the Bay of Bengal. Standing on the top of the scarp and looking out towards Bangladesh on a clear day is a sight not to be missed! Cherrapunji and Mawsynram are two towns in Meghalaya that quite often exchange the title of ‘the wettest region on the planet’.

Nagaland See the monoliths in Nagaland, where each stone represents a major event – a family success, a village or community event. To have a stone erected in your name is a matter of prestige and it doesn’t come easy. You have to earn it. One way to get a stone erected in your name is to host the Feast of Merit – this would mean hosting a banquet for the entire village – an expensive affair. A certain number of such

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April 2016

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Lose yourself in the stunning valleys of north-east India; (below) a war cemetery

30 kg on your back and climb 1,000 steps – thrice. The farmers in the region can do this without breaking a sweat.

Stories from the war The war cemeteries of Kohima and Imphal represent memories not to be forgotten. Nagaland and Manipur were two states that felt the brunt of World War II battles in 1944. Both states witnessed a historical battle between the Japanese and Indian National Army combine, with the Allies led by the English Army. Thousands of soldiers lost their lives here from countries as far away as New Zealand, Australia, England and Japan. One particular battle needs specific mention – the Battle of the Tennis Court that happened in the heart of Kohima town. It was hand-to-hand combat and a very close battle that the Allies finally won. So close were the soldiers on both sides that they were able to lob back grenades thrown at them. India might have been a substantially different nation today had the Japanese–INA combine won. feasts entitle you to a specific architecture for your house. Just imagine the centuries of stories that these stones carry!

Terraced cultivation The terraced cultivation seen in the hills in most of the north-east of India is quite the sight as you drive past. The slopes of these hills sometimes appear endless, with these thin slices of vegetation. Navigating these fields must be quite the skill! Farmers sometimes head to their farms and back to their villages up to two or three times a day carrying their harvest on their back. Doesn’t seem that much? Try carrying

There is so much more to the north-east of India than can be described in a few paragraphs. It is a melting pot of cultures and traditions that must be experienced. With some of the most hospitable people I have ever met and weather to die for, the North-east has now become home for me. You truly haven’t seen India, till you have been this side of the country.

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April 2016

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April

Calendar of events

Presenting the best of India’s events in different categories across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and nearby suburbs

Art & Exhibitions

Art Workshop Delhi

Photography Workshop Chennai

Does art enchant you? If yes, make your way to this one. Rohit Kumar Sharma will teach the intricacies of the passion that lies within, to create art. Classes every Saturday and Sunday. Course Fee: Rs. 3,500 for three months. The workshop is only for adult participants.

If you're a neophyte shutterbug foxed by technical jargon, if you’ve just got a camera and want to fully exploit its creative possibilities, if you've been using a camera for some time and are not satisfied with the kind of pictures you’re taking, if you want to leave the auto mode behind, unleash your imagination and make images that outlast you, the two-day Basics of Photography Workshop is for you.

Date: Until August 20 Time: On Saturday 1430 hrs–1700 hrs; Sunday 1130 hrs–1400 hrs Venue: Palm Court Conference Room, India Habitat Centre, Gate No.2, Near Sai Baba Temple, Lodhi Road, South, Delhi NCR

Date: April 16 Time: 0930 hrs Venue: Hotel Raj Park: Chennai, 180, T.T.K Road, Alwarpet, Chennai,

Exhibition / Sale Chennai Toran, the home decor store, is hosting its annual sale with upto 50 percent off on its entire range of furniture, accents, art, antiques and soft furnishings. Date: April 2—16 Time: 1030 hrs–1930 hrs Venue: 5, Damodaran Street, Off Harleys Road, Kilpauk, Chennai

April 2016

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Carpentry Workshop Bengaluru

Play Delhi

Master the basics of carpentry with a fun and fast-paced workshop with focus on projectbased learning. As a participant you get to take home everything you make. This is a four-day workshop.

Pakistan aur Alzheimer’s is a hilarious presentation of a heart-rending story. It has been hailed as a unique play as it takes a comic, satirical and fresh look at the ‘Partition’ of the country. The story unfolds in the form of a 90-year-old man recalling the Partition and its immediate as well as long-term repercussions in a funny and factually incorrect manner as he suffers from Alzheimer's disease, making the audience laugh without pause.

Date: April 2, 3, 9 and 10 Time: 0900 hrs onwards

Events

Comedy Mumbai Aisa Hi Hota Hai is a musical and comedy poetry show with Dr. Kumar Vishwas performing live. This concert is an effort to raise funds for the betterment of women and children under the poverty line. The event is being organised by Alliance Foundation. Date: April 3 Time: 1800 hrs Venue: Shanmukhananda Auditorium, Sion, Mumbai

However, in the process, the old man’s funny memoirs question a range of stereotypes about the tragic event – its genesis, its causes, its worth and its effects. Date: April 17 Time: 1900 hrs Venue: Alliance Francaise: Delhi, 72, Lodhi Estate, Lodhi Road, Delhi, NCR

April 2016

Concert Mumbai Anand Bhaskar Collective will be performing at Hard Rock Café this month. ABC’s music is characterised by a straight-up groove and a melody-centric alternative rock sound. The band emphasises a lot on song structures. They fuse Indian classical elements with their dominant alternative rock soundscape. ABC works equally hard to pen strikingly relevant lyrics that complement their music in an easy and comprehensible manner. Date: April 7 Time: 2030 hrs Venue: Hard Rock Cafe: Andheri, Sharyans Audeus, Fun Cinema Lane, Near Balaji Telefilms, Off Veera Desai, Andheri (West), Mumbai

Play Chennai Nagercoil Expressum Nadaga Companyum, written and directed by Vinodhini Vaidynathan, is being staged in Chennai. Nagercoil Express – While Shankar and Chandru are getting acquainted in the Nagercoil Express, a strange visitor arrives – with a stranger message for them. Do they heed the message? At what cost? Nagercoil Express was performed at Short and Sweet Theatre Festival 2014 as Sathur Santhippu. Naadaga Company – The Mambalam Originally Boys' Company needs a makeover. Actors running away for film auditions, running the same play for two years – things are in bad shape. Until one day, a drama

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critic is supposed to arrive, and then things start happening. Do the boys and their boss impress the critic? Naadaga Company is adapted from Pammal Sambanda Mudaliar's ‘Oar Oththigai’ and premiered at The Hindu Theatre Fest 2015. Date: April 3 Time: 1530 hrs and 1930 hrs Venue: Music Academy Mini Hall, New No. 168 (Old No. 306), T.T.K. Road, Chennai

Play Mumbai Raell Padamsee's Ace Productions, in association with NCPA, presents Mahatma... Of the children, for the children, by the children. In celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa, this production on the Indian Freedom Movement will bring to life and relevance the importance of the Mahatma’s teachings, to today’s youth, complementing the aims of Prime Minister Modi’s Swachh Bharat Campaign. The song which will feature in Mahatma, was specially composed by musical trio Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy. Date: April 30 – May 1 Time: 1930 hrs Venue: Jamshed Bhabha Theatre: NCPA, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai

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April 2016

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In Focus by Preeti Verma Lal

Celebrating the Language of

Love

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The crowd in New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi National Centre of Arts (IGNCA) was milling. The orange and pink pillars in Diwan-e-Aam stood statuesque amidst the chairs draped in red and yellow. The boughs of a banyan tree were bent with golden bells and strung books. The amphitheatre had fluffy cushions. Volunteers were handing out passes and bouncers in black stood hawk-eyed. At Jashn-e-Rekhta, a three-day festival celebrating all things Urdu, couplets were floating in the air. In the lawns of IGNCA, every other language was banished. Urdu dwelled in every heartbeat. Urdu had conquered all. ‘Jashn-e-Rekhta is an extension of rekhta.org where we step beyond words and celebrate Urdu in music, plays, theatre, discussions. Even food,’ said Sajiv Saraf, the soul behind Rekhta. That nippy February morning, I was manoeuvring through New Delhi’s weekend traffic. At 11 a.m. Gulzar was scheduled to talk on Yeh Kaisa Ishq Hai Urdu Zubaan Ka (What is this love for Urdu language). The clock was in a hurry, I had to fill the Media Form, snake a pass over my grey dress, run through security and the art/food kiosks to the Diwan-e-Aam where critic and scholar Sukrita Paul Kumar was to share the dais with Gulzar. The stage was empty and people were still

April 2016

Jashn-e-Rekhta, a three-day festival that celebrates all things Urdu is a time for connoisseurs of the genteel language and culture to indulge in and appreciate it in all possible ways jostling for a vantage seat. Gulzar walked in. An apparition in white. Silence fell. All I could hear was his throaty recitation. Each word thick with emotion, each couplet dipped in his magnificence. He laughed. He talked. He cracked a joke with writers Javed Akhtar and Vikram Seth who were sitting in the first row. He recited the opening lines of his tribute to Mirza Ghalib, the famous Urdu poet. The audience was not satiated and kept asking for more. Gulzar pulled a few white pages from his black diary. Recited. The applause hit a crescendo. I sat there numb. Dazzled by his poetry. Swooning over his voice. Inaugurated by Najeeb Jung, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Jashn-e-Rekhta was tidily divided into four venues – Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-e-Aam, Bazm-e-Ravaan and Kunje-Sukhan, where sessions were held simultaneously delving

April 2016

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(Clockwise from top) Scenes from the event, lyricist Javed Akhtar, poet and lyricist Gulzar

into various aspects of Urdu literature. Pakistani television stars Sania Saeed and Sarmad Sultan Khusat joined Kanwaljit Singh to talk about the various nuances of Urdu on television, noting the difference in idiom across the subcontinent while Gopi Chand Narang talked of Ghalib as a poet of love and co-existence. In another session, Nandita Das and Bimal Chadha elaborated on how the writer Sadaat Hasan Manto ‘still speaks to us’. That afternoon I waited for stories. For Dastangoi, an ancient oral Urdu tradition of storytelling. Where there no props, just stories told by two men in white. This art of storytelling was moribund when Mehmood Farooqi took it upon himself to resuscitate it back to life. Darain Shahidi and Ankit Chadha narrated the tale of the partition of India and Pakistan, picking poignant stories of men and women who lost their families, dignity – and lives – in the horrific saga. Naysayers had predicted doom for Urdu; but if one went by the crowd thronging at IGNCA, Urdu will never die. What makes Jashn-e-Rekhta fascinating is it willingness to let Urdu

step down from the scholar’s desk and belong to everyone. There was a dramatised rendition of Ghalib’s letters and a poetry-based dance performance. Dara Shikoh, the famous play directed by M.S. Sathyu, was staged meticulously. A colourised version of the epic Bollywood saga Mughal-e-Azam was spooled. Books were released and the stage was open to visually impaired children, who rendered Sufi songs with the finesse of maestros. The Sabri brothers sang qawalis and Rafaqat Khan mesmerised everyone with his songs. As if to complete the Urdu ambience, the food court was fragrant with the aroma of Mughal and Deccan cuisine. I returned home from Jashn-e-Rekhta. Alone. All I brought along were the letters of Ghalib, the baritone of Gulzar, the fate of Dara Shikoh and a handful of stardust that got caught in the corners of my shawl. Within my four walls now live two souls. Rekhta and I.

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April 2016

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In conversation with Sanjiv Saraf, Founder, Rekhta

As an IIT alumnus and chairman of one of the world’s largest manufacturers of PET films, Sanjiv Saraf should have been crunching numbers and decoding the chemistry of PET resins. Instead, he talks animatedly about the lilt of Mirza Ghalib’s couplets and the sublime intensity of Faiz Ahmed Faiz. His Rekhta Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has taken upon itself the mantle of preserving everything about Urdu literature, all of which is available free on www.rekhta. org. In his office in Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Saraf talks about Rekhta and more.

What prompted your love for Urdu literature? Poetry is not in my bloodline, but I grew up listening to Begum Akhtar and Farida Khannum. Mushairas (a symposium where poets gather to perform their work) were held in my ancestral house. Perhaps the love began there. I loved reading Urdu poetry but not much was available either online or as books.

Did that lead to setting up Rekhta Foundation? After my degree from IIT Kharagpur, I took the paved path – joining the family business, setting up factories across the world. Somewhere in this everyday existence, my love for the language got stifled. At 53, I decided to learn the Persian script. Rekhta was a natural progression.

Tell us more about rekhta.org. The website www.rekhta.org is the world’s largest compendium of Urdu literature. It features 1,731 shayar (poets), 17,651 ghazals (lyric poems), 3,590 nazm (a genre of Urdu poetry), 11,897 sher (also a form of poetry), 4,334 audios, 4,127 videos and 15,482 e-books. The text is available in three languages – Urdu, Devnagari, English – with a colossal dictionary and an easy-to-search option.

What is the reach? In the three years since its inception, rekhta.org has readers in 200 countries, with India topping the list followed by Pakistan and the United States.

What about demographics? Surprisingly, the largest chunk is in the 25–35 age group, people who are flaunting their knowledge of Urdu couplets on social media/groups. The website has also become a definite reference point for research scholars around the world. We are planning to add the Urdu curriculum of various universities to make the content accessible to all.

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April 2016

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April 2016

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Festivals of India Communities across India celebrate the beginning of a New Year this month. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also the important Jain festival of Mahavir Jayanti and the Hindu Ram Navami. Read on for moreâ&#x20AC;Ś

April 8 Gudi Padwa Gudi Padwa marks the New Year for the Marathi community (those who speak the Marathi language). It is observed usually in Maharashtra, Goa and some parts of the South Indian state of Karnataka, as well as by Marathis all over the world. The celebrations for the New Year include the hoisting of a gudi (victory flag) at the entrance to homes. Neem and mango leaves, and a garland of flowers, are hung on the flag pole.

Ugadi Ugadi is the Telugu New Year. It is observed usually in the South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as well as by Telugus elsewhere. On this day, a delicious treat made of jaggery, chillies, tamarind, mango and neem flowers are made in all households. This dish, called the Ugadi pachadi, is made to denote that our life is filled with moments that are sweet and sour.

April 13 Baisakhi Baisakhi is the Punjabi New Year, celebrated in the state of Punjab and by Punjabis the world over. On this day, people thank the Almighty for the good harvest of the previous year and celebrate with a feast, listening to folk music, dancing, attending fairs and visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

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April 2016

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April 13 Tamil New Year The Tamil New Year is celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry as well as by Tamils who live in large numbers in countries such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and beyond. It is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chithirai. It is called Puthandu in Tamil. It falls on the vernal equinox and is declared a public holiday in the state.

April 14 Vishu Vishu is the first day of the Malayalam calendar. The highlight of this occasion is being led blindfolded at the crack of dawn to gaze at a mirror. A decoration of cereals, rice, fruits, vegetables and coins are placed in front of the mirror. Seeing images of wealth and prosperity first thing is believed to be lucky! This ritual is called Vishukkani or the auspicious view. If you are in Kerala or are visiting a Malayali home, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the sadya or the feast. The star dish is Vishu Kanji, made of rice and coconut.

April 15 Ram Navami Ram Navami, also known as Sri Rama Navami, is a Hindu festival to mark the birthday of Lord Rama, who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. In some places, the festival is celebrated for nine days, with prayers and concerts.

April 20 Mahavir Jayanti Mahavir Jayanti is observed by Jains as the birth anniversary of Mahavir. Known as Vardhamana, it was the sage Mahavir who established Jainismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core tenets. The idol of Mahavir, after a ritual bath, is taken on a procession to mark the day. Jains believe in donating to the poor and needy on this day.

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April 2016

Advertiser's Feature

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T3 (thyroid hormones), which circulate in the blood. The thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland in the brain by producing a hormone called TSH (thyroidstimulating hormone). It is necessary for memory, energy levels, bone marrow function, proper functioning of the heart, proper movement of our intestine and many such vital functions. The most common reason for hypothyroidism (reduced thyroid function) is autoimmune thyroid problem. The body produces antibodies against its own gland that make the gland function less. Diagnosing thyroid problems requires just a simple blood test in most people. Women tend to have thyroid problems more often than men. The hormone is also important for the growth of a baby and its development. The good news is that testing is simple and the problem can be effectively treated. Children can also develop thyroid problems. They should be given thyroid supplements and attain normal growth and puberty if their levels are maintained within the normal range. Not all swellings in the neck region are due to a thyroid problem. While the vast majority is benign, about five percent can be due to thyroid cancer. It is important not to ignore any neck swelling at any age. Surgery cures most patients with cancer.

April 2016

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At Global Adjustments by Team Culturama

21, ready to have fun! global Adjustments celebrated 21 years of success with a fun session that comprised singing, eating and laughing with students of the Corporation School in RA Puram Not so long ago, to be precise, 21 years ago, a company called Global Adjustments (GA) began its business, helping and empowering global citizens do their business better. As employees of a matured responsible organisation that has stepped into its first year of adulthood, we decided to not just celebrate this 21st anniversary among ourselves but also make the joy multi-fold by celebrating it with the less-privileged students of the Corporation School in the neighbourhood. Global Adjustments Foundation, the NGO wing of the company, has adopted this school and has carried out various welfare measures for the school and the children. On GA’s birthday, all the employees of the Chennai office walked down to the school and celebrated with them. Anita Krishnaswamy, President of Global Adjustments, in a short five-minute span, made them clap, shout with joy and sing happy birthday to Global Adjustments! The lunch that followed made the children’s eyes glow. “I have never tasted paneer, it’s yummy...” “This rice item is awesome!” were all heard around the buffet spread. The staff of GA served the children first and then sat along with them to enjoy the food. “You are all so friendly and make us happy. We love having you here,” said little Durga, with a twinkle in her eyes. As the Foundation volunteers go regularly to teach these children, to help develop their skills, the students were comfortable and related with everybody.

Young Yashwanth Daniel, Social Media & Lead Generation Manager of GA, had some of the students singing hit numbers from popular films as other employees of GA stood around, clapping. It was an enjoyable experience filled with laughter, songs, dance and celebration. “You all come and teach us so many things and you also have fun with us,” said a thrilled 14-year-old Baskar. Post lunch, pens and pencils were distributed to all the students, some souvenirs to remember GA by.

Award for GA’s President

Anita Krishnaswamy, President, Global Adjustments Pvt. Ltd. was awarded the 2016 Worldwide ERC® Meritorious Service Award. Worldwide ERC is a workforce mobility association headquartered in Washington DC with offices in Brussels and Shanghai. These awards are granted annually to those who have contributed significantly to the organisation through such activities as speaking at conferences, writing Mobility articles and serving on committees or in an advisory capacity. Anita was felicitated at the Global Workforce Summit: Talent Mobility in APAC on March 17–18, 2016, in the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel in Shanghai. Global Adjustments congratulates Anita on this well-deserved recognition.

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April 2016

tamil nadu Let your spirituality soar

RICHA KAPOOR invites you

Exhibition and launch of

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April 2016

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A night to remember This year’s Aikya concert, organised by Global Adjustments, featured a philosophical, fictitious dialogue between Sita and Mandodari from the Ramayana in the post-epic era. It was a sight that induced many a sigh, as the curtains lifted at the prestigious Music Academy in Chennai on March 11. The backdrop, always a point of conversation at Aikya, designed by K. Kathir, featured Rama and Ravana – Rama, in his warrior pose was taking aim mid-air at the ten-headed Ravana. The two larger than life images, suspended from the ceiling, formed a stunning backdrop against which the artistes performed in perfect unison, which is the very essence of Aikya. Chief Guest, Bharat Joshi, British Deputy High Commissioner spoke of how aptly the programme was named, for it ‘unites people through both their love of music and to contributing to the less fortunate’. He also added, ‘Tonight is an opportunity to hear two virtuosos for the first time ever’. He reiterated the fact that Aikya brings diverse musicians together under one roof, and promotes cultural unity.

The evening took off on a high note with the riveting jugalbandhi between singers Sanjeev Abhyankar and Abhishek Raghuram. The duo was joined on stage by a host of talented instrumentalists – Sai Shravanam (tabla), Keith Peters (bass), Embar Kannan (violin), Navneeth (piano, keyboard), Milind Kulkarani (harmonium), Vedanth (guitar), Ananthakrishnan (mridangam). The first piece, the Aikya theme, a congregation of Kalyani ragas, composed by Rajkumar Bharathi conveyed the essence of unity. The journey continued with the poetry of Mirza Ghalib and the revolutionary Tamil poet Subamania Bharathi, a piece titled One-Scale Journey, and the final piece called Harmony of Rhythms. The evening came with a surprise ending as the performers requested composer Rajkumar Bharathi to sing the Aikya theme song, and many of the instrumentalists exchanged their positions.

Global Adjustments presented all Aikya attendees with a special coffee table book: ‘Small Talk on Big Things’. The book provides an overview of the many aspects that make life in India unique, with the information provided in bite-size pieces. From India’s crafts to monuments, fairs and festivals to the lasting gifts we have given to the world, this book is a smorgasbord of topics on all things India and Indian. A primer on topics close to the Indian heart, ‘Small Talk on Big Things’ provides a handy set of trivia for ice-breakers and in-depth discussions, with spectacular photographs adding to the aesthetic appeal of the book.

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Abhishek Raghuram

Rajkumar Bharathi

Sanjeev Abhyankar

Sai Shravanam

We thank all our partners

SATHYABAMA UNIVERSITY

April 2016

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backdrop was beautiful and the colours symbolic. Kudos to the GA team, headed by the dynamic leader. Happy to be associated with this prestigious organisation.’ Ganga Chandrasekaran ‘I wanted to write and congratulate you and your team on the impressive event year after year. The listeners are left enthralled after a unique presentation every year with a yearning to come again. We are never disappointed. Only rejuvenated and realised with the melody and information imparted each year. Your zeal to innovate and excel every year drives you to seek new frontiers of presentation.’ Lakshmi Narayanan

What They Said ‘Wonderful concert! I am happy I came down from Ooty specially to attend this program.’

‘Small Talk on Big Things is an excellent coffee table book. I particularly liked the culture, tradition and nature section. On the whole a very readable and informative book.’

Gita Jayaram, via Facebook

Ramesh Pattabiram

‘I have been attending all the Aikya programmes, each one being so unique and distinct. The theme this year was novel. Enjoyed Ghalib’s poem, beautifully sung by Sanjay Abhyankar. And, of course, Abhishek was wonderful. The

‘I couldn’t attend last year’s Aikya and was very happy to finally attend it this year. I loved the show and would like a CD, so I can enjoy it again!’ Gulsum Imecer

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April 2016

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Holistic Living by Eknath Easwaran

Untying r Our Wings

All of us have wings, though we do not suspect it because they are so tightly tied. We are not meant to stay on the ground and peck at crumbs of personal pleasure and profit. We are meant to soar

Tumbler pigeons have been popular in India for centuries. They get their name from their breathtaking way of dropping suddenly in free flight and doing somersaults as they fall, then spreading their wings and soaring back into the sky. And they have tremendous endurance. They can fly without rest for eight to twelve hours, and in India — especially in the south, where I grew up — the onset of the monsoon rains heralds marathon competitions to see whose pigeons can stay aloft the longest. It is easy to understand why raising these beautiful birds has been a sport for maharajahs since Akbar the Great. This is one passion that rajahs share with children, and when I was a boy, a cousin and I decided to raise pet pigeons ourselves. Our ancestral home had wide courtyards and secondstorey tiled roofs, rather like a Spanish hacienda, and every morning these tumblers would come to sit on the red roof tiles and wait for rice or blackgram to be spread on the courtyard to dry in the sun. It was not easy to make friends with the birds at first, but my cousin figured out a way that we could crawl up under the roof from the inside, slowly remove one or two tiles, and then stretch our hands out gently with a little black gram in our palms.

For days nothing happened. But after a while one pigeon decided that I was a friend and my hand was a hospitable hand, and he came over and tentatively pecked at my palm. If you do not like pigeons, I admit, that pecking can hurt. And once they start pecking they pace around excitedly in circles and call coo! coo! to their fellows, so that quickly you have quite a number of them pecking at the grain in your palm. It took some patience to keep our hands still, but once they began to trust us, we could slowly get hold of the bird we liked and it wouldn’t even struggle. We didn’t know anything about pigeons when we started. But children have a lot of time for pigeons, and we took good care of them. We learnt their favourite cereals and kept a fresh supply of them in half a dozen small pots. My cousin, who was much more ingenious about all this than I was, made little wooden homes which we upholstered with cotton from the fields. The result was so comfortable that one of my friends exclaimed, “Wouldn’t I like to be a pigeon and have a nice little home like that!” Pigeons, of course, are used to flying freely. Until they became accustomed to living with human beings, we had to tie their wings. Some of the girls in my family were experts at this. They knew just how to hold the pigeon, spread its wings gently like a Japanese fan, and tie them loosely with

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April 2016

Photo: Ann Cambier, UK

a thread so that the bird would not be able to fly away. For a few days the bird stayed in the courtyard while we made friends, pecking up the food we tossed out for it and going in and out of its little home. Then we would untie the wings and release the little creature into the air. That was a thrilling moment. The pigeon would shoot straight up, and when it reached a hundred feet or so it would start doing somersaults while we children cheered and waved below, marvelling at its speed and grace and the glint of the sun on its neck. After seeing the little fellow land bound for so long, puttering around the courtyard as if it had never had wings at all, it was exhilarating to see it soar joyfully into the air.

Meant to Soar Human beings are very much like these pigeons. All of us have wings, though we do not suspect it because they are so tightly tied. We are not meant to stay on the ground and peck at crumbs of personal pleasure and profit. We are meant to soar – to give our time and love freely to everyone around us. That is the essence of spiritual growth, and the whole purpose of meditation and the other skills of spiritual living is to free our wings and allow us to fly high.

In India’s mystical literature, the ties that keep us earthbound are called ‘knots that strangle the heart’ because they constrict our capacity to love. There are millions of these ties, but perhaps the easiest to see are what I call personal attachments: possessions and activities we cling to that claim our time and attention at the expense of those around us. Many of these attachments are material. Most of us have accumulated things that tie us down one way or another, often because we think they add to our status or prestige. Other attachments might be activities we enjoy that benefit no one, including ourselves. Whatever it is, we can’t imagine doing without it. That is the hallmark of an attachment. These ties might seem gossamer, but they add up. They can bind us so tightly that we can scarcely move beyond the limited circle of our personal likes and dislikes. Reprinted with permission from ‘The Art of Detachment’, an article by Eknath Easwaran from The Blue Mountain Journal. Copyright The Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, P.O. Box 256, Tomales, CA 94971, www.easwaran.org. (Extract from http://bmcmwebsite. s3.amazonaws.com/assets/bm-journal/2006/2006Spring.pdf)

April 2016

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April 2016

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April 2016

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