Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Addressing the Studetns at VIzag

 on 31st October, 2018, Addressed the students of the Durga Bai Deshmukh Centre for Women's Studies at  Vizag on the career opportunities for students of Women's Studies.They have a MA  and Ph. D program. I was pleasantly surprised to see more boys than girls pursuing an MA in  Women's Studies. Interacted with their present Director, Sumita and the earlier director Ratna Kumari. This Centre is closely associated with Ratna Kumari who has contributed immensely to this Centre and built it from scratch.







Tuesday, October 30, 2018

The continuities of life

 When ever I go to the beach, I cannot but as a Historian, think of the past and how this water has always been there from the beginning. This water and waves have seen so many people come and go, so many civilizations come one after another. The only thing that is constant in this change is this water and the waves coming to the shores one after another. Such a beautiful feeling. Vizag has such a beautiful beach and the people are indeed very proud of their beach. The area is neat and clean and a large number of people spend their time in the morning and evenings out here. Spent a lovely evening of 30th october, 2018 here.








A slice of life in Visakhapatnam

 I have been to Vizag many times and except the beach once in a while  hardly  went out. Suresh is with me this time and I think after several visits earlier, this is the first time that I  have explored the city thoroughly. The ever beautiful beach is always there and went there in the evening. Early in the morning drove to the hill top to see Mary Martha Church at Ross Hill. It was amazing to see how Christianity has blended with the local culture here. This is a beautiful church overlooking the Vizag town. The people leave their slippers at the entrance before they enter the church. There was Muggu decoration at the entrance. A big Banyan tree was dominant in the centre of the church and this was next to a water body. Even a huge cross and Mother Mary were kept in a cave like structure. All the statues were garladed with Marigold flowers of bright orange and yellow colour. Except for the statues it felt the same as visiting a temple. There is a Balaji temple and a Mosque also nearby. Then we  went to get a feel of the fish market and really understood the term fish market for the first time. Our teachers in school often scolded us when they were late for class that our class was like a fish market.This had a life of its own, the hustle, bustle, the noises, the smell which I am sure to them was Aroma, and the different shapes, sizes, quantity and colours of the fish It was such a pleasant feeling to see that the sea fed so many people with the varites of fish that it provides and was a source of livelihood to so many. I only hope that we learn to  respect our natural resources for the abundance of  booty that they provide to humans and that to free of cost. It is another issue that we have commercialised this booty for our own selfish gains.













#Me Too Movement

 #Me Too Movement has finally come to India and has now opened the flood gates of hurt, anger, frustration and the silences which women had borne for so many years. Thanks Tanushree Dutta, for helping so many women come out in the open and name figures, who are perceived as big and famous and dedicated to a cause. I stand with all those women who had lived with all this hurt and helplessness for so many years knowing there was no other option and accept this as, "life", and the occupational hazard of women stepping out of the home to come out and make an entry into the patriarchal world of men. My salutations to all these women who have given courage to so many other women to speak up. Sexual harassment at the workplace is a serious issues and needs to be dealt with with all the seriousness it deserves. Enough is enough. We have brushed it under the carpet for too long.






Monday, October 29, 2018

Turkish reception

 On the occassion of the 95th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, on 29th October, 2018, a reception was organised by the Consul General, Mr. Adnan Altinor and his lovely wife Ms. Kubra Altinors at Hyderabad  and they proved to be a great host. Met many old friends from Hyderabad including few descendants of the Nizam and had  wonderful Turkish cuisine. I have still to explore and not sure how far it is true but I found a lot of similarities between the Iranian and the Turkish cuisine.











Gender fest

 Welcome to the Gender Fest. Students, Hurry up and Register for some exciting events.The Dean's Student Welfare and Centre for Women's Studies is organising a Gender Law Fest with support from the National Commission for Women and, assistance from Simbiosis Law, School Hyderabad. Students please go ahead and register.



Friday, October 26, 2018

Talk by Shri. Sajjad Shahid

 The Centre for Women's Studies and Department of History is organising a talk by Shri. Sajjad Shahid, a well known authority on Deccani culture and a heritage activist who has contributed immensely  to the understanding of the Deccani culture and society. All are welcome.



Tuesday, October 23, 2018

History Department Ram Lal Anand College

 With the History Department faculty at Ram Lal Anand College in Delhi on 23rd October, 2018.






Monday, October 22, 2018

NAAC Visit Delhi

 For A NAAC visit on 22nd October, 2018, in Delhi at Ram Lal Anand College with their Principal, Rakesh Gupta, Prof. B. A. Chopade, Vice Chancellor Marathwada University, Prof. Thavamani. A very hectic but excellent day. A beautiful, green, clean campus and  very aesthetically done and maintained







Thursday, October 18, 2018

Global Cultural festival

 On Vijaydasmi day, 18th October, 2018, my friend Malti Surya took me to Brahma Kumaris which is very close to my house. Though not a regular visitor, I am familiar with this place for our University celebrates it's convocation in their peace Auditorium and it is on the way of my morning walk. There was a cultural celebration and I did nor regret spending the evening here. There  were people from twenty one countries across  the world that participated in this cultural programme. It was nice to see a two hours program that did not bank on Bolly wood for its songs and dance. The dancers from foreign countries were dancing to Indian bhajans and doing the Indian dance moves. There was a juggler from Argentina, a flute player from Russia and many more. All of them were members of the Brahma Kumaris from around the world. I felt happy to see the Brahma Kumari spreading not only the message of spirituality but that of Indian culture too. Some of the foreigners also sang songs of Shiva in their own accent.Their dance moves were perfect and they wore the saree with great elegance and grace. The Telengana Government which celebrates this period as Bathukamma also partnered with them. Bathukamma is a unique festival of flowers, joy, harmony where women become one with nature and celebrate its bounty through a certain dance form. A wonderful evening and by seeing so many young participants from different countries, I was left in admiration for   the beauty of Indian culture and religion  that attracts so many young people  to accept our culture, its religious philosophy and learn it. Indeed in this sense the Brahma Kumari are doing a great service by keeping the torch of our spirituality burning bright.This was not just about religion or spirituality but the joy of celebration.