Wild Fictions: EssaysAmitav GhoshComing in: January/HarperCollins This book of essays by the acclaimed author is the curation of his writing on subjects from over 25 years, ranging from literature and language, to travel and discoveries, and climate change. From the significance of the commodification of the clove, to the diversity of the mangrove forests in Bengal, it is a fascinating adventure that absorbs history, and acts as a reminder of the importance of sensitivity and empathy. With the combination of moral passion, intellectual curiosity and literary elegance that defines his writing, Ghosh makes us understand the world in new, and urgent ways. Together, the pieces within this book chart a course that allows us to heal our relationships and restore the delicate balance with the volatile landscapes to which we belong. A keepsake for fans of Ghosh’s writings. The Death of TV News in IndiaNidhi RazdanComing in: TBA/ Bloomsbury Nidhi Razdan’s book is the narrative of what really happened to the TV news model and why it broke, and lost all credibility. One of Indian television news’ most recognisable faces, Razdan, looks at the changes over the last 25 years through her life-work and provides an insider’s account. The WarriorChristopher Clarey Coming in: MAY/Hachette With the tagline, Rafael Nadal and his Kingdom of Clay, this long-awaited title will finally see the light of day after modern-day champ hung his tennis racquet in late 2024. Trace his remarkable story from a young clay court talent to becoming one of tennis’ greatest legends. The Loneliness of Sonia and SunnyKiran DesaiComing in: September/Penguin Random House The long-awaited new novel by the Booker Prize winner is a love story about two Indians in the USA, navigating the many forces that shape their lives: country, class, race, history and the complicated bonds that link one generation to the next. OceanDavid Attenborough . COLIN BUTFILEDComing in: May/ Hachette The world’s greatest natural history broadcaster of our times uncovers the mystery and the frailty of our ocean s with his long-term collaborator Colin Butfield, highlighting the need to protect the rich marine ecosystems that inhabits it. India through Iconic MapsDeepti Anand and Sanghamitra ChatTerjee Coming in: August/ Roli A collector’s edition, this exhaustively title is an unprecedented display of the scale, story and beauty of mapmaking in India. This book with more than 250 maps aims to highlight these hidden layers of a map and trace a unique cartographical history of the Indian Subcontinent. Tibetan GospelFarrukh DhondyComing in: TBA/Om Books The adventure-thriller follows the trail of an Indian Catholic priest, Father Darius ‘Francis’ Cama in a storyline that attempts to dissect the legend attached to a shrine in Kashmir, which is revered by some to be the tomb of Jesus Christ. Diary of a Cricketer’s WifePuja Pujara Coming in: TBA/ HarperCollins Rarely have wives of Indian cricketers expressed themselves about life on the road and their superstar statuses, let alone, write a book about it. Readers will get insight about the Pujaras on the road, their struggles, challenges and wins as Puja, Cheteshwar Pujara’s wife dons the author’s avatar. Bombay Duck Meher Mirza Coming in: TBA/HarperCollins From history to gender and nutrition, this chronicle deep-dives into diverse factors that have added to create the city’s layered culinary legacy. Stories by Manto: A Graphic Narrative Pinake De Coming in: TBA/ Simon & Schuster For the first time a collection of Saadat Hasan Manto’s works will be presented in graphic form. Here, some of his memorable stories revolving around the Partition of India will come to life, courtesy artworks by known and new artists. Pinaki De, graphic illustrator-designer and Debkumar Mitra, comics curator, editor and reviewer, are its editors. ElloraEdited by Deepanjana Klein and Arno KleinComing in: TBA/ Mapin The volume looks at the cross-fertilisation of styles in Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temple architecture with stunning photos by Arno Klein. It offers a systematic overview of the Ellora cave temples and looks at the stylistic development of the 34 main caves and lesser caves of the site. Lightning Kid Viswanathan Anand Coming in: TBA/ Hachette Against the backdrop of D Gukesh’s remarkable elevation to become India’s second GrandMaster in Singapore, India’s first chess GrandMaster, Viswanathan Anand shares 64 winning lessons for young readers and enthusiasts of the game. Drive to Victory Karun Chandhok Coming in: February/ Hachette In this cool take on Formula-1, Karun Chandhok takes young readers behind the scenes and under the bonnet to show what it really takes to drive to success in this competitive sporting discipline. The Man Who Fed IndiaPriyambada JK Chowdhry Coming in: April/HarperCollins This illustrated biography of MS Swaminathan by his great-granddaughter looks at how this visionary agricultural scientist ensured India’s food-scape remained abundant. Long before climate change and millets in our diet became cool buzzwords, he spoke about the importance of such key topics. Song of Asunam CG Salamander and Rajiv Eipe Coming in: February/ HarperCollins This modern fable follows the journey of Vetri, an adventurous boy and a magical, music-loving beast that descends on his sleepy village. Go Go Flamingo Devashish Makhija Coming in: First quarter/ Tullika With brilliant illustrations by Priya Kuriyan, this book written in verse and soaked in satire reveals the true story of our fragile ecosystem, and how senseless actions by humans impact the natural world with far-reaching implications. The Little Book of Indian DogsAnusha Ramanathan and Chandrima Chatterjee Coming in: July/HarperCollins Runi and her baba are looking to bring home the best Indian dog. But how will they be able to pick just one from multiple choices? Will they choose the Chippiparai, the Rampur Hound, the Jonangi or some other indie breed? This unique tale celebrates Indian dog and hound breeds and tells their story. Also Read 1. Life and Business Lessons from Indra Nooyi (Hachette)2. Brooke Shields is Not Allowed To Get Old by Brooke Shields (Hachette)3. PR Sreejesh bio by Uthra Ganesan (Simon & Schuster)4. The Golden Days: My Life and Times at Doordarshan by Sheila Chaman (Om Books)5. Aparna Sen bio by Suman Ghosh (Simon & Schuster)6. India in a Bowl by Meghna Kohli (Roli)7. Phantom Warriors: India’s Secret Tibetan Army by Tenzing G Tethong & Tendzin Choegyal (Roli) 8. Tested by Pat Cummins (HarperCollins)10. Kishori Amonkar: A biography by Shailaja Khanna (Westland)11. Do Sharks have Bellybuttons? by Jose Covaco (Harper Collins)
01 January,2025 09:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezPink carpet welcomeComing in: April AT: TS Chanakya Wetlands, Navi Mumbai The Flamingo Festival is all set to take flight once again this year after a hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The festival had become a crowd-puller with naturalists, birders and families converging to celebrate the winged guests. We’re ready to put on an even better festival in April this year,” confirmed Shardul Bajikar, education officer, BNHS Conservation Education Centre. With the first batch (also known as a flamboyance) of the migratory birds landing in the city last month for their winter retreat, Bajikar revealed that the festival will be timed to coincide with the juvenile birds maturing into adults and their feathers turning the signature shade of pink. The edition of the two-day festival will include a sighting session at the TS Chanakya Wetlands followed by activities, talks, discussions and games centred on flamingos. “We’re introducing a series of talks by experts and a roundtable of NGOs and communities working towards the conservation and wellbeing of the flamingos,” Bajikar revealed. Japanese groove in the cityComing in: February AT: To be decided Pic courtesy/Instagram Can a solo guitarist keep Mumbaikars on the edge of their seats? We’ll find out when Japanese guitarist Ichika Nito (right) takes the stage in the city next month. Representing a genre that fits somewhere between math rock (don’t fret, it’s not as complex as it sounds) and jazz, Nito’s style might strike just the right chord with music geeks who are looking for out-of-the box sounds this year. On the back of support from icons like John Petrucci of Dream Theatre and Pete Townshend of The Who, the tour marks the neo-classical guitarist’s debut in the country. Dharavi to the worldComing in: January 23 AT: NCPA, Nariman Point The Dharavi Dream Project’s young artistes have stayed true to their 2024 New Year’s resolution. After months of working with director Neha Singh under the mentorship of Dolly Rateshwar, Dharavi Dreams, their debut musical production, will tour the city with its troupe of dancers, rappers and b-boys. The first show will take the stage at the NCPA. “The play is Dharavi’s success story of transforming from a hub of the vices to a melting pot of artistic talent. It’s their story, told through their experiences, in their style,” Singh informed us. Music to our earsComing in: First half of 2025 Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia in performance at an IMG event To celebrate 50 years of nurturing Indian classical music alongside stalwarts like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and late Ustad Zakir Hussain, the Indian Music Group of St Xavier’s College, Dhobi Talao, will publish its first-ever book with inputs from young and veteran musicians. Newsy chucklesComing in: FebruaryAT: Sophia Bhabha Auditorium UK-based comedian Russel Howard, widely recognised for his TV shows Russel Howard’s Good News and The Russel Howard Hour, will test how well his signature British humour fares with Mumbai’s audience at his debut solo show in the city. Bringing the cavalryComing in: August At: to be decided Come August and Sunil Shanbag will be ready with the horses, quite literally. The theatremaker will premiere his adaptation of Hungarian playwright Julius Hays’ iconic production Horse at the Aadyam Theatre Festival this year. “It is set in the times of the Roman Empire ruled by Caligula. The play is a take on how authoritarian systems function and benefit by misleading the masses using entertainment. It is resonant to the environment of the day,” shared Shanbag. Lion’s roarComing in: First half of 2025AT: Mumbai Zoo, Byculla Visitors at Mumbai Zoo pose with a statue of an Asiatic lion. File pic After multiple attempts to find big cats for its vacant lion enclosure that is fit only for a king (and queen), the Mumbai Zoo is now hopeful of bringing in two Asiatic lions from Gujarat in the first half of 2025. Confirming that Mumbai will soon welcome a royal pair after more than a decade of efforts, Dr Sanjay Kumar Tripathi, director, Mumbai Zoo said, “We are pulling all strings to ensure the lions arrive as soon as possible. The immediate goal is to ensure it happens in the first half of the year. We are in talks with two possible organisations in Gujarat currently.” Tripathi further revealed that an ongoing plan to build an enclosure for exotic animals and birds at the zoo will gain speed this year. Zubin will be backComing in: January AT: Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, National Centre for the performing arts, Nariman Point Maestro Zubin Mehta (centre) conducts a concert with the Symphony Orchestra of India at the NCPA Begin the New Year on a magnificent note as the Symphony Orchestra of India returns to stage for its spring concert. With an opening act by maestro Zubin Mehta, who will join renowned Slovenian classical pianist Alexander Gadjiev to perform Chopin’s Piano Concerto no. 2, the line-up promises a number of classical and operatic masterpieces to the audience. Also Read: Zubin Mehta in Mumbai: My life conducting orchestra is like a molten lava, it never stops Sounds from ItalyComing in: MarchAT: to be decided Giorgia Anguili in performance. PICS COURTESY/INSTAGRAM Puglia-born musician Giorgia Anguili will bring her unique style of techno music powered by ethereal vocals and experimental digital instruments. Anguili will take the stage as part of the ZAMNA Music Festival in the city alongside South American artiste Shall Ocin. Hit the rewind button for MumbaiComing in: MarchAT: To be decided A new collective called Memory Keepers Collective led by author Shormistha Mukherjee is gearing to launch their new series of immersive audio-visual exhibitions centred on landmark events like The Bombay Plague of 1896 and its impact on the present-day suburbs of Mumbai. “If you look closely, there are visible signs of the impact the plague had on Bandra all around us. Through the collective, we aim to use oral history, lived memories, records, documents and photographs to mix art, performance and writing to create experiential glimpses about this forgotten history that shaped Bandra,” said Mukherjee (below). Mere gully meinComing in: January (test version)Available: Steam Store A still from the gameplay video While the wait for the much-awaited, speculated and anticipated GTA 6 title by Rockstar Games continues in 2025, things are moving much faster closer to home. Mumbai’s own version of the game titled Mumbai Gullies will be ready for a grand release this year. With developer Nikhil Malankar currently working on finalising the in-game voice-overs and sound library, expect the first test version to be out anytime this month. In addition to realistic maps and a fully desi open-world experience, we’ve learnt that a supernatural twist to the Maximum City is on the cards.
01 January,2025 09:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble | Divyasha PandaTake flight Touch new heights in 2025 with this paragliding experience in Kamshet, one of Maharashtra’s few paragliding spots. With winter settling in, the conditions are just right for sustained gliding. In simpler terms, you’re on for a ride of your life 9,000 ft above ground level in the Kusgaon Hills. If you’re a novice, tandem flights are an easy way to get started. Depending on how much adrenaline you can handle, choose from a simple joyride to flights that include maneuvers like wingovers and ridge dancing. ON January 1 to 30; 8 am AT Kusgaon Hills, Kamshet. (meeting point revealed on registration) CALL 8600252987 COST Rs 3,000 onwards (for a 15-minute ride) Gaze at the stars A moment from a previous stargazing session Find out what your stars say about you, and then some more, at this stargazing session in Bhandardara — widely regarded as one of the best spots to witness the night sky owing to its unobstructed views. Observe and identify more than 40 celestial bodies, including nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters, with the help of advanced telescopes and knowledgeable astrophysicists. The session also features discussions about the night sky and the science behind them, adding context to what you see. Photography enthusiasts can bring along their DSLRs and look forward to guidance from expert photographers on capturing the cosmos in all its glory. ON January 4; 11 amMEETING POINT Kasara railway station. CALL 8591064044 COST Rs 1,999 (includes accommodation and travel) Pedal push in Vasai Cyclists pedal their way on a tour earlier this year. Pic Courtesy/Instagram Hop on for a cycling tour along the scenic coastline of Vasai. From breathtaking natural vistas to serene lakes like the Utaleshwar Talav, this four-hour-long trip organised by a close-knit cycling community covers 15 kilometers and welcomes both novice and experienced riders. “It’s an opportunity to connect with nature and make new friends along the way. Vasai’s coastline has managed to stay pristine, free from the overcrowding and litter. Our tours ensure we leave nothing but fond memories behind,” says founder Rohit Kalparuksh. The journey through the coastal town’s charming winding lanes concludes at Rangaon Beach, known for its clean sands and towering palm trees, where a stunning sunset view awaits. ON January 5; 3.30 pm to 7.30 pm MEETING POINT Agarwals, near K Movie Star Theatre, Vasai West.LOG ON TO @chalo._chaleCOST RS 899
31 December,2024 08:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleScribble it down In the past, I would never plan for the coming year. But this is my last semester in college, and I will be shifting into another phase of life. I plan to take a gap year just to work on myself and figure out where I want to do my Masters. Hence, my goals for the first week are minimalistic. I have always had the habit of maintaining a journal. I hope to continue and maintain a daily planner, and look back at it by the end of the day. Although it is not compulsory, it helps me stay organised and evaluate how the day went. Over the last few years, I have fallen behind on my reading. Over the last month, I started reading 10 pages each day. Other than this, I will try and go out for a jog either in the morning or the evening to stay on track with fitness plans for the first week. Mihika Singh, student, 20, Chembur. Small targets every month One of the many things I used to do is create vision boards for the year. I have now realised that keeping the same goals throughout the year does not really work for me. As the year goes on, your goals change. Now, I plan to create a vision board for the first month, and take on the tasks listed on a weekly basis. Secondly, I hope to make small increments on my plans to stay fit. I am not consistent. For the last month, I have added on a micro habit of spending a day in the park, or attending a dance class once a week — to keep movement involved in my activities. I hope to keep this going since my brain is attuned to remind me every day that I need to get out of the house. It is helpful for both the mind and the body. Shravani Vijay Desai, student, 20, Borivli West. Keep showing up The past year has been a tough one on my health, and I realise that is something I need to focus on as I enter the latter part of my 30s. I don’t often make big resolutions as things keep changing. But I have decided on making changes to my diet, and to sign up for yoga sessions. I am not setting myself big targets. The key for the first week is to show up, and show up consistently for these sessions. Eventually, these little things will build up to long term benefits. Sucheta Urankar, assistant manager, 37, Kalamboli. Also Read: 5 health goals everyone should have in 2025, according to an expert Eyes on the target I have been working in production, but food has been my passion. I have always had this superstition that one should wake up early on time on the first day of the year. I believe that whatever I do on that day will set the tone for the year. As an entrepreneur and owner of a home-kitchen, I will start taking orders from the first week itself. The larger aim is to take my passion for food to the next level. To this end, I am trying to be more persistent and consistent in my approach. That’s my motto going into 2025. Tahin Ojah Sharma, entrepreneur, 44, Malad. Step back, and shore up finances Even before the new year, I have been thinking of things I need to do. I am over 50-years-old now, and it is important for me to slow down. I need to be more disciplined with regards to my health. Starting this week, especially since it is a festive time, I want to cut down on socialising and prioritise sleeping on time. It is a small step, but can lead to benefits in the long run. As an entrepreneur, and partner in a family-owned business, I am also looking at investments. It is important to focus on a future plan and reduce any financial anxieties. That will be one of the key goals. Minesh Babla, entrepreneur, 55, Santacruz.
31 December,2024 08:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarFrom summarising an medical report to planning a vacation itinerary — Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots, including ChatGPT, have all but revolutionised our everyday living. But can AI tools contribute to improving your wellbeing and helping you to resolve your pressing health concerns? A social media post by a mother identified as Courtney about her four-year-old’s chronic health concerns, which went viral last year, suggests that the possibilities of AI are far more comprehensive and nuanced than what most users may have known. In her post, Courtney wrote about being frustrated when numerous trips to multiple medical professionals (a total of 17) yielded no concrete diagnosis; her child Alex suffered from severe toothaches, stunted growth and unusual behaviours such as chewing on objects. Her search for answers led Courtney to create an account on ChatGPT, where she listed out her son’s symptoms and received a diagnosis of tethered cord syndrome, an uncommon neurological condition that a neurologist would later confirm. Anecdotes such as these suggest that there’s a lot more to AI than initially meets the eye, especially in the areas of health and wellness. But how reliable are these AI tools and can they really prove to be a gamechanger in keeping you healthier and fitter in 2025? Also Read: 5 health goals everyone should have in 2025, according to an expert AI can analyse patterns of sleep, eating habits and stress levels, and suggest improvements to individual habits. Representation pics Pervasive and persuasive“AI has been part of our practice for decades. Tele-consultations, breast cancer diagnoses, and robotic surgeries are very common applications of AI,” explains Dr Vaishali Joshi, a senior obstetrician and gynaecologist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. She adds that AI’s biggest advantage is the ability to analyse large data sets with multiple variables, including age, parity, weights and coexisting health conditions, to create clear pathways for diagnosis and early treatment of illnesses. “AI can help to deliver universal standardised health in remote areas through telemedicine. Further, newer technologies and research in Virtual Reality (VR) as well as robotics-assisted surgical technology offer a definitive edge over traditional surgery,” she says. The use of AI in consumables intended for end-users too is on the rise, says Jeff Bathija, personal coach at Mid-life Lifting Club. “From wearable technology like fitness trackers to AI-driven diet apps, the trend towards using AI for achieving personal health goals is growing,” he observes. According to him, AI can be a versatile tool in your health a fitness journey if used in the following ways: 1.Reminders and scheduling: AI can help maintain consistent fitness routines by setting reminders for workouts, hydration, and sleep schedules.2.Personalised fitness plans: By analysing user data, such as body type, fitness level, and goals, AI can generate tailored workout plans.3.Calorie tracking: AI-powered apps can track calorie intake and expenditure, offering suggestions to balance diet and exercise.4.Virtual trainers: AI chatbots and apps can simulate personal trainers, offering real-time feedback on form, technique, or workout intensity.5.Wellness insights: AI can analyse patterns in sleep, heart rate, or stress levels and suggest improvements for overall health.6.Goal monitoring: By setting and tracking milestones, AI helps ensure adherence to health objectives and provides motivational nudges. AI-powered calorie tracking apps are already in use Beyond the boundaries of physical fitness, AI is also proving to be a powerful ally in emotional and mental wellbeing, points out Dr Naazneen Ladak, a psychiatrist and mental health expert. “AI can make mental health support more accessible by providing discreet, cost-effective solutions that lessen stigma. It can assist people in monitoring their emotions, recording patterns and identifying emotional triggers. AI may potentially be able to identify early indicators of mental health problems and offer prompt treatments,” she elaborates. In the area of mental health, AI can help by reminding clients to take their medications, schedule therapy sessions or engage in mindfulness exercises. It can also provide basic emotional support and analyse input to determine areas that need work. Proceed with cautionWhile Dr Ladak notes that AI has been replacing search engines as a primary source of information for many patients, several others are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for advice and support. This can be counterproductive as AI tools, by their very nature, offer up insufficient or error-prone and non-personalised advice. “AI lacks the compassion and comprehension that comes from face-to-face communication. Concerns about privacy and the possibility of sensitive data being misused are serious problems. Professional diagnosis and treatment cannot be replaced by AI,” she cautions. Dr Joshi also warns that being dependent on AI can cause unnecessary anxiety and over-investigatory approaches to treat a disease. “While AI tools personalise suggestions based on data, they may still miss the nuances of individual preferences, injuries or unique circumstances. Users risk becoming overly reliant on AI, reducing their ability to self-regulate and make decisions independently. There is also potential for misinterpretation that arises from misreading data which, combined with inappropriate suggestions, could lead to ineffective or harmful practices,” adds Bathija. Vaishali Joshi, Jeff Bathija, Kajal Bhathena and Naazneen Ladak Nutritionist Kajal Bhathena believes that the growing reliance on AI tools is indicative of the desire for quick fixes, which is a counter-intuitive mindset to holistic wellness. “Our health consists of eight fundamental pillars — physical, emotional, mental, financially, social, spiritual, educational and environmental. These must be addressed at the same time, for human beings to function optimally. With AI, there is a risk of users becoming obsessed with one aspect at the cost of the others. While AI is useful to expand our overall spectrum of knowledge, it is important to mindfully use these tools and not neglect our own cognitive abilities. AI can offer some support with basic tasks such as meal planning, exercise routines or diagnosing symptoms; however, the efficacy of information provided depends on various other factors such as health history, current health status, family history and work-life balance, among others. This is where the advice of a health professional is irreplaceable,” she explains. “AI functions best when guided by professionals, emphasising individualised care and human connection. To guarantee safe, moral, and efficient use, AI tools must be continuously assessed and improved,” says Dr Ladak, while Bathija concludes that maintaining a balanced approach that combines AI tools with human expertise and self-awareness is the way forward.
31 December,2024 08:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulWith the year coming to a close and a general feeling of nostalgia permeating conversations, it seems only right to bid farewell with a feel-good concert. A qawwali and khayal concert organised by Kala Ghoda-based gallery ARTISANS’, will feature a musical performance by Hindustani classical and sufi singer Vivek Anand with Anutosh Degharia and Shrinivas Acharya on tabla and harmonium as part of the textile exhibition on Kashmiri and Persian weaves. Radhi Parekh, the founder of the gallery, tells us, “The concert is a part of our exhibition, Cocoon, which seeks to bring together a fine selection of pashmina shawls and antique Persian rugs by Kashmiri entrepreneur Akeel Hussain Mir and his wife, Charlotte Kaufman. Their collection features a variety of pashmina shawls and stoles in wool sourced from the highlands of Ladakh in an extremely light, hand spun weave. And since this particular material and weave has a long association with Kashmir and Central Asia, we wanted to do something that relates to the culture and spirit of that region as well.” (From left to right) Anutosh Degharia, Vivek Anand and Shrinivas Acharya The concert, titled Woven Prayers, will feature a medley of songs by Anand that will touch upon various forms of musical performances in South Asia. “I have planned quite a lot of songs for the session actually. Just like the materials on exhibition, my idea is also to sort of weave together various types of South Asian music including qawwali and khayal, that will not only talk about spiritual traditions but also humanistic ones,” he explains to us over a call. The concert will also pay homage to the spiritual culture of Kashmir. “The concert will typically start with a qawwali, called hamd, that invokes the divine, and then I will go on with to sing the na’at, which are songs in praise of Prophet Mohammed. It is said that the Hazratbal Shrine in Kashmir has a strand of hair from the Prophet’s beard, and I thought it would be a good way to respect Kashmiri culture with such songs. Then, there is obviously khayal, which are slow classical Hindustani music compositions,” Anand adds. One of the themes that he seeks to explore in his performance focuses on exploring water as a spiritual element. “I have been thinking about the metaphor of the journey across water bodies in many South Asian compositions. Songs like Ab mori naiyya and a lot of other tracks constantly refer to a spiritual journey which ends in complete surrender to the divine. And since Kashmir has so many rivers, the songs will be an offering to the people of the state as well. I will also be singing a Koli song, Mi dolkara to honour the fisherman community of Mumbai,” Anand reveals. A Persian qashkai runner The hour-long concert will explore the nuances of South-Asian music sans religion and borders to highlight the shared humanity across cultures. “In an increasingly polarised world, it is important to remember the humanity that we all share. With this concert, we are ending the year with a feeling of fellowship and starting the new one with hopes and prayers,” Parekh summarises. ON December 31; 11.30 am onwardsAT ARTISANS’, Forbes Street, Kala Ghoda, Fort.LOG ON TO @artisanscentre on Instagram ENTRY RSVP mandatory
30 December,2024 08:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaA colleague of John Lockwood Kipling, professor at Sir JJ School of Art, and father of Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling had famously described the little boy as a “menace” during his recollections of the little boy. Born on campus on this day in 1865, he spent a few years of his early childhood on the campus while his illustrious father carried on imparting lectures in art studies on campus. Kipling senior, along with colleagues like John Griffiths and Wilkins Terry, laid the foundation of art studies at the institution that came up outside of the boundaries of the erstwhile Fort, and was commissioned by philanthropist Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy. Contrary to popular mentions, Rudyard Kipling was not born in what is known as the Kipling Bungalow. According to Mustansir Dalvi, former professor of architecture at the hallowed institute, the site was still under construction when baby Rudyard was born. In this period, some lectures were held at Elphinstone College, while a few others were conducted in shamianas constructed on campus; tents were also put up as temporary staff quarters. In all probability, it’s in one of these tents that the Nobel Prize winner was possibly born. The next time you’re in the area, head to this heritage landmark. The structure with its massive tiled roof is a stunning example of vernacular architecture Kipling was baptized at the St Thomas Cathedral in Fort, and the same register is preserved in its archives. He went on to write several classics from the children’s story, The Jungle Book, to Kim and The Day’s Work. He was conferred the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907. Essential Reading List The Jungle BookKim The Second Jungle Book The Seven SeasCaptains Courageous The Day’s WorkJust So StoriesPuck of Pook’s Hill Actions and Reactions Debits and Credits
30 December,2024 08:50 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamRelive the Eras tour with a special Taylor Swift-themed party celebrating the pop star’s birthday and musical journey. The gig will also feature a merchandise kiosk featuring the pop superstar’s hits, as well as friendship bracelets for all the Swifties out there. On December 31; 4 pm onwards at House of Pandora, Swami Vivekanand Road, Khar West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 499 onwards Also Read: ‘I feel like I grew up with Taylor Swift in all these years’: Decoding Taylor Swift’s fandom in India
30 December,2024 08:45 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamNot all who wander are lost, but as you start walking the 4km-long branched out pathways inside the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo, that Venn diagram slowly transforms into a circle. And as it is with almost any problem you can think of today, the Zoo is saying “There’s an app for that!” The map interface of the app The new Mumbai Botanical Garden and Zoo app, built collaboratively by the BMC, NGOs NAGAR and Save Rani Baug Foundation, with support from the Pirojsha Godrej Foundation, has carefully mapped out the diverse trees and animal species at the 1861-established green getaway in the heart of the city. A Pride of Burma tree in bloom On a festive weekend, hordes of early birds have already gathered at the gates before us to catch the proverbial worm. Fortunately, the home screen of the app provides some respite. Unlike many new apps, the interface doesn’t feel cramped to navigate. Categorised into Trees, Animal Enclosures, Heritage Monuments and other amenities, we’re sure the large icons will help senior citizens and school-going enthusiasts navigate the app with ease. While the Trees section allows you to pick your favourite tree on the map and make a beeline for it, we opt for a more beginner-friendly option — Quick Tree Tours — three trails charted on the map for our convenience. Our trail includes the white bottle brush tree, a towering tree native to Australia that features a soft water-retaining trunk. White bottle brush tree We learn through the app, and later from zoo biologist Dr Abhishek Satam who has joined us on our trail, that there are only three of these in the premises. Next on the trail is the amherstia nobilis, aka Pride of Burma, an exotic tropical flowering tree known for its striking red flowers. Lucky for us, the tree is in bloom this month. A sloth bear takes a nap While the illustrated map works just fine in open areas, connectivity issues arise in areas with thick green cover, giving us short breaks from the trail. Enough time for us to be distracted by the heritage monuments around us. Dr Abhishek Satam (left) explores the app with the writer Walking up to an imposing bronze statue placed at the centre of a roundabout nearby, we quickly navigate to the Heritage Monuments section of the app to learn the story behind it. We learn that the statue was built by English sculptor Herbert Hampton and that the roundabout was originally planned to host the famous Flora Fountain, before administerial changes brought it to its current location in Fort. The bandstand at the Zoo was erected in 1937 You can’t come to a zoo and not meet its resident animals and birds. We scour the map and reckon it might be a good time to meet the aquatic birds. The app guides us to the enclosure, step by step, with amenities such as toilets, cafes and free drinking water machines nearby marked clearly. Unlike us, the rosy pelicans, sarus cranes and waterfowls at the enclosure seem quite unimpressed by these technological wonders; they are enticed by another event unfolding nearby. Fresh fish is being laid out by the staff for a grand lunch; we leave the birds to it. The Greco-Roman bronze sculpture at the roundabout The last appointment on our checklist is with the sloth bear, who camps opposite the Bandstand structure in the central area of the Zoo. Sure enough, the app guides us to the enclosure, but the bear has… absconded? Dr Satam gives us a heads up, quite literally, when he points to a treetop where the sloth bear has already called it a day and is napping amongst the leaves. A stork at the aquatic birds enclosure inside the Zoo An electric fence around the enclosure ensures his slumber isn’t interrupted by the collective ‘aww’s and ‘wow’s of the young visitors passing by. We briefly consider swapping places with the bear, but standing at the middle of the 4km-long pathway now, we realise we have deadlines to keep, and miles to go before we sleep. Available: All app stores Need to know>> Take out at least two to three hours from your day’s schedule if you plan to explore everything the Zoo has to offer>> The Zoo is busiest between 12 pm to 3 pm, with the popular penguin enclosure reaching peak footfall at 2 pm>> If you can’t make it to the Zoo, you can still virtually explore the sections on the app. Don’t forget to check the Fun Facts section.>> Wear running or walking shoes to navigate the varying terrain at the Zoo, and carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated. >> The Zoo has recently introduced sturdy wheelchairs. Reach out to an attendant at the gate to know more.
30 December,2024 08:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleAmerican architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright had famously said, “We create our buildings and then they create us.” Thousands of miles away, in Govandi, a small group of people in the resettlement buildings of Natwar Parekh Compound are following this maxim where they’ve been able to reimagine spaces with art to improve community living and foster meaningful interactions in a tough neighbourhood. (From left to right) Tayyaba Darvesh, Parveen Shaikh and Sana Shaikh Community Design Agency (CDA), an architect and urban planners’ collective, recently opened two new community spaces, Humraahi and Awaz, in addition to the already existing Kitaab Mahal in the eastern suburb to create an ecosystem of creative spaces through architectural changes focused on arts and well-being of its residents. A view of the exteriors of the community library, Kitaab Mahal When we dropped by on a Saturday afternoon, we were greeted with warmth and excitement from the youth. Parveen Shaikh, the lead community organiser at CDA for Govandi, explains the journey, “I was born on a footpath in Sewri. It was a dream for me to have a house of my own, and an address proof to show the government. But soon, we realised that in all the excitement of this relocation, we lost a sense of community and livelihood. One day at an awards function, I came across people from the Community Design Agency and a plan to make the space more habitable for the community took shape,” the 46-year-old reveals. “The idea was to introduce artistic interventions that made people reclaim the compound as their own and retain the sense of social cohesion that was lost during the displacement,” adds Natasha Sharma, lead for arts and design programmes, CDA. Children play a sound bath during a healing session at Humraahi Tucked away in a corner of the compound is Kitaab Mahal, the area’s community library. Inaugurated in 2022, it is painted in bright colours where shelves are lined with children’s books and hand drawn paintings, the space originally cropped up as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Because of the restrictions during the pandemic, kids in the area found it extremely difficult to study or even access digital tools. This room served as a space where they could engage with reading and learning,” Sharma tells us. Natasha Sharma As children started frequenting Kitaab Mahal, new activities and interactions cropped up that demanded more space. “In October 2023, a murder occurred [in the compound] because of a minor scuffle between kids during a festival, and it got us thinking about the prevalent anger in the area that could possibly overpower their responses to situations. It became necessary to introduce interventions where people could access therapeutic tools and engage with models of well-being like expressive arts therapy, music therapy, or even dance movement therapy. That is how Humraahi emerged,” Sharma recalls. Designed to accommodate people’s needs and not the other way around, Humraahi represents the youth’s very own playground. “There are no rules. We organise weekly workshops; however, we use this as a space without any judgment where people can express themselves freely. They discuss their dreams and aspirations and this actually instils confidence to look beyond their daily challenges,” reasons Tayyaba Darvesh, the 23-year-old facilitator of Humraahi. Awaz, a room in another building, is a space led by the women of the area that focuses on promoting leisure and relaxation. “ The women here tend to their families and are burdened with responsibilities, 24/7. The lack of space in their homes gives them little privacy. This is why such spaces are important,” Sharma reveals. With plans to start six-month mentorship programmes for Humraahi based on storytelling and filmmaking with sessions on art therapy as well, the area is teeming with excitement. Children are having fun, while the women joke with abandon about their day. The infectious, positive energy is hard to miss. Shaikh’s words stay with us, “Healing is all about giving importance to yourself and engaging with your loved ones, otherwise you are lost.” LOG ON TO @govandiartsfestival on Instagram
28 December,2024 09:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaMumbaikars might be struggling to see past the next building in their path, courtesy the falling AQI (Air Quality Index) in the city, but a few optimistic stargazers are already preparing for the future. Traditionally, winters are the best season for astronomy owing to the long nights, and clear skies. To take advantage of the season, the Nehru Science Centre is planning a quick adventure outside the city, in Palghar, with their overnight stargazing session that opens in the first week of January. “We often hold stargazing sessions with schools at the centre. But there are limitations to how much of the sky we can observe in the city,” director Umesh Kumar Rustagi says. The bright lights, particulates in the air, and tall structures can affect the visibility of the telescopes, making it difficult to see stars farther out in the spatial field. Children observe through the telescope during a previous session; (right) a view of Jupiter and its moons This is one of the primary reasons for the decision to travel to the city outskirts for stargazing. “Many of the villages are frequented by stargazers, and have set locations where you can set up camp and observe the sky. There are fewer lights that cast any obstructions making it easier to view a larger space on the telescope,” he notes. Set in the village of Gholvad in Palghar, the programme is divided into three sessions. Sheetal Chopde, education assistant, explains, “We chose January because it aligns with the Quadrantid meteor showers that are visible in the night sky. These are chunks of particles from the Constellation Boötes that burn up as they enter our atmosphere.” The overnight programme will extend to three sessions on either side of the dinner. “We will observe Saturn, the moon in its crescent phase, and later Jupiter among other constellations,” Chopde shares. Umesh Kumar Rustagi Jupiter, in particular, is a key moment for enthusiasts to witness, says Rustagi. “While it is only visible as a bright star, in the darkness, you are able to see Jupiter along with four of its moons — in a straight line. There are other such interesting sights such as observing the phases of Mercury or Venus, much like the moon,” he adds. While a majority of the participants are often children, the programme is also open to adults. The director explains, “People have always been interested in astronomy. Often, they do not have access to it. Even in the past, astrology was a way of explaining this science, using myths.” To address this, the sessions will explain the myths around star clusters such as Orion, or as it is known in India, Mrignakshatra. “Many people are often surprised when we explain the science behind the mythological stories. It helps us understand how our ancestors perceived and passed down knowledge. These stories, in fact, were ways to identify the patterns of constellations,” he shares. With the schedule for the first month of the year set, the Centre is already looking at a busy programme in the future. “There are several meteor showers that occur throughout the year, giving us an opportunity. We will hope to do more of these programmes,” Rustagi concludes. ON January 4 and 5; 6.30 pm to 6.30 am AT Gholvad Village, Palghar. LOG ON TO nehrusciencecentre.gov.in ENTRY Rs 750 (per person); registration mandatory (limited seats) Catch these showers in 2025 Lyrids FROM April 15 to April 30 Perseids FROM July to August Orionids FROM October to November Leonids FROM November to December Geminids FROM December 1 to December 21
28 December,2024 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
