Culturama September 2019 by Rohini Manian

ENGLISH MONTHLY

18 Learning with Love

SEPTEMBER 2019 - VOLUME 11, ISSUE 7

80/-

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA | September 2019

EDITOR'S

NOTE Last month, we heard the awful news that the Amazon forests, ‘the lungs of the earth’, were on fire. They were being burnt and destroyed by the minute, speeding global warming – heart-wrenching news for South America and the rest of the world as well. Last month, we also found Chennai featured on a global news channel as one of the cities in the world with the largest water shortages. Scary! But what are we doing about this? What effort are you and I making to protect the environment? Commit to care for your surroundings. The time has come for us to think about our environment and be considerate with the products we use and the decisions we make. We shouldn't need to have world news to scare us into acting or thinking about this. Nature and the environment should be something we respect and protect every single day.

In this issue of Culturama, we remind our readers about how Indian culture cared for its natural resources in the article, 'Breathing Life into Clay' on page 52. Write to us with any suggestions you have on stories we can carry with respect to preserving our earth.

Rohini Manian rohini@globaladjustments.com

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA | September 2019 CULTURAMA | September 2019

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CULTURAMA | September 2019

INBOX

Rohini Manian Editor-in-Chief Meera Srikant Deputy Editor Shobana Sairaj Business Head V. Kathiravan Creative Head S. Rajthilak Graphic Designer Contributors Antara Kothari | Deepa Kalukuri Meera J. Pillai | Sonia Hays Susan Philip | Usha Ramakrishnan

Dear Editor,

Chennai (Headquarters)

Rohini and her team have done such a good job with Culturama - the cover of August issue with all prime ministers and the photos were so inspiring.

5, 3rd Main Road, R A Puram,

Vatsala Pai, Chennai

Chennai – 600028 Telefax +91-44-24617902 E-mail culturama@globaladjustments.com

Dear Editor,

Bengaluru #333/1, 1st Floor, 9th Main, 14th Cross, 2nd Stage, Indira Nagar, Bangalore – 560038 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

Greetings! I am a long-standing patron of Culturama. I would like to congratulate you and the team for curating every issue of Culturama with such great design, and content so rich, relevant and, most importantly, contemporary. Culturama has become an integral part of my monthly reading list! Saniya Surana, Bengaluru

Dear Editor,

E-mail del@globaladjustments.com Mumbai #1102, 11th Floor, Peninsula Business Park, Tower B, SB Road, Lower Parel, Mumbai – 400013 Tel +91-22-66879366

India is so rich and colourful. The Independence Day special of Culturama captured the essence beautifully. For expats like me, it was very informative too. Peter, Chennai

E-mail mum@globaladjustments.com Hyderabad Suite-18, 3rd Floor, Rajapushpa Business Centre, Stone Ridge Centre, Opp. Google, Hitec City – Kondapur Main Road, Hyderabad – 500 084, Ph: +91 40 48687956 E-mail hyd@globaladjustments.com

Owned, Published & Printed by Ranjini Manian, Published from New No. 5, Third Main Road, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai – 600 028, Printed at Rathna Offset Printers, 40, Peters Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600 014. Editor: Rohini Manian

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September 2019 | CULTURAMA

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CULTURAMA | September 2019

INSIDE CULTURAMA 12

SMS

Short cultural snippets for an easily digestible India

Winspire

Healthwise

Holistic Living

As you age, learn to let go

On hard work and a warm heart

S.M.I.L.E. expanded

Tripster

In the historical country of Greece

India Insight

The journey of clay

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

Couture

Trends for men

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CULTURAMA | September 2019

SMS

Short cultural snippets for an easily digestible India

Panchang

Word

Time is an important element in the Hindu scheme of things. There are auspicious and inauspicious times in each day, and auspicious and inauspicious periods in a year. Many an important event is scheduled on the basis of these timings. The Panchang (panchangam in the South) is the Hindu calendar in use since Vedic times. It records the phases of the moon, the position of the planets and the auspicious times for any given day, apart from other details. The Panchang is drawn up afresh each year, and is consulted before performing special poojas and organising events such as engagements

and

marriages,

ground-breaking

ceremonies and house-warmings, and even signing business contracts or starting new ventures. The

and time, usually when a particularly beneficial star

belief is that there are times especially auspicious

or planet is in ascendance, the outcomes will be

for specific events, and if they are held at that date

particularly blessed.

Festival

Mahalaya

Mahalaya is a much-looked-forward-to time, especially in the state of Bengal. It comes at the juncture of a fortnight called Pithru Paksha, and the Navarathri pooja season. During Pithru Paksha, Hindus remember their ancestors and perform ceremonies for their souls. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a period tinged with sadness. But after that, the mood changes to one of joy. It is believed that Goddess Durga leaves Mount Kailash, her celestial abode, with her husband Lord Shiva, and visits her maternal home, the Earth, along with her children, during the Navarathri season. Every effort is made to welcome her home. During Mahalaya, Durga is invited, through hymns and chants, to come down to Earth. During the subsequent Durga pooja

and rid the world of evil. In honour of the event, during

period, filled with pomp and pageantry, Goddess

Mahalaya, the days begin with a reading of Chandi

Durga is venerated as Mahishasuramardhini â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the

Path, a religious text describing Durgaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory.

one who defeated the demon king Mahishasura,

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA | September 2019

Jewellery

Jhoomar

The Jhoomar or Paasa was an ornament worn mainly by brides during the Mughal era. Basically a hair ornament, it also lends itself to being used as brooches or as waist embellishments. Today, the Jhoomar is not restricted to the Muslim community. Brides cut across religious lines to adopt it as part of their wedding look. It has been made popular of late by high-profile Bollywood weddings. Karina Kapoor and Mira Rajput are two B-Town brides who wore the Jhoomar on their big days. Traditionally, it is worn on the left side of the head.

of silver or gold, and studded with various stones,

In general, Jhoomars are quite large and showy.

including pearls and diamonds. Kundan Jhoomars

Some are particularly elaborate. They can be made

are also available.

Person

Sushma Swaraj

Sushma, ‘beautiful woman’, was apt for this lady with charm. A big, beaming smile, a big bindi, an elegant chignon and stylish saris paired with matching jackets — those were her trademarks. There was also an aura of unmistakable strength about her. Sushma Swaraj was an astute lawyer, feisty politician, dignified woman, courageous individual, and, above all, a compassionate human being. As August 6, 2019, drew to a close, so did her life. She was 67. India went into shock. Cutting across political affiliations and socio-economic

She became the first woman Chief Minister of Delhi

backgrounds, tributes poured in for this prolific

(1998), the first woman national spokesperson of a

achiever, who always had the courage of her

national party, and the first woman Leader of the

convictions and also the grace to extend the hand

Opposition in the Lok Sabha. She was only the

of friendship despite fundamental differences.

second woman to hold the External Affairs Portfolio.

Born into a Haryana family with strong ties to the

She changed the face of this protocol-bound

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), she married

Ministry, and made it people-friendly, using Twitter

Swaraj Kaushal, a fellow lawyer and friend. The

to establish a reputation as a responsive minister.

couple have a daughter, Bansuri. Despite her high-

She came to the rescue of many an Indian in many a

profile political career, Sushma Swaraj was a ‘super

corner of the world. The most touching instance of

mom’, and came through as a loving wife and

her intervention was perhaps that of hearing- and

dedicated daughter-in-law too.

speech-impaired Geeta, who she was instrumental

She became involved in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi

in bringing back to India from Pakistan.

Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS, in

Despite a kidney transplant in 2016, she returned to

1970. She subsequently joined the Janata Party,

work soon but opted out of the 2019 polls. Her last

and in 1977, became the youngest-ever Cabinet

tweet was in praise of the momentous decision on

Minister in India at 25, when she won the Ambala

Article 370 pertaining to Jammu & Kashmir.

Cantonment seat in Haryana!

She left this life as she would have wanted to — active, alert and participating. Om Shanti, Madam.

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

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Preschool Initiatives CULTURAMA | September 2019

ChampionWoman is Going Places Champion a woman. She will build a nation

All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. - Walt Disney

uly was a very special month for us as we crossed a major milestone â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Our ChampionWoman programmes have positively impacted more

than 100,000 women all over India. Our Life Coaches, Usha Ramakrishnan and Lakshmi Subramanian, made a lasting impact on 6,260 young women from a few leading colleges at the ChampionWoman Life Coaching workshops in Coimbatore and Hotel Residency. PSG 1,300 final year students

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Ganga College of Nursing, 200 final year students

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We at Global Adjustments Foundation conduct free interactive Champion Woman workshops for school and college girls and working women.

16 16

Call at 75502 21513 or e-mail champion@championwoman.org

September 2019 | CULTURAMA September 2019 | CULTURAMA

WINSPIRE WOMEN INSPIRING WOMEN Ranjini Manian shares a lesson she learnt at Wimbledon finals watching Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic

Champion Lessons 1. A champion decides his destiny

Roger…Roger…Roger… The chant was loud and insistent. It was sung to a tune. It was accompanied by rhythmic clapping. An award-winning Indian poet executed some dance steps to the tune after every set that Roger Federer won. A woman’s voice called out his name shrilly from the debenture ticket holders’ VIP seats — timing it to fit perfectly into a moment of silence. Novak Djokovic remained unflustered. Staying outside the clamour, he walked away with the coveted golden cup.

2. A champion applauds another

When Federer or Djokovic asked for replays of decisions, the crowd booed. But the decisions stayed. One of them even hit at the ladder below the umpire’s seat at one time in frustration. That’s all part of this high-adrenalin game. However, when Federer aced him so many times, Djokovic was seen applauding his brilliance with the hand-to-racket gesture. A champion always recognises another.

3. A champion accepts the unseen hand

Roger Federer served many aces at Wimbledon that day. Yet, the all-important ace didn’t come at the right moment for him.

It was Djokovic’s tenacity at the tie-breakers that ruled the day. C’est la vie. Vive le sport!

4. A champion bounces back

When champions at heart lose, when they become runners-up at Wimbledon, they learn their lessons, pick themselves up, practise even harder, and come back to play the next year.

That’s how champions function in the game of life too.

5. The India factor

After Djokovic emerged the champion of the 2019 Wimbledon, the press was abuzz with sidelights of him being a yoga practitioner. Did this add the final layer to his strengths, enabling him to hold the trophy aloft? Control of breath and mind help make champions. Shall we spend 15 minutes daily on it too?

/championwoman

/championawoman

www.championwoman.org CULTURAMA | September 2019 CULTURAMA | September 2019

17 17

SMALL TALK

Learning, Love,

SELF-WORTH & EMPATHY When you walk into Redwood Montessori, the first thing that will get your attention are the heart-warming and lively artistic works of the students on display. The Montessori was established in 2011 with 11 children and has now become a well-known institution just through word-of-mouth. Hands-on teachers and founders Shankari Kamakshi Subbiah and Madhura Visweswaran speak to Team Culturama about their passion and goals. They say it takes a village to raise a child â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what are your views on it? It is a beautiful African proverb and we agree with

Education doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean only academics, it is the

it unreservedly. With the breakdown of the joint

all-round development of a child. Not just the

family system, emergence of the nuclear families

teachers, but parents, grandparents, nannies and

and couples migrating to new cities with no familial

the Montessori akkas have a vital role to play to

support, this has become essential. Dr Montessori

help children navigate this ever-changing world,

believed that we live in a world village, we must

showing them how to focus not only on their needs

honour the work of those who came before us and

but also on the needs of the larger community.

support one another. Madhura Visweswaran

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

Shankari Kamakshi Subbiah

What are your views on nannies helping with raising children? Having a nanny is a personal choice, depending on oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic status, necessity, and so on. Nannies must be empowered to contribute to the development of the child. Nannies can speak to the children in Tamil or their native tongue, teach them life-skills, for example, making kolams, threading flowers, etc. Like we train our akkas at Redwood to help the child in their journey to become independent, we can train nannies too, If parents request. At Redwood, our akkas are welltrained individuals. They are highly respected by our children. We train them in-house, have regular medical check-ups and send them to seminars organised by other Montessori organisations, so that they understand the philosophy behind the method 'Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed'.

We have three sections; the Toddler, Primary and Elementary. Each age-group has an environment that is created according to their needs and natural

Please share a little about Redwood Montessoriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

skills. In the Toddler environment, it is common to

history and your approach towards education.

see 12-18 month-olds feeding themselves, using

We both started our careers under Kamini Sundaram.

the toilet and doing a variety of activities with

In 2011, the plan to start Redwood came together

minimal assistance. For the toddler community we

organically, with guidance from our mentor, N.

have designed our environment such that there is

Kumar, Vice Chairman of the Sanmar Group. As

a designated area much like a home to eat, play,

partners we may disagree sometimes, but we are

sleep, read and clean up without help. This then

firm with our beliefs and philosophies. Our motto is

carries to the Primary, where apart from being

to promote the Montessori method and philosophy

functionally independent, they learn life-skills,

with well-curated classrooms, highly qualified

teamwork, respecting each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievements,

professionals and caregivers.

reading and writing in three languages, and math. CULTURAMA | September 2019

Staff and teachers who guide the children at every step of the way What do you think is your unique quality, which

sole focus. Life-skills, independence, self-worth,

makes you stand apart from your peers?

empathy, social awareness, sports, music, art, critical

We are a small community of teachers, caregivers

and creative thinking, etc., are also focused on with

and parents who are committed to one person: the

the same importance. Recently our Elementary

child. Even the term ‘redwood’ is from the famous

students had organised a sleepover. We gave them

California Redwood trees, which are known for their

a budget. The students themselves planned the

tall stature and strong foundation. Just like what we

invitations and all that they would need to make

expect a child to achieve.

the sleepover a success. They ensured that the teachers, akkas and annas were also given food and

At Redwood, the child is surrounded by skilled professionals and appropriate materials. They are made to feel safe and secure at all times. We do not shame, punish or label a child. However we encourage them to express themselves without self-

coffee without anyone asking them to. This shows their empathy and kindness. They had to calculate, work as a team, i.e., using math, critical thinking and writing. Therefore what they had learnt in the classrooms was implemented seamlessly.

doubt, and help them through the ups and downs with calm conversations. We believe that children

How can parents contribute to a child’s learning

should know their self-worth, without depending

process?

on the approval of others. The adult has to give

Parents are an integral part of the learning process

respect to the child to receive it. We check our egos

and have a considerable effect on how much or

at the door and have to be open to change. To give

how little their children learn. It is important for

an example, we teach how to write formal letters

parents to understand the Montessori philosophy

in the Elementary and the first thing a group of

before they choose such an environment. As

students did was write a well-worded letter asking

the child grows older, there can be an imbalance

us to change the menu. The fact that the children

between parents’ expectations and what their child

were able to express effortlessly and with clarity,

is doing at school. Comparisons may arise between

was the highlight of our day. Needless to say, we

children from different schools, with academics

immediately changed the menu.

being the only focus. The anxiety that the parents feel is natural. The only solution is to have faith in

Education for a certificate is great, but what about education for living? In today’s climate, academics has taken precedence. It is important, however at Redwood, it is not the 20

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

the school and the teachers, but, more importantly, have faith in their child’s own ability to achieve at their pace.

CULTURAMA | September 2019

Kiddie's corner: I like the garden the most. I love playing with my friends there. – Arjun, 5.9 years I like the aunties. They are the best teachers – Dhvani, 6 years I love to make art and learn new things – Liya, 3.4 years

What do you think is the impact of technology

Redwood, we miss them, but feel we are on the right

among kids?

track when we see how well they adapt outside. Our

According to Dr. Montessori and neurologists today,

children come out of the Toddler environment with

maximum brain development is between birth and

a wide vocabulary and functional independence.

six years. In his book, Brain Rules for Baby: How to

They complete the Primary environment with the

Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five,

ability to sow and do gardening, and their academic

Dr. John Medina speaks about zero exposure to

skills are on par with any child of their age from an

screen time below the age of two. He explains how

international board. In the Elementary environment,

this sensory overload of images via a screen affects

they leave with great knowledge, independence and

a child’s brain. Instead he talks about exposing the

the ability to adapt anywhere.

child to the right toys and books at an early age. Redwood believe in this approach a 100 percent.

What does the future hold for you? Our vision is to have child centric facilities,

Parents have a significant responsibility in that as

which houses students till grade 10, following an

they are the child’s most vital role models. Surround

international curriculum. Nothing brings us more

the children with the right books and toys, which will

joy than knowing that our students are successfully

make them calmer. After the age of four, it is difficult

thriving outside, making a mark as empathetic and

to keep children away from gadgets altogether,

responsible individuals.

but decide on the time and content carefully and consciously. Less exposure to gadgets at a young age leads to children with appropriate fine and gross motor skills, communication skills and the ability to keep themselves occupied. What

would

you

say

are

your

greatest

achievements? There is no place for judgement at Redwood. We do not label children and treat each one with the same amount of respect and care, recognising and celebrating their uniqueness. We try and equip the child to be confident, independent and empathetic in every way possible. We both believe that our greatest achievement is when a child doesn’t depend on us. When they leave 22

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

Redwood Montessori currently has three campuses, two in Besant Nagar and one in Kottivakkam. They will have an open house on Vijayadashami for parents interested in learning about Redwood and enrolling their children. Date: October 8, 2019 (Tuesday) Time: 10 AM to 3 PM Campus 1: Vasantha, 9840082140 redwood1@redwoodmontessori.in Campus 2: Asha, 9840038860 redwood2@redwoodmontessori.in Campus 3: Sowparnika, 9940583666 redwood3@redwoodmontessori.in Website: www.redwoodmontessori.in Instagram: redwoodmontessorichennai

Advertiser's Feature

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you have contributed to preserving the rich culture of India while obtaining an heirloom, which can be passed on for generations. This Navratri, patrons are invited for the puja and Golu display while availing exciting offers that will make you want more from September 29th to October 7th at both facilities.

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PARENTING

Cool, But

Uncool

Antara Kothari examines how bullying may seem cool but is really dangerous if left unchecked

ean Girls Part 1 used to be one of my

mildest form of bullying can have disastrous long-

favourite movies from the time it released.

term effects. `This concept of bullying is certainly

I remember watching it three times in the

not alien to the rest of the world and is rampant in

theatre itself followed by numerous viewings on TV.

many schools and homes today.

Till today, I am unsure as to which features of the movie appealed to me the most. Usually, when I

Bullying is commonly seen as a way of life. In many

am in the mood for mindless entertainment, chick

Indian universities, ‘ragging’, an extreme form of

flicks are my pick of choice. The movie focuses

bullying, is practically a rite of passage. Many believe

on the bullying in high schools in America by the

that you have officially not entered university if you

‘popular’ and ‘cool’ girls and their cliques, as well

have not been a victim of ragging. These views

as boys from the football squad. I often wondered

developed over generations are a direct result of

if this was the reality of schools in America, and

the lack of awareness of the short- and long-term

my friends living there confirmed that this was, in

effects of bullying. I often wondered how awareness

fact, the landscape of American high schools. These

can be created, and realised that it starts at home,

kids feel empowered by playing an active role in

with how parents raise their children.

making another person feel helpless. Often, kids

A Foundation in Kindness

who feel the need to bully are raised with a sense of superiority and entitlement, and without the basic human quality of kindness.

Some of the basic human values and qualities that any parent wants to instil in their child are empathy, kindness and respect. I firmly believe that all three

Regretfully, I was not the kindest person when I was

qualities determine a person’s character and are

in school. There were times when my friends and I

what ultimately separate the children as those who

used to find joy in excluding other kids from our

are capable of bullying and those who just don’t

circle because we didn’t think they were popular

have it in their DNA. In today’s world where you

enough. There was, of course, no physical harm

can be anything, we need to raise our children to

in this; however, the mental effects of even the

be kind.

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

Homeopathy - A Boon to The Cancer Ailing While the modern medical school’s approach to cancer is that it seeks to destroy the tumor through chemotherapy, radiation or surgery, Homeopathy treats the patient holistically (mind, body and soul).

The COMPLIMENTARY Cancer Therapy Homeopathic medication is totally safe, as they work at a spiritual level. It reduces the negative effects of chemotherapy by preventing the body’s immune levels from breaking down easily. The malignancy can be treated along with any other system of medicine. Homeopathy can help alleviate the pains, discomforts and fears associated with surgery or the disease itself.

• • •

The ALTERNATIVE Cancer Therapy

• • •

Homeopathy has proved its efficacy in containing and curing malignancy. The profound benefit of homeopathy is its ability in many cases to prevent malignancy from re-occurring. In the terminally ill during their last moments, Homeopathic medicines relieve their fear of death and accord a calming countenance, both physically & spiritually.

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CULTURAMA | September 2019

Children are not born with any preconceived

see differences around you and the lack of critical

notions about anything. Their opinions, views

humane qualities. This is where we parents come in.

and beliefs are formed from the time their ability

How can schools play a role in preventing bullying?

to observe is formed. Even though their ability to communicate effectively comes much later, they still absorb the behaviour of their parents and siblings. For example, if my two-year-old Shiv sees his elder brother Dev pull another child’s hair, that behaviour will immediately be imitated with the belief that it is appropriate and expected. I have a choice to make right then — I can either set an example for my young but impressionable Shiv that this behaviour will not be tolerated or I can let it slide. It takes only a second to brush this behaviour off as normal for children and console myself with ‘this too shall pass’. The disheartening reality is that this is the very first stage in bullying, and once it is allowed to progress, there is no going back.

Prevention versus Cure I was always very particular about a school that focused on not only academic excellence but also emotional and social development for Dev and Shiv. These schools encourage many basic values and qualities in the classroom, so children automatically imbibe life skills. These children are also nurtured to be empathetic and include everyone around them. You will rarely see cliques or groups being formed because they are encouraged to socialise with every other child in class throughout the course of the day. There is no differentiation or segregation. Therefore, the concept of bullying is alien to them. Frequent workshops on bullying take place as well, focusing on the effects of bullying. The aim is to prevent bullying

Starting Young

rather than dealing with it after it has happened.

Over the past few years, countless laws in India addressing bullying have been created, with the ones in CBSE schools creating the most buzz. I believe that any issue needs to be tackled at its core. So, creating laws that are applicable to bullying among teenagers does not address the problem itself. Young children are certainly not going to understand complicated laws. We need to scrutinise the symptom and basic cause at a primary level when our children are toddlers, at an age when their views and opinions are starting to take shape. Helping our children practice kindness and inclusion in their daily lives from the time they can communicate and interact with their peers is a significant step in preventing any form of bullying. Although children are known not to filter their thoughts when they are young, my boys are constantly reminded that the tongue is a small organ, but the damage created can be enormous. I am also a strong advocate of raising children with the quality of acceptance; first and foremost is the ability to accept yourself and then accepting those around you from different walks of life. To me, the basic cause of bullying stems from the inability to

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

I recently read an article on ways to bully-proof your child. My first question was why are parents teaching their children how to deal with bullying and not how to prevent it? Supporting your child in trying times is, of course, key; however, preventing an issue like this is more beneficial in the long run than dealing with it. There are many types of bullying that take place today — face to face as well as cyber bullying when children are old enough to access the Internet and own social media accounts. Bullying can have dangerous longterm effects. Social media has been blowing up recently in the light of a 20-year-old boy working at a salon committing suicide because of homophobic bullying. This had been going on over a period of time and he had finally succumbed to the pressure. When I read this, I felt immense fear; fear of raising my boys in a world where people can be cruel and affect others so much that they feel as if they have no way out. So, bullying can seem deceptively minor and harmless when children are young. It is never too early to start sensitising our children about this.

CULTURAMA | September 2019

Healthwise

Smile â&#x2C6;&#x2019; The Magical Emoji Smile please. Emotional well-being comes out of the consistent effort to keep peace and happiness as constant, says Usha Ramakrishnan

woman from Tamil Nadu lost her family and other assets in the tsunami in 2004. As she stood alone, helpless, it shook her

even more when she found a few children who had lost their parents in the same disaster. She started a family afresh with those children and discovered a new purpose for her life. After being totally paralysed by a calamity as severe as this, she would probably have never found peace and happiness. Fortunately, she did so by become a mother to those orphaned children. Emotional well-being is in managing our own emotions and those with respect to others. In self-management, peace and happiness remain a constant. The challenge then is in managing others. The mind is the house of thought. The emotional centre of the brain is activated milliseconds before the rational mind. When we strive to take responsibility for our mental and emotional wellbeing,

effective

communication

between

the

emotional and rational centres becomes important. The more we associate positive feelings and response to thought, the better the communication and the better we act. Stress, problems, trauma, loneliness, depressionâ&#x20AC;Ś these affect our emotional well-being negatively and need to be countered with a sense of positivity. So, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get straight into some practical steps to SMILE more. 28 28

September 2019 | CULTURAMA September 2019 | CULTURAMA

S.M.I.L.E. Solving

the issue: This is a correction that I

WhatsApp greeting, greet an elder personally on

constantly endeavour to make, that is, to not talk

a special occasion instead of forwarding an image.

about an issue but to think about the solution. There

All these go a long way in finding simple ways of

is no perfect life partner, so differences are inevitable.

feeling happy and spreading happiness.

But when I attempt to fill the gap, the relationship strengthens. The same with my colleagues at the

Tip: Keeping technology away for a few minutes a

workplace. An ordinary person blames; an average

day, for a couple of hours a week and for a day in a

person complains; a leader resolves.

month will keep us healthy, wealthy and wise.

Tip: In a heated argument or a debate that seems

Laugh out loud:

to lead nowhere, I excuse myself for 10 minutes

muscles through a hearty laugh, it is just an

and take a nature walk. I am then charged to be a

acronym ‘LOL’. Taking things lightly and laughing

solution finder and not a cribber.

off trivialities is a magical method to ensure

Mindful living:

We are no longer activating

emotional wellness. When things are not going well, A ‘present’ is a gift, maybe that’s

understanding that tough times don’t last and to

why it is called so. But the success is in experiencing

hope for a better tomorrow help me take life in my

it. As I am eating my favourite dish, my thoughts

stride. We can give a new dimension to a solution

travel to the first day after my marriage when my

for a problem with a good sense of humour.

mother-in-law compelled me to eat the sweet that I hated. In the process, I missed relishing the dish;

Tip: I connect with people who are happy, have a

now, however, I love it.

high energy and are positive, on a regular basis. This recharges me and triggers me to take responsibility

I am with my husband at a snow-clad peak in Switzerland wearing a super woollen jacket and I

to bring positive energy around me.

think about a nasty comment that a colleague made

Empathy: I have a justification for every mess that

about my dressing last week…. The moment is lost

I make, whereas I find fault when it comes to others.

and becomes just a memory in the picture that I

Everyone has a perspective and when I realise this,

clicked there. Carrying past baggage neither helps

I begin to empathise with people who are important

me nor the other party concerned. Training my mind

to me. Also, charity helps enhance our emotional

to be in the present is a super gift unto myself.

well-being, for giving is joy. Empathy is a favour more unto ourselves than to others.

Tip: The seat of meditation — sitting in silence with relaxed deep breathing for 15 minutes a day and

Tip: It’s good not to react but respond when the

gently bringing back my attention to the moment, is

perspectives are different. So, I press the PAUSE

an amazing tool that enables mindful living.

button before I say something and it helps me

Identifying

empathise better.

e-time:

No technology can ever

replace human emotions. It is only because we

The greatest wealth that we can leave to make this

become slaves to technology do we miss out on real

planet a better place is to ensure our own happiness

people. So long as technology is a slave and I become

and spreading it unconditionally to people around

the master, I stay connected with human beings who

us. By managing myself, I experience positive

are important to me. Keeping the five-inch gadget

memories, and in managing others I leave positive

away when speaking to a dear one, wish a colleague

memories in them!

good morning with a smile instead of sending a CULTURAMA | September 2019

TRIPSTER

A Date with

History

Sunitha Vardhan, a photographer and traveller, takes a leisurely holiday in the culturally rich country of Greece

September 2019 2019| |CULTURAMA CULTURAMA

dyllic beaches, whitewashed villages and bays of azure blue — these are the instantly recognisable images evoked by a Greek holiday. My ten-day Greek

vacation was all of that and much more. With its stunning landscapes and warm weather, Greece has been a favourite of holidaymakers and honeymooners for decades. The best time to visit the country is between October and March, since the weather in the country hits a high during the summer months. Arriving in Athens, I decided to give myself an easy first day, soaking in the culture as I strolled through the narrow streets. Touring Athens People who delight in shopping should head straight to Plaka, one of the oldest localities in Athens. Sitting in the shadows of the Acropolis, the area has some of the best shops for hand-crafted silver jewellery and gift shopping. When you’re fatigued walking from shop to shop, you can rest your feet and grab a bite at one of the wonderful cafes and restaurants that the area is packed with. Being incredibly well-connected, it is easy to get around Athens by tram, the metro or buses, so you can easily take in the numerous museums and historical sites. If you would rather spend time savouring the wine and local food or shopping for designer clothes, check your hotel for information because there are many themed tours to suit your needs. A Pilgrimage of Sorts My second day began eventfully with my only pair of shoes giving way and I ended up heading to Nike to buy a new pair. It was the perfect unplanned souvenir since the iconic brand has strong connections to this city. Once I was well-equipped, I headed to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, one of the most holy sites in the city and the centre of the Greek Orthodox tradition. It’s easy to hop over to the little church of Panagia Gorgoepikoos right beside it, built in the 12th century entirely with Pentelic marble. Numerous churches with impressive architecture, dating back to fifth century, dot Athens and are worthy of exploration if you have the time and if design and architecture are your thing. CULTURAMA | September 2019

After this date with history, I made my way to

My next stop was the famous Santorini Island; and

Monastiraki, the area that best showcases the

from Port Athinios, I headed to the lava island,

diversity and multicultural mix that make up Greek

Nea Kameni, where you can take a walk up the

culture. A colourful and vibrant area, the Monastiraki

ascending path to have a look at the crater of the

Square is paved with mosaic, blocks of marble,

still active volcano. An unforgettable experience,

carved stone and cast iron, and comes alive with

the sulphurous fumes and the stunning views at the

a flea market on Sundays. Visit the archaeological

top make the walk worth it.

site of Delphi, easily reachable from Athens. Once regarded as the centre of the world, this UNESCO

Continuing by boat to Palea Kameni for the hot

World Heritage Site with its extensive artefacts

springs, you can indulge in swimming in the green

makes Delphi a must-see.

sulphurous waters and ethereal setting. If you’re a water baby, the beaches of Santorini are everything

Volcanoes and Hot Springs

that you can dream of. The volcanic nature of

No Greek holiday is complete without a visit to the

Santorini has given it a natural, extraordinary

islands and so I hopped on to a cruise to the Saronic

beauty with very distinctive beaches. This gives the

Gulf islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. That sip of

beaches their unique colours and landscapes.

coffee watching the gentle floating of the Aegina waves is a sight that will be etched in my mind.

Don’t miss the Red Beach, one of the most scenic,

The ship has enough entertainment to keep you

and Perivolos, the black beach, with deep sparkling

engaged. The crew teaches you some traditional

waters and black lava sand. A memorable trip to

Greek dance, and with everyone in high spirits, you

Thirassia, an island sometimes considered Santorini’s

don't have to bother even if you have two left feet!

best-kept secret, was next on my agenda. Seemingly from another era, the traditional architecture of

My favourite island was Hydra with its cobbled

the settlement in the village of Manolas with its

streets, purple bougainvillea and friendly cats that

whitewashed houses dotting the rugged coastline,

walked the streets.

make for images that will last a lifetime. Spending

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

This year, AISC is offering a multi-age program for our pre-kindergarten kids! Multi-age environments have been proven to be beneficial for younger & older kids, as they develop a sense of social belonging & interdependency. While younger kids mirror the language & problem-solving skills of their older counterparts, older children learn to share, care, and nurture! @AISChennai #HolisticEducation

www.aischennai.org #Experiences&Exposure CULTURAMA | September 2019

a wonderful day in this beautiful village exploring the winding streets, swimming and having lunch by the sea is an adventure I shall always cherish. A Date with the Aegean Getting to Santorini from Athens meant a five-hour cruise and we hit bad weather midway, turning the last two hours into a rocky ride. However, any seasickness that remained vanished the moment I checked into the hotel at Fira with its breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. No trip to the Greek island is complete without the cliffside hike from Fira to Oia via Imergovigli. It takes between two to four hours depending on your speed, with the hiking path taking you through quaint and bustling villages where you will encounter donkeys, blue-domed churches, distant vineyards and incredible vistas overlooking almost the entire island. Don’t miss the sunset at Oia that you can take in as you sit down for a well-deserved meal. Often referred to as the most romantic destination in Greece, Nafplio is another place you must add to your list. Ancient walls, medieval castles, monuments and streets lined with orange trees laden with fruit make this a city that’s fascinating and breathtaking at the same time. Then there is the city of Epidaurus, with its fine and well-preserved classical Greek theatre and home of the sanctuary of Asklepios, the God of healing. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city reflects the splendour of Greek culture through its impressive beauty. Sating the Palate When it comes to Greek food, considered one of the healthiest cuisines in the world, despite being a vegetarian, I was spoilt for choice. Local dishes including spanakopita (spinach and cheese phyllo pies), dolmades (stuffed vine leaves filled with rice and herbs), zucchini fritters with garlicky tzatziki and a whole lot more made my holiday a gourmand’s delight. For those who love a night out in town, Athens is the city that never sleeps, with a nightlife culture that has to be experienced to be believed. Rooftop bars, chic molecular mixology bars, live music halls and clubs mean that the party winds down only by 4 a.m. with live 34

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA | September 2019

music events beginning at 11 p.m. Do not miss out on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ouzoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the local liquor shots, but be prepared for a fiery taste to hit you hard and fast! You can also buy a pack of candy-flavoured ouzos to gift your loved ones back home. Ten days seemed much too short as I came to the end of this unforgettable trip. A country with warm, friendly people that made me feel right at home, Greece truly has the best of everything. With a choice of islands you can head to, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to planning your very own Greek holiday. A second trip to this amazing country is definitely on the cards. Happy vacationing!

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA | September 2019

Getting WISER

Eknath Easwaran points out that the only thing you are permitted to take on your final journey is who you are

he Nilgiris or Blue Mountain in South India is home to several famous hill stations, picturesque towns far above sea level

where in colonial days the British could retreat

that I was falling behind, I would say, ‘Let’s admire the scenery.’ We would stop until I had recovered my breath enough to go on. My mother was a very sagacious person, and after a while, when she saw that I was lagging a little behind, she would say, ‘Son, shall we admire the scenery now?’ It became quite a joke between us.

from India’s dry, dusty plains during the oppressive

Many years later, my mother came to join us in

heat of the summer.

California. Here she lived to be over eighty, and in

In those days it was a rather exclusive enclave, but after independence, I moved with my mother and sister to a town with beautiful vistas and meticulously kept gardens that well deserved to be called a ‘little England’. Many dauntless British and Europeans still lived there, but despite coming from the plains, my mother soon earned a reputation as one of the best walkers around. In the next village from us was a lively bazaar where we used to do our shopping. The bus passed right in front of our cottage, but my mother always preferred to walk. And although

Photo: Adi Daryn UK

HOLISTIC LIVING

her last years I used to remember those scenes on the Blue Mountain when I saw the difficulty she had every morning in even getting out of bed and moving about. We couldn’t even let her walk by herself; she always needed support. I watched this scene every single morning, and each time I would remind myself, ‘You are going to be like that someday.’ Every one of us is going to be like that someday. There’s no escape, you know. It may be a little later because of the beneficial effects of meditation, but sooner or later it’s going to be the same story.

there was a beautiful roundabout road with a very

This is the nature of the body, to pass through all

gradual gradient, that route would have taken a

the stages of life: to grow, to age, and eventually to

couple of hours round trip. My family has always

decline and pass away. I have often quoted the words

been walkers, so she would say, ‘Let’s go straight

with which India’s greatest poet and playwright,

down the hill.’ And she would walk downhill, do

Kalidasa, describes the goal of the last of these

her shopping, and walk back uphill again, two and

stages: ‘In retirement, live like sages; at the end of

a half miles each way.

life, let the body go.’

Going down was not too bad, but when time

Most of us can relate to living like sages; even if we

came to return, I used to suggest we take the

don’t quite qualify, we can see the appeal. But ‘let the

roundabout road. ‘Why?’ she would ask. ‘Let’s go

body go’ doesn’t sound appealing for any age. The

up the same way we came down.’ Halfway I would

words become meaningful only when we understand

begin to pant, and to conceal from my mother

that they mean letting go of identification with the

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

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CULTURAMA | September 2019 CULTURAMA | April 2019

39 25

body — that is, not clinging to the body as it declines,

the lifetime accumulation of all that you have

but letting go of the obsessive idea that this failing

thought, done, felt, feared, coveted, and loved.

body is what we are.

Don’t take any negative attachments, the Buddha

Letting Go

urges us.

I have been looking at the commemorative volume

Don’t take any anger, any hostility, any resentment,

presented to me for my eightieth birthday, The King’s

any greed or selfish craving. Throw it all out now,

Messenger, which has a large number of pictures. On

while you can. Lighten the load.

the opening pages, there I am as a teenager. Then a few pages later, I am in my forties, and finally I am in my late seventies. But if you ask me how I have changed, I would not say I have grown older. My body has grown older; I have grown wiser.

Older people often tell me that in these years they feel the need to get rid of the possessions they have accumulated: furniture, photographs, papers, letters... ‘We don’t want to leave this for our children to deal with,’ they say. I want to tell them, ‘Don’t

This brings a new perspective to the passage of time.

spend your time on things like that now!’ If you have

It is true that I can’t swim or run like a child any more,

the detachment just to call Goodwill and deal with it

but as all the great spiritual teachers say, this is nothing

in a single stroke, well and good.

to gnash one’s teeth about. Clinging to the body for identification can only bring increasing insecurity as we age, because we are identifying ourselves with something that is inevitably on the wane.

But rather than go through each letter, each photograph, each memory, it’s much better to leave everything in the garage for those who come after you. I can assure you that they will attend to it with

Fortunately, with most of us this deep-rooted

much more detachment, and letting it go now will

insecurity can not only be avoided, it can be reversed.

be far less painful than having it torn away at the

Through meditation and its allied disciplines, we can

time of death.

actually make ourselves more secure as time passes — and so, in a very real sense, more beautiful. As time passes, we can actually gain in beauty. When the light is lit within, all of us can look forward to a breathtaking future of increasing beauty as we age.

At this stage of life, more than ever, why stir up the past? Work on what you want to take with you: don’t work on your past; work on who you are and what you want to become. Excerpted from an article in Winter 2012 issue of A Journal for Spiritual Living, published by the Blue

The Buddha conveys the urgency of this message

Mountain Center of Meditation & Nilgiri Press,

with a universal image. ‘You are about to go on a long

www.easwaran.org

journey,’ he says. ‘Don’t you want to be prepared?’ This is not rhetoric. The body may not be going anywhere, but rest assured there is an inner person with an itinerary and a destination. If you have a ticket for Europe, don’t you plan what you want to take? Don’t you ask in advance what the airline will allow? At this border there is no forty-pound limit: nothing material can cross. Whatever you’re carrying, you

Join Us Every Saturday, Global Adjustments Office, Chennai, facilitates a free

can’t take it with you.

weekly spiritual fellowship group following Easwaran’s

The only baggage you are allowed — in fact, the one

more information at globalindian@globaladjustments.

thing you can’t help taking with you — is who you are:

com. If you are in other cities, visit www.bmcm.org for

your character, the contents of your consciousness,

e-satsangs.

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

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4/1, Sunrise Ave, Sri Kapaleeswarar Nagar, Neelankarai, Chennai, 600115 CULTURAMA | September 2019

COUTURE

n e M in

d n e r T

Gone are the days when runways and fashion weeks were mostly about women’s couture. Since 2010, the emphasis on men’s wear has rocketed! Deepa Kalukuri writes about what’s hot and happening in men’s couture line this season

rom Jaquemus in the West to Pero in India,

has welcomed new designers who continue to

many new designers have not only launched

contribute to the fashion industry. We picked some

trendy collections for men but also have

of the best trends from these aces and newbies to

changed our perception on what a modern man

help you pick the best this season.

wears. In India, the focus on sustainable fashion has taken prominence and both luxury fashion houses

Gully Gen: Movies have a huge impact when it

and upcoming designers are taking baby steps

comes to hairstyles and clothing. One such movie

towards creating planet-friendly clothing options.

was Gully Boy. This blockbuster team consisting of

However, it’s a long road ahead and we hope to see

Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt and Zoya Akhtar teamed

more fashion houses adapt these creative options.

up with label Love Gen and launched Gully Gen, an athleisure collection that’s refusing to go out

A decade ago, there were a handful of exclusive

of trend. From hip hoodies to statement slogans,

men’s wear designers such as Rohit Bal, Raghavendra

this collection is a must-have if you love a fusion of

Rathore, and others. The millennial generation

comfort and street style.

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA | September 2019

Rohit Bal: If black is on your mind with a touch of zardosi, then head for the Fall/Winter collection by Rohit Bal. With over 20 years of experience in dressing the stylish Indian man, Bal has never disappointed his fans. The Delhi-based designer is one of the few in the country who introduced men’s wear collections when the fashion industry was focused on predominantly women’s fashion line. From pearl white kurtas to linen pants, his daily wear line has also gained huge popularity this year.

Sabyasachi: The new age Indian man is not shying away from floral prints. Ask India’s beloved couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Not only has he revolutionised bridal wear but he has also created collections for ‘him and her’ to go with wedding themes as well as resort wear. Classic floral pagdi, sherwani and maharaja jootis sum up the look for the trendiest groom this season.

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA | September 2019

Shantanu and Nikhil: Asymmetric cuts and buttoned up bandhgalas are making a comeback in men’s collection this year. Shantanu and Nikhil aren’t reluctant in experimenting with unique cuts and fabrics. The two brothers will soon be available to a wider group of fashion lovers as Aditya Birla Fashion is set to acquire 51 per cent stake in the bespoke apparel brand. Their success has contributed to their popularity amongst the fashionable youth in India and it won’t be going out of trend any time soon.

Pero: Founded in 2009 by Aneeth Arora, a NIFT graduate, Pero is one brand that’s working hard towards sustainable fashion. Her men’s collection is simple yet hip and is perfect for someone with an unconventional taste. If you want to court your love for cottons and linens, get yourself a pair of Pero shirts and team them up with baggy trousers or denims! Before you decide your next outfit this year or for the upcoming festive season, try the newest designers who are adding a flavor of eccentricity to Indian men’s wear. The rules of formal wear and casual wear are blurring and it will be interesting to witness the evolution of men’s fashion in the centennial generation.

CosaNostraa: Exquisitely crafted antique gold and brass cufflinks are one of the must-haves for the upcoming wedding and festive season. If you’re attending a pre-wedding party in a casual suit or a formal affair, add a touch of Jaipuri craftsmanship to

your

wrists.

From

shield motifs to lion-head cufflinks, CosaNostraa has a wide variety and you are sure to get some looks when

you

sport

funky accessories!

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

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CULTURAMA | September 2019

Around the world in

Across cultures, masks are used for many reasons — for protection, as a disguise, for entertainment and as part of rituals. They have been known to reveal the inner selves of the wearer, or to represent mythical characters, archetypes or personas (mask in ancient Latin means persona). The oldest mask is said to be from 7000 BC. Team Culturama explores the nature of masks across the globe

Venetian Carnival Masks The Venetian Carnival, celebrated just before Lent, is made unique by the use of masks, a custom said to have originated in the 13th century, used by the revellers to conceal their identity. This helped the different classes to mingle without inhibitions and live their fantasies together. Illicit activities such as gambling, clandestine affairs, political assassinations and dancing and partying the night away were made possible by these masks that were initially simple and made by skilled craftsmen called the mascherari. Masks are an elaborate affair these days, made from a variety of materials right from the inexpensive papier mâché eye masks to porcelain face masks with long noses or elaborate feathers.

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA | September 2019

Dancing Devils of Yare Masks Every Corpus Christi (Latin for 'Body of Christ' â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a Catholic liturgical solemnity), residents dressed up as devils emerge in the town of San Francisco de Yare in the Tuy Valley in Venezuela. The residents dress in red, mostly in harlequin-styled suits, with horned masks symbolising the devil, and dance in the open. They first crawl to the church to do penance, and after being symbolically forgiven, dance to the rhythm of multiple drums and maracas. The greater the number of horns the greater is the devil. The masks are mostly made from papier mĂ˘chĂŠ and painted in bright colours.

Filipino Dinagyang Masks Iloilo City in the Philippines comes alive in the fourth weekend of January to celebrate Dinagyang, the city's biggest religious and cultural celebration. Revellers sport dazzling masks made of colourful materials such as feathers, beads and sequins to make them stand apart. Used mainly for entertainment, the masks set the mood for street performances.

African Festima Masks Festima is a festival dedicated to mask lovers, celebrated in many West African countries such as the Ivory Coast, Senegal and Burkina Faso. Part of an ancient custom in Africa, the Festima is an attempt to protect the artisans making masks from wood, straw, leaves and textiles, representing animals and ancestral spirits. The mask wearer is believed to embody what the mask represents, and performs to musicians playing hand drums, whistles, and balafons.

Barong Masks of Bali Balinese Barong masks are carved from wood and represent a mythical creature called Banaspati Raja, or the King of the Forest. Also called the Barong Ket, they are shaped like the face of an animal, the most common ones being lion, wild boar, dog, deer or tiger, individually or in a composite form. Considered sacred, they are carved intricately and represent the spirit in a tangible form as well as for harnessing its energy. It is stored in the village temple and brought out on special occasions to bless the community or restore balance in the cosmos. 50

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA | September 2019

INDIA INSIGHT

Breathing

Life

into

Clay

The now much-touted environment-friendly mantra Reduce – Reuse – Recycle was simply a way of life in ancient India. It was taken for granted that one used only as much as one needed, one conserved natural resources and made responsible use of whatever was handy so that man’s footprint, carbon or otherwise, was as limited on the universe as possible. Often, to ensure that these eco-friendly practices were carried out without fail, and on a large scale, a religious colour was given to them. Thus, sustainable habits became religious traditions. As the puja season approaches, Susan Philip looks at a very common tradition, the origins of which have perhaps been lost in antiquity

Photo: Allory Christel France

s the monsoon sweeps over most of

In all probability, our ancestors must have reasoned

India from June to August, it brings with

that giving it a religious implication would ensure

it torrential showers, swollen rivers and

that everyone contributed his or her bit towards

overflowing lakes. The gushing waters sweep away

this mega project. The fact that this season is

sand, gravel and silt, leaving the banks of the water

packed with Hindu religious festivities is likely to

bodies eroded. In a rain-fed economy such as ours,

have triggered the idea of getting clay from the

it is important to make sure that all the munificence

beds of water bodies (thus automatically dredging

from the skies doesn’t get emptied into the sea, and

them), and using it to make idols. It soon became a

that rivers, wells and lakes have the capacity to store

widespread practice.

as much of the water as possible. For this, their beds have first to be dredged and cleaned, and then the

The dredging of the water bodies made clay a

clay has to be placed back, so that they hold water,

commodity plentifully and freely available. No one

instead of letting the precious resource seep away.

needed to spend money on raw materials if they

It is a painstaking, back-breaking process unless it

didn’t wish to do so. They didn’t need to have any

is undertaken collectively. But it is essential that it

exceptional artistic skills either, a rudimentary

is done, to conserve water for use during the torrid

figurine would serve the purpose as well as an

summer months.

intricate one.

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

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These idols had to be dried, as soft clay is liable to

innovativeness. Plaster of Paris (PoP) began to

get washed away while hard clay will settle at the

replace clay. And instead of dyes made of organic

bottom, and form a protective layer. So, religious

substances, chemical-based paints were used.

convention dictated that the clay idols be kept for

Today, there is fierce competition, both stated and

a few days and then immersed in lakes, wells and

unstated, to display the largest, most elaborate

rivers — from where they came.

idols. These huge fabrications are often too big for local wells, ponds and lakes. In any case, they don’t

Our ancestors also thought of adding a variety

get absorbed back into the environment, as was the

of plants to the clay while making the idols. After

original intention; instead, they block waterways.

immersion, these herbs would play the role of water

The lead, chromium, cadmium and mercury in the

purifiers and anti-bacterial agents. Medicinal plants,

paints poison the waters and destroy aquatic life.

herbs and by-products, like neem, tulsi, durva grass

Instead of the original goals of conservation and

(arugumpul), vilvam and turmeric, were either

protection, they actually harm nature.

worked into the clay or used to decorate the idols, serving both aesthetic and utilitarian purposes!

River of clay

In a nutshell, while at the philosophical level, clay represents the basis of life, the immersion of the idols symbolises a merger with nature. The repetitious process of making idols and immersing them year after year serves is a reminder of the cycle of life. At a practical level, the whole process is as an effort to live in harmony with nature. And so, idols of Ganesh, the elephant-headed God of auspicious beginnings, and Durga, the invincible Goddess, were made from clay, worshipped for a few days, and then immersed in water bodies, only for the cycle to begin again the next year. Photo: Basia Kruszewska USA

The clay from the Ganga is especially valued in the idol-making process. Kumartuli in West Bengal is a famous colony of potters, which comes into its own during the pooja season. Goddess Durga takes shape in all her splendour over and over again under the hands of the skilled artisans here. Kanpur, in Uttar Pradesh, is another source of Ganga clay, and there’s a community of idol makers there too. These idols are taken all over the country, and exported as well.

Back to Basics But over the years, the eco-friendliness of the idols disappeared. The focus changed to the superficial attributes such as their attractiveness, size and 54

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

With the growth, or should we say, revival, of environment-consciousness,

efforts

are

being

made to go back to clay as the base material for idols. Paper pulp is another popular bio-degradable option. And, to satisfy the desire for glitter and glow, scientists are coming up with natural extracts that give a sheen to organic dyes. One innovative valueaddition is to embed seeds of various plants in the clay used to make idols, which, after immersion, will sprout and grow. As with plastic, let us say No to PoP and nonbiodegradable idols this festive season. Instead, let us take a leaf out of our ancestors’ book.

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EX CAMERA Getting the idols ready to meet the demand from many neighbourhoods where Ganesh Chathurthi is a public affair

Photo: Nancy Reisig USA

The Journey of

GANESHA

Ganesha is a favourite deity of people across all ages

Photo: Jennifer Green USA

India will celebrate Ganesh Chathurthi on September 2 this year. Lord Ganesh, the elephant -faced God, is the remover of obstacles and is worshipped before commencing anything new. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey with Ganesh from the time the idols are made to the time they are immersedâ&#x20AC;Ś

Traditionally, Ganesh Chathurthi was a private celebration. Nationalist and freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak turned it into a carnival to bring people together. Here we see a potter displaying small idols for worship at home

Photo: Melisa Enderle USA

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

A colourful Ganesha on display in a temporary tent where the public can come and make their offerings

Herbs are added to the idol as it also helps purify the water when immersed in the river at the end of the festival

Photo: Chantal Harris USA

Ganesh Chathurthi is a one-day festival, but the idols are immersed with much fanfare only after 10 days

Photo: Jerry Slingsby USA

Photo: Ben Armijo USA

Ganesha idols from different pandals (tents) awaiting their turn to be lowered into the sea

Photo: Elmarte Blignaut S Africa

Ganesha takes His final journey into the sea, reminding us of the temporary nature of our life

Photo: Kruszewska USA CULTURAMA | September 2019

HOLISTIC THE LAST LIVING WORD

SPEAKING UP Vibha Bakshi, Honorary Doctorate and National Awardwinning director and producer, speaks to Sonia Hays about her movie Son Rise and breaking the silence on gender violence across the world

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

From business journalism to documentaries on gender issues — how did this journey happen? I was a business anchor and reporter on CNBC. But I very quickly realised that my heart was in stories that carried strong social messages. When my husband and I moved to New York (my husband was a Wall Street banker and I wanted to pursue film-making), I met my partner, my mentor — Maryann Deleo, an Academy Award–winning film-maker. We began making films together including HBO’s acclaimed film on global warming titled Too Hot NOT to Handle and Lifetime TV’s Terror at Home, as part of the U.S. Government’s Emmy Award–winning campaign to stop violence against women. You have made films dealing with different aspects of gender violence across different cultures. What is the common thread that runs across them?

MADAME PHUMZILE MLAMBO-NGCUKA United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Women

Gender biases and gender violence are not an India issue alone. They are not a rural versus urban issue.

Son Rise sweeps the National Film Awards

It is everywhere. It is a global reality. And having

including Best Film (Non-Feature), Best First

made films both in the United States and in India

Non-Feature Film and Best Editing at the 66th

has changed me in many ways. I have realised the

National Film Awards.

paramount importance of being non-judgemental as a film-maker. It is easy to sensationalise issues but very hard to sensitise people. I will always strive to make responsible films because they impact everyone. I salute all the people of Haryana who dared to break their silence on issues kept hidden in India and many parts of the world. How did you hit on the idea of making Son Rise? Two years ago, my film Daughters of Mother India, which put the spotlight on the issue of rape and gender violence, was being screened in Haryana, a state infamous for having the most skewed sex ratio and a high rate of gender crimes reported in the country. At the screening, a social activist told me

for marrying a gang rape survivor. During our conversations with the farmer, his wife would sit with us. For the first three or four meetings, I didn’t go with the camera. Slowly, they started trusting us. One day, his wife took off the veil and said that she had no reason to feel ashamed or hide. It is the rapists who should be punished and ostracised. That was when we began filming. When I started spending more time with the family, I felt there must be more such men — men who have grown up in the seat of patriarchy, in the underbelly of biases, fighting to change the narrative on inequality. And we found them! And that’s how Son Rise began.

about a farmer from Haryana who, in an arranged marriage, had married a gang rape survivor and was

What were some of the challenges you faced?

fighting to get her justice. However, the activist did

Filming in Haryana was challenging on many fronts.

not have his name or address. With the help of the

It is the seat of patriarchy. I knew before going into

police and a lot of asking around, I did manage to

this that being a woman and questioning the men

find him. We reached his village, but while searching

of the state was going to be tough. It must have

for his house, the villagers would derisively ask,

been equally hard for the men to accept me too! It

‘Woh aadmi…’ THAT man! The farmer was ostracised

was very tough interviewing the biggest and most CULTURAMA | September 2019

NISHTHA SATYAM Deputy Country Representative, India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka

influential ‘khap’ chief — Baljit Singh Malik — the

way beyond our expectations winning the National

patriarch of nearly 2,000 villages that are under his

Film Award from the President of India, the highest

leadership. Access was not easy. Initially, the khap

honour in Indian films. The film also holds the

leader was uncomfortable to even make eye contact

distinction of the Most Awarded Social Campaign

with a woman questioning him. And I didn’t approve

in the World — Global Creative Index 2017. I truly

of his views on gender either. It was only when I

believe that when your intents and emotions are

stopped judging him and put my views aside that a

right, the universe will embrace you! We hope the

meaningful conversation began. Khaps continue to

same for Son Rise. Screenings have begun and I am

play a very important role in Haryana society as far

humbled and grateful to share that we have received

as social issues are concerned. It is the land of the

full house standing ovations for all our screenings.

khap. You can’t do it without them. This same khap leader who did not want to make eye contact with me…two years later, he is leading a drive to end the tradition of women wearing a veil and has asked the people to end female foeticide. If this man, who happens to be one of the most influential figures, is willing to change, why can’t others? I will make sure that the film is screened in every khap to tell them that you have the social power — use it judiciously and responsibly.

Why don’t more men speak up for women in our culture? When we talk about gender rights, gender biases, gender violence — these are all bracketed as women’s issues. How is a gender crime a women’s issue? It’s a human rights issue. And hence it is so important that if we want to win the struggle for gender equality, men must be equal collaborators in the struggle. And in our film Son Rise we realised there are still a few good men who have been raised

Documentary as a genre is less popular. But your

in a patriarchal society and yet are fighting for

documentaries have been able to grab the attention

women’s rights — and perhaps, for the first time in

of the people. What is the secret behind it?

their lives, are beginning understand that they will

Deleo once said to me, ‘You do not choose a film.

have to combat other men at every step of the way.

The film chooses you.’ I truly believe a film has its

It’s time for men to get involved in changing the

own destiny, it be a documentary or a commercial

narrative towards gender equality and set examples

film. My earlier film Daughters of Mother India went

for other men to follow.

September 2019 | CULTURAMA

Rise forward. The statistics in Haryana seems disturbing. What do you think is reason for such a high rate of female foeticide? The whole obsession to have sons. A majority of the families (rich or poor) believe that only sons can take the family name or legacy forward. A daughter is to be married off to another family and that too with a dowry. She is considered a burden. It’s not only in Haryana. It’s all over India and in many parts of the world too. How do you expect this documentary to make an impact? What is the action that you hope will be taken? I believe in using the power of the media to make responsible films — films that catalyse change through inclusion and unity, by taking positive

What is the nature of partnership between UN Women and Son Rise? We are humbled and honoured to have had the UN Under-Secretary-General Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka unveil the film. Son Rise is now being supported by UN Women as part of their global #HeForShe movement under which people of all gender stand in solidarity with women to create a bold, visible and united force for gender equality. We plan to take Son Rise across villages, schools and colleges of India and make men a part of the conversation in changing the narrative around gender inequality. We hope to screen Son Rise globally and collect a million pledges as part of the UN’s #HeForShe global campaign.

examples in an otherwise challenging situation. A

You are a mother of two sons yourself. Do you miss

film may not change the world, but it can certainly

a daughter?

break the conspiracy of silence that surrounds many burning issues such as gender violence and gender inequality. Through Son Rise, we hope to stir a dialogue that will change the narrative on masculinity by encouraging men to stand together in solidarity

I am a mother of two sons and I carry a greater responsibility to make sure I don’t raise my sons with an unnecessary sense of entitlement. Because that is where the problem begins. Do I miss having a daughter? I am just most grateful that God has granted me two beautiful, healthy children.

with women to accelerate the path to gender

How do you cope with your own emotions when

equality. We are overwhelmed and grateful to

filming such sensitive issues?

have the United Nations endorse Son Rise (postcompletion of the film). This is a huge triumph! It’s time for men to be part of the struggle for

You cannot unsee what you have seen… And the only way I am able to get closure is when my film is able to change a life…one story at a time.

equality and we are confident they will take Son

A still from the film where the men of Bibipur, Haryana, present their turbans (reserved for sons) to their daughters CULTURAMA | September 2019

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September 2019 | CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA | September 2019

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September 2019 | CULTURAMA