India Perspectives Nov. 2010

Vol 24 No.
4/2010 ISSN 0970 5074

VOL 24 NO. 4/2010
India
Perspectives
Sun setting over a cluster of Chattris
Editor
Navdeep Suri
Assistant Editor
Neelu Rohra
India Perspectives is published in Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, Bengali, English, French, German,
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This edition is published for the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi
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Designed and printed by Ajanta Offset & Packagings Ltd., Delhi.
Delhi Anokhi
Technological University Museum of hand printing
Rashmi Sablania 48 Pramod K.G 80
Editorial
World mathematicians
We are happy to bring our readers an issue that captures the at ground zero
vibrant colours of India in all their marvellous diversity. Snowclad Mohammed Shafeeq 54
mountains in Lahaul are juxtaposed against the idiosyncratic
palaces and havelis of Rajasthan. The resplendent costumes and Conserving history
make up of Indian classical dance forms lead to the mesmerizing
Shudip Talukdar 58
imagery of Sufi Kathak. An article on the Art Fest that accompanied
the Commonwealth Games, and another that looks at the growing
global footprint of India’s fashion industry add to the visual delights
offered by this magazine.
A driving holiday through
On the more serious side, we look at the return of India to the Lahaul
United Nations Security Council and at the potential that can be Aparna Srivastava Reddy 2
unlocked by the Pan African e-Network project by linking some Sufi Kathak:
of the finest Indian hospitals and educational institutions with Dance of the soul!
Treasure trail in Suparna Rajguru 86
their African counterparts. Our series on institutions of academic Shekhawati
excellence continues with a profile of Delhi Technological University Reem Khokhar 16
and we have a special feature on the importance of the Unique Art fest at the
Identity Card ‘Aadhaar’ in India’s quest for inclusive growth. We Commonwealth Games 2010
Back in the Shubhra Mazumdar 92
also look at the World Mathematics Conference coming to the United Nations Security Council Aadhaar
birthplace of the ‘zero’ and at the dedicated efforts in Lucknow to Anirudh Bhattacharyya 26 A platform for inclusive growth
preserve ancient manuscripts and artifacts. Governor BP Singh
Vishnu Makhijani 62
presents a remarkable perspective on India, followed by an article
Development partnerships:
that seamlessly takes the reader into the rich oral tradition of Connecting India and Africa Aharya
transmitting knowledge. Manish Chand 32 in classical dances
Transmitting knowledge and information is also a key area of focus Leela Venkataraman 66
for our Public Diplomacy division and we encourage our readers Our India
to follow us through our website at www.indiandiplomacy.in. The Balmiki Prasad Singh 36
website uses Google translator to make it accessible to readers in
different languages. We have, in fact, recently won a prestigious Transmitting knowledge
award for the most innovative use of social media in the Indian Sudha Gopalakrishnan 44
government. Those with a special interest in Indian foreign policy
can follow the ‘Indiandiplomacy’ tag on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
and Blogspot. Readers can access India Perspectives online through Fashion industry
our website and also through the Scribd and Issuu sites so that they goes from niche to global
can share its contents with their friends. Shilpa Raina 100
Best wishes for the forthcoming holiday season.
Cover: A captivating moment in Sufi Kathak –

Manjari Chaturvedi.
Navdeep Suri Photograph: Amit Mehra.
I
A driving holiday through n the upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh,
beyond Kiber (the highest motorable village)
Lahaul and the barren splendour of Spiti and its
majestic monasteries, lies the rugged and
Text & Photographs:
APARNA SRIVASTAVA REDDY pristine Lahaul valley, where the landscape
itself is celestial.
Lahaul Spiti glacier on way to Kunzum La
INDIA PERSPECTIVES VOL 24 NO. 4/2010 2 INDIA PERSPECTIVES VOL 24 NO. 4/2010 3
It’s a magical journey through two high Himalayan passes and the
verdant Lahaul valley. Starting from Kaza, the district town of Spiti and
the tourist town of Manali in Kullu valley, the journey comprises 185 km
of almost uninhabited yet mesmerising Himalayan terrain. But then, if
you are fond of driving, have your own wheels, two, four or even hired
ones, and love the mountains, then this high altitude terrain is a gift for
the senses and the spirit.
We reach Kaza, the district headquarters of Spiti, from New Delhi
after a gratifying four day journey. The mountains have already cast their
spell but the best is yet to come. Kunzum La (4590 m) to the east and
Rohtang (3978m) to the west, these passes control the access to Lahaul
valley and remain closed for around six months of the year in the winter
due to snow. We have one day to traverse through two high altitude
passes and the forbidding terrain of Lahaul valley. As while walking,
so while driving, the journey is best enjoyed at your own pace. Yet the
daunting 185 km ahead pushes us for an early start.
We leave behind the Ki Gompa, the jewel of the Spiti valley. Bathed in
the morning light, it looks majestic, almost as a preamble of what waits
to unfold.
Even as the first morning rays kiss the roads, tiny rivulets of the
morning melt make the drive treacherous as they fill little pools in the
potholes and make the almost frozen roads slippery. As we head for the
The first glimpse of snow on way to Kunzum La from Spiti (facing page) and
the mountain road tests your driving skills (below).
Kunzum La pass we leave behind the river Spiti that originates near morning. The glassful of coffee and aloo paranthas, hot, served in the
the pass. only shack by the roadside are immensely satisfying.
Crossing over the Spiti River, we begin the first leg of our day’s The village is small and we are in the middle of a small traffic jam at a
journey, the 76 km climb to Kunzum La, Tibetan for ‘Meeting Point rather imposing police check point. Some men lounge on a porch in the
of the Ibex, the mountain goat’ and the eastern entry point into the morning sun. The women are busy with household work. Hardly anyone
picturesque Lahaul valley. wears the customary Tibetan skirt and apron. The ubiquitous salwar
The magic begins even before you reach the mountain pass. Having kameez has made deep inroads. The town, perhaps an ancient crossroad
just left behind alpine meadows, flat green table lands and barren brown on the silk route, has cheap products of the modern plastic culture in
peaks, we take that treacherous turn on the road and chance on snow in shop fronts. Yet, the serenity of the mountains overshadows it all.
the crevices. The excitement for a person used to the plains and escaping We drive on. The serpentine, now climbing, now dipping road is flush
the 45oC dusty Delhi summer is tangible. with the morning melt and perilous. At this point we did not know that
A couple of hours go by driving through wide valleys dotted with we would soon be driving through gushing streams of glacial melt.
grazing yaks and small villages. Several villages have small boards Soon the landscape is turning more white than brown. We experience
mentioning the population of the village in simple hundreds and intermittent breathlessness. Is it the altitude or the breathtaking view?
sometimes with even less than a hundred. The average population density The white is pristine. Pure. All around us. The climb to Kunzum La is
of Lahaul and Spiti district is 2 persons per km. nearly 11 kms. A milestone shows up alongside a chorten (a monument
We touch Losar, a small township, the last in Spiti. It’s ten in the to a distinguished Buddhist, esp. a lama) of stones. ‘Kunzum La 2 km’!
Lahaul – a summer view
We slow down to absorb the
grandeur.
The sun is bright. The sky as
blue as can be, we touch Kunzum
La. They say the pass is best
crossed in the forenoon. We reach
there a little after noon. At this
Himalayan pass both ascent and
descent are fairly gentle and the
panoramic views from the crest
– phenomenal!
The crest of the pass is marked
by a mani wall, made of rounded
flat stones on which the Tibetan
Buddhist mantra ‘Om mani
padme hum’ is engraved. The wall
surrounds the shrine and is covered
in snow. The colourful Buddhist
flags at the shrine dedicated to
Geypan, the presiding deity, are
the only things that break the
white snowy expanse. According
to legend, cash offerings made by
true believers stick to the stone
image of the deity signifying the
acceptance of the offering.
It is considered auspicious to
circumambulate the shrine before
proceeding. We take a round of
the shrine and pause for a few
moments at this roof of the world.
The high altitude road makes
a slow descent towards Lahaul
valley. A subdivision of the trans-
Himalayan Lahaul-Spiti district,
the valley unfolds amid a row of
high mountains in resplendent
colours of purple and green. The
melting glaciers leaving a debris
of crushed rock with the white of
the glaciers playing with shiny
mountain slopes and turning the
river in the deep gorge emerald
green.
Ki Gompa – the jewel of Spiti
It’s a 60 km drive through Lahaul to the Rohtang pass. The name of escapements and the splendor of its snow covered peaks that form the
the valley, they say, derives from Tibetan ‘Loh Yul’ (southern country of theatre for the graceful dance of the Chandra.
Ladakh) or ‘Lhahi Yul’ (Country of the gods). Bound on the North-South The perennial snow peaks of the Great Himalayas, the highest of the
axis to Ladakh to the north and the Pir Panjal range to the South on the three Himalyan ranges cradle this mesmerizing valley formed by the
Indo-Tibet border, Lahaul is one subdivision of the trans Himalayan Chandra and Bhaga rivers.
Lahaul-Spiti district, the other being Spiti. The sheer scale of the nature’s artful landscape, bathed in and
The Chandra river flows from the west of the Kunzum La pass. A 6 km enhanced by the distilled light makes one realize how miniscule one is
trek from the roadhead connects you to Chandratal, the lake of the Moon, in the larger scheme. Its raw beauty, on the other hand, makes you feel a
the source of the Chandra River that cuts through the Lahaul valley. part of a grand, larger design.
Strange, exciting, primitive, the mountainscape of this valley on the Lahaul is marked by a central mass of uniformly high mountains
Indo-Tibetan border is unsurpassed in the rugged beauty of its rocky and massive glaciers that were in a fierce melt in the summer. We drive
The Gaddi’s (shepherds) with their herds of mountain sheep (below) and roof of the world (right)
through several of these glaciers where the Border Roads Organisations
maintains a constant vigil and carries out maintenance work.
Car tracks through the stony bed of the valley, through the shallows of
the rivers and through glaciers that are turning into ebullient mountain
streams and waterfalls, makes the journey exhilarating and tantalizing at
the same time.
The tracks in snow and through river beds, the only road, with sheep
herds as the only traffic. The Gaddi shepherds herding their herds of
mountain sheep and carrying their homes on their backs are masters of
survival in this harsh though magnificent terrain.
Batal, almost midway between Kunzum La and Rohtang, is the only
pit stop. Its pristine beauty is rather deceptive. Extreme chill winds
sweep this place, which is also the base point for short treks in the valley.
Batal offers inspiring views of a slender triangular peak to the south and
the Bara Shigri Glacier. Chhota Shigri Glacier and Gramphu are next as
one proceeds towards Rohtang La.
The road climbs up again gradually. Waterfalls dot the crevices in
the mountainous walls of the valley as we leave the Chandra below and
head for Gramphu where the road bifurcates for Ladakh via Keylong, the
Ever changing weather and towards Rohtang La (facing page) and

the Chandra River near Batal, in the middle of breathtaking Lahaul (below)
district headquarters of Lahaul and
towards Manali through Rohtang.
It’s the latter that we take.
Rohtang pass, though lower
than Kunzum La is more rugged
for its steep rise, hairpin bends
and bad weather. In Tibetan
Rohtang literally translates as
‘pile of corpses’. As we head
towards peaks piercing through the
cloudline, a thick fog envelops the
top of the pass. It allows us only
glimpses of the majesty of the Pir
Panjal mountains.
On the other side of Rohtang, a
51 km drive down the verdant hills
of Manali, with its pine forests and
numerous waterfalls, we head for
the humid, green and congested
town, our last stop on the way
home.
Yet the grandeur of Lahaul
sustains. Driving through the
mountainous ramparts with an
ebullient river by your side,
the isolated beauty and tranquil
silence of this valley, remains
an elemental experience. Being
face to face with all that is pure,
pristine, raw and rarefied as
reflected in those white mountains
I felt so one with myself.
◆
The author is a noted documentary film maker,
media consultant and journalist.
Facing page: The glorious Himalayas.

Left top to bottom: The shrine at the crest of
Kunzum La; leaving Kaza behind the mountain
road to Lahaul and Kinner Kailash mountains
on way to Spiti.
Treasure trail in
Shekhawati
Text: REEM KHOKHAR
Photographs: SIDDHARTH KHANDELWAL
R
olling sand dunes. Ornate
palaces shimmering in
the desert haze. Brightly
coloured turbans and lehnga cholis
(skirts and blouses). These iconic
images from India’s north-western
state of Rajasthan are well
recognized across the world. The
cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer
and Udaipur are regulars on the
tourist trail and the allure of these
cities will continue to fascinate
and draw visitors. However, just
north of Jaipur, is one of the
state’s relatively undiscovered
treasures – Shekhawati. The
small sleepy towns of this region
speak volumes about this area’s
rich and vibrant past. Like much
of Rajasthan, forts, temples and
chattris (a cluster of pavilions
built to commemorate a dead
hero) dot the landscape. However
the distinct treasures of this
region are those that flank the
winding town lanes – thousands of
frescoed havelis. Packed from top
to bottom in imagery – swirling
floral designs, royalty, gods and
goddesses, animals and more
– the effect is spectacular and
unexpected. Havelis are found all
over Rajasthan and several parts of
India, but these painted havelis are
characteristic of Shekhawati. The
region is known as the open air art
Front garden and entrance of Hotel Ramgarh.
gallery of Rajasthan and reputedly ruler. It derived its name from Shekhawati featured on the leaving behind their families. It Shekhawati – the Birla’s, Ruia’s and 1930. But simple construction
has the largest concentration of him as the “clan of Shekhawat” caravan routes to the western proved to be a wise financial move and Goenka’s to name a few, and didn’t suffice and painters were
frescoes in the world. or Shekhawati. Chiefly inhabited state of Gujarat and the Marwaris as they found great success, and also Lakshmi Mittal. After the commissioned to decorate the
To understand this region and by Rajputs, the proud warrior here prospered until the early their descendants continued to original migrants left, they began havelis, an ultimate symbol of the
this gorgeous decorative style, community, and the Marwaris, the 19th century. Trade centres were stay in the cities their ancestors to send some of their earnings families’ prosperity.
one needs to go back in time. merchant trading community, the shifting to the cities of Kolkata, immigrated to, maintaining to Shekhawati, which was used Most of these paintings
The fifteenth century saw Rao region was in the spotlight as a key Mumbai and Chennai and many their economic prosperity. to build havelis to demonstrate show popular historical and
Singh Shekhawat carving out this trading centre, teeming with the Marwaris from Shekhawati chose Many of India’s most influential their wealth and status. Most of mythological themes – scenes
distinct area as its first independent wealth of its Marwari inhabitants. to follow these opportunities, business families originate from these were built between 1830 from the Ramayan or the life
View of the Hotel Ramgarh Fresco from the central courtyard (left) and frescoed walls
of Lord Krishna. However, ceremonial costumes and arms
interspersed among these you will belonging to the Mandawa royal
find Lord Krishna in an aircraft, family. There are several havelis
or a steam engine running across here, but some highlights include
the entire wall, or images of the gold leaf painted room in the
the British in military attire and Jhunjunwala Haveli and the double
women dressed in gowns. These gated Murmuria Haveli with
hybrid themes came from both the pictures of a train at a crowded
painters, who adopted some of the crossing and one of Jawaharlal
European styles they saw, and also Nehru holding up the Indian flag.
the haveli owners, who wanted Fatehpur, around 20 kilometres
to demonstrate their awareness of away, has several gems of its
technology and foreign cultures. own, including the Geori Shankar
The area has several attractions. Haveli with its mirrored ceiling
Mandawa, is arguably the most and Haveli Nadine, which has
well known town here, with been converted into a museum by
several havelis converted into its French artist owner – Nadine
hotels. The fort rises impressively
Frescoed doorway of a haveli (left) and the
on the skyline, housing a mirror ceiling of Shani Temple at Ramgarh
collection of antiques, paintings, (below).
Visitors at the central dome of the

Poddar Chattri, Ramgarh – Shekhawati.
Le Prince. In the town of Dundlod bazaar is one of the best preserved but there are those who work
the impressive fort dates back to in Shekhawati and a stroll through to preserve it. Some of the old
around 1750 and is a veritable its tiny shops is enjoyable. Stores havelis and forts have been
treasure trove of portraits, period with colourful bangles; simmering restored and converted into
furniture and a library. Ramgarh hot woks of frying samosas (a heritage hotels or museums, their
reputedly has the largest number savoury pyramid shaped snack owners either locals or outsiders.
of frescoed havelis in the region stuffed with potatoes and peas) So you don’t just get to admire
and also the beautiful Ram Gopal and stacks of traditional sweets – the heritage externally, but can
Poddar Chattri. The murals, the rotund golden boondi laddoos actually stay in one of these
including those in the dome, are (a ball shaped popular sweet) are converted properties, savouring
fascinating – depicting scenes a must; and handmade wooden the romance and charm of a
from the Ramayana, the life of furniture and handicrafts are some bygone era. One such property is
Krishna and ragamala paintings of the town’s well known wares. the Ramgarh Fresco in Ramgarh,
(musical notes). Unlike the general Today much of this splendor restored after being uninhabited
modest cluster of umbrella domes, is neglected and peeling away,
these chattris actually resemble a
Outside wall of Hotel Ramgarh Fresco with a
small palace because of its ornate A typical Shekhawati fresco (left) and dusk in painted elephant (right) and a peacock perched
murals. Ramgarh’s colourful Shekhawati (below). atop the roof of Ramgarh Fresco (below).
for half a century. A steam engine the local cuisine and a rooftop (a mutton curry characteristic of
runs along the front wall of the dinner which allows you to enjoy the region) to gatte ki sabzi (gram
property, while an elephant crowns a traditional Rajasthani thali flour dumplings in a thick gravy),
the top of the entry stairs, its trunk (a collection of vegetables, lentils the cuisine is delectable and the
extending all the way down the and meat dishes served in small charming ambience only adds to
railing. While exploring the haveli bowls on individual platters) the flavor.
with its fourteen rooms located while admiring the town by night. From camel cart rides and
around the lower courtyard and the From the rich bodied laal maas horse safaris to walking trips and
upper storey balcony and terrace, jeep rides, the attractions can be
one can’t help but run one’s hands experienced in so many ways.
along the smooth walls, always With most of the towns within a
How to go: By road from Delhi –
cool to the touch – a coating of 300 kms (a 6-7 hour car/taxi ride). short ride of each other, it’s easy to
soluble lime and finely crushed sea By road from Jaipur: 180 kms explore a few of them together on
shells giving it a silky texture. (a 3 hour car/taxi ride). a single visit. Time flies fast when
Closest airport: Jaipur
No trip to Shekhawati would enjoying the timeless beauty of the
be complete without a taste of Places to visit: Ramgarh, Mandawa, treasure trove that is Shekhawati.
Fatehpur, Churu, Dundlod, ◆
Nawalgarh, Mahensar. The author is a travel writer.
Facing page: A suite at Hotel Ramgarh Fresco
(top); visitors enjoying an evening at the hotel What to buy: Handmade furniture
and the bopas or musicians performing in and local handicrafts.
Shekhawati (below).
Back in the
United Nations Security Council
ANIRUDH BHATTACHARYYA
“Our Organization, the United UN Charter. But obviously, it was

Nations, has no “ism” of its after India could craft its own
own; it embraces all “isms” foreign policy that the country
and ideologies; it embraces all was able to leave its imprint
civilisations of the West and of upon global diplomacy, certainly
the East; its principles cannot be encompassing the United Nations.
said to derive exclusively from Now, more than six decades
either or any of the contending later, India will enter a new phase
doctrines.” of influence within the halls and
If those words were delivered chambers of the United Nations.
from the rostrum of the United This October, India secured a
Nations General Assembly or plurality in the United Nations
UNGA in New York this year, or General Assembly and returned
even a decade later, they would to the United Nations Security
continue to resonate. In fact, they Council or UNSC as an elected
were spoken 63 years ago by non-permanent member from
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit who led the Asian region after a gap of
the Indian delegation for the first 19 years. It wasn’t just a matter
session of the United Nations of being elected to the elite
General Assembly after India decision-making body, but the
attained Independence. manner in which the election
Curiously enough, India’s was secured that underscored
association with the United India’s growing stature. Of the
Nations actually precedes August 191 member-nations present, a
15, 1947. The date of its accession phenomenal 187 voted for India,
to the United Nations was October a record in recent years. Another
30, 1945, as it was one of the country closely allied to India,
46 nations to originally sign the South Africa chalked up 182 votes.
But it also demonstrated a shift in
The United Nations building, New York (left) international dynamics. Germany
managed to squeak through with
one vote over the minimum
required, while Canada was forced
to withdraw in favour of Portugal,
with which India appeared to have
crafted a successful alliance.
More importantly, once India
takes its seat on the Council at
the beginning of 2011, it will
find itself in the company of
several nations with which it
forms formidable blocs. All
three members of IBSA, India,
Brazil and South Africa, will
figure on the UNSC. Similarly,
all four BRIC nations, Brazil,
Russia, India and China, will be
there simultaneously. And other
than Brazil, another G-4 partner,
Germany, has been elected.
But this success will breed greater
expectations. In an interview soon
after the vote, India’s Permanent
Representative to the UN Hardeep
Puri said, “Clearly this puts
some pressure on us. We have
to use our two-year tenure to get
a more enduring, longer term
permanent membership on the
Security Council.”
Indian diplomacy will also face
a new era. Being on the UNSC
means being on the clock 24x7
right as the New Year arrives.
Of course, India’s presence at the
UNSC is no unusual occurrence
in itself. After all, it has figured
there six times in the past. But
there’s a difference this time. India
has changed in recent years, it
has become a major player in the
global economy, bucking the trend
of flattened growth by recording
a nearly nine per cent growth that
UN Security Council
could well touch double digits in not only the first Asian, but also undergoes a major overhaul, a
five years, if official projections the first woman to preside over the process of restructuring the UN’s
hold. General Assembly. principal deliberative bodies will
With economic strength, it has That has been part of the continue almost simultaneously.
also managed to attain diplomatic pattern of India’s role in areas There are issues that need to be
maturity and has played a pertaining to the social sector. addressed that go to the heart of
significant role in global matters, It was logical for a country how the UN functions, including
like dealing with climate change. emerging from the shadows of representation within the UNSC to
It may be logical to presume colonialism, to support the process correctly reflect the realities of the
that India’s larger global footprint of decolonisation and to champion 21st century rather than those of a
will translate into a permanent the end of the Apartheid regime in Hardeep Puri, India’s Permanent Representative
world emerging from the trauma
seat in the UNSC, but given the South Africa. to the UN. of a mid-20th century World War.
tortuous process of negotiations While the more high-profile The same holds true for a General
towards creating a document for
meaningful long-term reform of
issues often dominate the
conversation when it comes to ❝ Assembly that enjoys equal status,
in real terms, to that of the Council
the Council, it may take months, if India’s contribution to the United Clearly this puts some rather than being a spectator
not years, before the direction of Nations, the less heralded, though pressure on us. We have to as critical decisions relating to
that change is outlined. important measures are often use our two-year tenure to international security are dictated
Rationally, India well fulfils the External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna addressing a Press Conference in New Delhi announcing ignored. For instance, India was get a more enduring, longer by a veto-wielding establishment.
prerequisites for assuming such a India’s election to the UN Security Council. involved in drafting the Universal As with Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit’s
position. They include a growing Declaration of Human Rights
term permanent membership speech in the waning years of
on the Security Council.
financial, military and regional
❝ model in peacekeeping, not only and has consistently called for the 1940s, the words expressed
❞
profile for potential permanent contributing a large number of universal and nondiscriminatory by India’s first Prime Minister
members. In addition, India has The UN Security Council troops but also addressing key nuclear disarmament. It has been
Hardeep Puri
Jawaharlal Nehru in 1948 before
continued to play a prominent role is at the centre of global issues such as the participation a proponent of the UN playing the General Assembly remain
in what can be considered one of of women or the contribution of a strong role in global economic just as pertinent to the future of
politics. It is the principal that have increasingly dominated
the UN’s most effective areas of tactical aviation units. We are governance and ensuring a just and the United Nations now, as they
operation, peacekeeping. organ of the United deeply thankful and look forward equitable international economic the world. Combating climate were then: “ The objectives are
Over the years, India has Nations entrusted with to our continued collaboration.” order. change has to be furthered even clear; our aim is clear; and yet,
contributed nearly 100,000 the maintenance of More than 120 Indian ‘blue Among those who have as the Intergovernmental Panel on in looking at that aim, we lose
peacekeepers for over 40 helmets’ have sacrificed their recognized the role played by India Climate Change undergoes reform. ourselves often, if I may venture
international peace and While terrorism remains a global
missions. More than 8,500 of lives for this larger cause, the in the social sector is the current to say so, in smaller matters and
them are currently deployed,
security. India’s traditional latest instance being that of three Secretary General of the United menace, it is yet to be adequately forget the main objective that we
often in hostile, challenging wisdom and desire to peacekeepers who were killed in Nations Ban Ki-moon, who, on his addressed at the United Nations, were looking at. Sometimes it
territory. Before traveling to contribute to international an ambush of a base in Kirumba, first visit to India in 2008 after he with the body struggling to even seems that the objective itself gets
India last year, Alain Le Roy, peace and amity will the troubled eastern region of assumed that office, said, “India define who a “terrorist” is. These a little clouded.”
are among the matters that will ◆
Under-Secretary General for the Democratic Republic of the is also an indispensable partner
Peacekeeping Operations,
result in our being the of the United Nations in our require attention during the second
The author is a New York-based writer and
Congo. television professional.
underscored the importance the voice of moderation and Interestingly, the first contingent efforts to achieve the Millennium decade of the new millennium.
UN attaches to India’s role in constructive engagement of female UN peacekeepers was Development Goals and promote And as at the Conference of
this sector: “UN peacekeeping in the decisions of the Indian; they were stationed in sustainable development. Many Parties in Copenhagen, India’s
could not have advanced as far Liberia recently. But that should developing countries look to you engagement in these pursuits will
Security Council.
as it has without India, who has not be surprising, since India for lessons and inspiration.” be crucial.
a long and outstanding tradition
of supporting peace operations. ❞ has often focused on the issue of
gender justice. In fact, in 1954,
The next few years will see
the UN system taxed. It has to
Even as the United Nations
Headquarters, situated along the
In many ways, India has been a S.M. Krishna Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit became deal with complex global issues East River in Midtown Manhattan,
information technology. Egyptian
Minister for Communication and
Information Technology Tarek
Mohamed Kamel rejoiced that
Alexandria University will be
the hub for e-learning for the
network in north Africa. The
Indian External Affairs Minister
Mr. S.M. Krishna made it a point
to thank Djibouti for its facilities
for Indian naval ships, who
regularly visit the strategically
placed port on the Horn of Africa.
The interaction brought alive
the multi-faceted India-Africa
partnership revolving around
India’s External Affairs Minister, S.M. Krishna at the inauguration of the trinity of trade, training and
the 2nd phase of the PAN-African e-Network technology.
A brainchild of India’s former
President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,
Development partnerships: the e-network connects India
and 53 African countries with a
Connecting India and Africa satellite and fibre optic network
and enables India to share its
cutting-edge expertise in education
MANISH CHAND
and health care. India has signed
agreements with 47 countries
T
hey were sitting thousands crackle what brings India and in Africa for the project and the
of kilometres across the Africa together in their quest infrastructure has already been
Indian Ocean, but the sense for mutual resurgence and completed in 34 of them. Funded
of camaraderie and kinship was empowerment. Krishna spoke by the Indian government through
more than evident. From talking to each of the African Ministers an initial grant of $125 million, it
about Ugandan students in India, separately, wishing them good is the biggest project of distance
to thanking African nations for health and promising to give education and tele-medicine ever
the hospitality extended to Indian more power to bilateral ties as he undertaken through a development
ships, India’s External Affairs launched the second phase of the partnership.
Minister S.M. Krishna sat in a Pan-African e-Network, India’s better healthcare and education launch. The enthusiasm was The project is being shepherded
studio in New Delhi surrounded by showpiece project that seeks to to the African people. The first reciprocal. and implemented by the state-run
officials and African diplomats as bridge the digital divide across phase of the project, covering Sitting in Gaborone, Botswana’s Telecommunications of India
he spoke to Ministers in 12 African 53 countries of the African Union 11 countries, was inaugurated Minister of Education and Limited (TCIL) and also includes
countries, from Egypt in the north through tele-medicine and tele- February 26, 2009. Skills Development Pelonomi setting up a “VVIP” network
to Botswana in the south, through education. “The Pan-African e-Network Venson-Moitoi said that her between offices of the heads
a video-conference. The second phase has brought project is one of the finest country was looking towards of state or government across
In those two hours on the 12 more African countries within examples of the growing more collaboration with India, Africa. Thirty VVIP nodes have
afternoon of August 16, one the compass of this ambitious partnership between India and describing it as a “centre of been set up in African countries
could feel in that long-distance project that promises to provide Africa,” Krishna said after the excellence”, especially in for video-conferencing among
Countries which joined Pan-African e-Network in Phase I (Feb 26, 2009):
Benin, Burkina Faso, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda,
Senegal and Seychelles.
Countries which joined Pan-African e-Network in Phase II (August 16, 2010):

Botswana, Burundi, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Libya, Malawi, Mozambique,
Somalia, Uganda and Zambia.
Participating Indian institutions in e-Network

Data Center TCIL (top) and a view of the Fortis Telemedicine center (above)
Universities/ Educational Institutes:
1. Amity University, Noida
2. Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani the heads of states. The project Strategies and Innovation, a think better than the Pan-African
3. Delhi University, New Delhi is also equipped to support tank that promotes strategies for e-Network Project, which is being
4. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi e-governance, e-commerce, innovation and renewal in Europe hailed aptly as “a shining symbol
5. University of Madras, Chennai infotainment, resource mapping and worldwide, at a meeting held of South-South Cooperation.”
and meteorological and other on May 25, in Paris. “Both India and Africa are
Super Speciality Hospitals services in the African countries. The project is being keenly blessed with young populations.
1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi The e-network is already observed by Africa watchers as an It is only by investing in the
2. Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kochi transforming lives of ordinary example of the kind of initiative creative energies of our youth that
3. Apollo Hospitals, Chennai Africans. More than 1,700 Africa needs to empower its the potential of this partnership
4. CARE Hospital The Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad African students have registered people and better its chances will be fulfilled,” Indian Prime
5. Dr. Balabhai Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai with Indian universities. Regular in a rapidly globalising world Minister Manmohan Singh said
6. Escorts Hearts Institute and Research Centre Limited, New Delhi tele-medical consultations have as opposed to investments. As presciently at the India-Africa
7. Fortis Hospital, Noida also started between the African the project moves to its final Forum summit in New Delhi in
8. HealthCare Global, Bangalore doctors and the Indian specialists. phase, it will be a win-win April 2008. As the two sides brace
9. Mool Chand Khairati Ram Hospital, New Delhi Nearly 700 CME lectures have for Africa in more ways than for the second summit next year,
been delivered by doctors from top one. It will contribute towards they need to think of more of such
10. Narayana Hrudayalaya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore
Indian super specialty hospitals. Africa achieving its Millennium transformational projects that will
11. Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Science(Lucknow), Lucknow
Buoyed by the enthusiastic African Development Goals (MDGs) make the 21st century, the century
12. Sri. Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, Chennai
response, India has even offered targets in education and the health of Asia and Africa sooner rather
training at the regional level by sector and enrich the lives of its than later.
Leading Regional Institutions from Africa ◆
conducting workshops in the predominantly young population. The author is Editor, Indian Horizons,
Universities/Educational Institutes tele-medicine and tele-education Blending technology with published by the Indian Council for Cultural
1. Central Region: Yaounde University, Yaounde, Cameroon modules for optimizing benefits of social transformation, the project Relations, New Delhi.
2. Eastern Region: Makerere University of Uganda, Uganda the project. shows the creative possibilities
3. Western Region: Kwame and Nkurumah University of Science & Technology of Ghana, Ghana In a growing recognition of of using ICT to catalyze lasting
Super Speciality Hospitals India’s development-centric socio-economic changes. In an
1. Central Region: Brazzaville Super Specialty Hospital, Republic of Congo diplomacy in Africa, the project interview, Ghana’s then President
2. Eastern Region: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, Port Louis, Mauritius won the prestigious Hermes John Kufuor predicted a marriage
3. Western Region: University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria Prize for innovation in the field of India’s expertise and Africa’s
of sustainable development. resources to fructify the full
The prize was announced by the potential of the African continent.
European Institute of Creative No project epitomises this synergy
Our India and dialects. Jawaharlal Nehru
once said, “India is a cultural
unity amongst diversity a bundle of
contradictions held together by a
The Indus Valley civilization
provides the beginnings of the
Indian historical experience.
The archaeological excavations
BALMIKI PRASAD SINGH strong but invisible thread”. at various sites connected
In fact, for the past five with that civilization, such as
H
ow should one try to merely a political failure. It was thousand years or so, Indians have a Mohenjodaro, Harappa and
understand one’s own also our civilizational failure. developed common traits, thoughts Dholavira, have amply proved that
country? The country Side by side, there was also a and feelings. These have given there existed a well-developed
grows on you and you grow in literary movement in the country successive generations of Indians a city life, irrigation system, and
the country. Understanding one’s to which Rabindranath Tagore in mindset, a value system, and a way agricultural operations in India
own country becomes more the north and Subramaniya Bharati of life, which has been retained during this period.
difficult if you are an Indian. in the south provided leadership with remarkable continuity. Much later, during the
India a civilization of antiquity, of with imagination and fervor. The vedic period divine narratives
great achievements and numerous new and rapidly growing corpus Mahatma Gandhi (right) and Quit India
were pieced together out of
short-comings fills one’s mind of books and monographs also Movement, 1942 mass participation (below). subconscious allegory, poetic
and often causes bewilderment. revealed to its readers India in
And yet, one has to undertake this terms of its spirit, its philosophy,
journey, howsoever, formidable its arts, its poetry, its music and its
the task may be. myriad ways of life.
Those of us who were born in All these brought a new
the first half of the 20th century perspective in an Indian’s
saw the struggle for freedom under understanding of his surroundings,
the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi of emerging challenges and, of
which reached its zenith in the course, of his country. An age
Quit India Movement (1942-44). was ending and the ‘soul’ of India
Mahatma Gandhi mobilized the ‘long suppressed’ was finding
people of India for a non-violent ‘utterances’. India could be
struggle against foreign rule and its understood in many ways.
scale and depth was unprecedented
in history. The freedom movement What is India?
had the distinction of bringing for Viewed in terms of geography, the
the first time millions of women Indian sub-continent “is a world of
into the political realm of civil its own, extensive yet enclosed by
disobedience and Satyagraha marked geographical boundaries”.
campaigns. A recent survey has indicated
On 15th August, 1947 India that 4,653 communities live
attained freedom but it was an in India (that include all major
India divided into India and religions of the world in a
Pakistan. It was accompanied by predominantly Hindu society with
unprecedented violence. Many a sizeable Muslim population),
then felt that the partition was professing different faiths,
temporary while others feared that practicing diverse forms of
this will impede India from getting worship, entertaining different
her due position in the country of notions about the migration of the
nations. Partition of India was not soul, speaking several languages
“Spirituality is indeed the
master-key of the Indian mind;
the sense of the indefinite is
native to it. India saw from the
beginning, and, even in her ages of
reason and her age of increasing
ignorance, she never lost hold
of the insight, that life cannot
be rightly seen in the sole light,
cannot be perfectly lived in the
sole power of its externalities.
She was alive to the greatness
of material laws and forces; she
had a keen eye for the importance
of the physical sciences; she
knew how to organize the arts of
ordinary life. But she saw that the Sri Aurobindo Subramaniya Bharati
physical does not get its full sense

until it stands in right relation to that should give us pride in our Buddhism. These enabled people
Rabindranath Tagore
the supra-physical.” heritage. to see things in a new light. Both
It is thus not surprising that Mahavira and Buddha strove to
symbolism, personification of influenced their script, grammar during the period of recorded The Story of Civilisation build an inclusive social order.
nature, or worship of spirits. But in and literature. global history of the past 2500 In its 5000 years long history, I have found in the encounter
all these, the human mind played A remarkable feat of the years India was a major power for the Indian civilization has between the Vedic philosophy and
as important a role. conservation of memory, the 1400 years. undergone both external and multi- the Buddhist precepts a highly
The Vedas are the world’s Hindus, through the tradition of Our ancestors developed dimensional internal upheavals. interesting dialogue and one of
oldest literature. It is called shruti shruti and smriti have passed rational traditions in this country. In this epic story, five encounters great value in understanding the
(hearing) which is eternal, self- on the Vedas, the Ramayana, The Indian genius initiated some (among millions) have been Indian mind. The Buddhist world-
evident and divinely revealed. The the Mahabharata, the Bhagvad of the earliest steps in algebra, particularly significant. view generated introspection
sages had seen and perceived the Gita and other sacred texts to geometry and astronomy. The The Vedic period (1500 among the Hindu elite. The
Vedic mantras while in a stage of the present day. This remarkable decimal system emerged here. BC and before) witnessed the greatest loss in my view, on
meditation and contemplation. The aspect of historical consciousness It was in India where early intermingling of the Aryans account of the ‘banishment’ of
entire Vedic literature is shruti. On of Indians was highlighted by philosophy – secular as well as with autochthons which made a Buddhism from India was the
the other hand, we have several Rabindranath Tagore in his paper, religious – achieved exceptional decisive influence not only on method of rationality and scientific
human creations in literature ‘A vision of Indian History’, where sophistication. People invented religion and spirituality but also on enquiry that Buddhism had
which are known as smriti he writes: games like chess, pioneered sex patterns of agriculture, industry, encouraged.
(recollection). The Ramayana, I love India, not because I education, and began the first trade and overall productivity. The Brahmanical order
the Mahabharata including the cultivate the idolatry of geography, systematic study of political There were also notable excluded women and the working
Bhagvad Gita, the Upanishad and not because I have had the chance economy. The Ramayana, the advances in music and medicine, class (of farmers, artisans and
Dharmashastra represent the finest to be born on her soil, but because Mahabharata, the Upanishads and mathematics and astronomy. dalits), from reading and writing.
examples of the smriti tradition. she has saved through tumultuous the Bhagvad Gita, the finest works The second most significant It reasserted its position in the
Sanskrit, Pali and Prakrit, have ages the living words that have of art and sculpture of Ajanta encounter was through the name of religion and tradition and
greatly contributed to the growth issued from the illuminated and Ellora and various Buddhist discourses of Lord Mahavira pursued its dogmatic polices with
of modern Indian languages like consciousness of her great sons. shrines, the best universities of the (599-521 BC), the founder renewed vigour in the absence
Hindi, Marathi, Bengali and Where lies the genius of India? world of their times at Nalanda of Jainism, and Lord Buddha of the Buddhist challenge. The
Assamese, and have enormously As Sri Aurobindo rightly observes: and Vikramshila are achievements (566-486 BC), the founder of decline of such a society was
inevitable and the Indian society securing independence. By Renewal of India century in India had the avowed
gradually slid into backwardness creating a favorable environment India has been living through objective of bringing peace to
while maintaining a few pockets after 1947, the framers of the pluralistic challenge longer than conflicting encounters among
of prosperity and some persons of Indian Constitution rising above several other nations. In terms Hinduism and Islam. In the last
exceptional intellectual talent. considerations of religion, of faith, well before the advent century, when the Tibetans felt a
The period of decline that began ethnicity, caste and gender gave of Christianity and Islam in the threat to their religion and culture,
in the economy and polity after the people of India the right to West and other parts of the world, they chose India as a refuge and
the eighth century AD created adult franchise. India was a significant playfield of a large number of them still live
space that was filled by Muslim Since the end of the last century, civilizational encounters between here.
invasions and eventual Muslim another fifth great civilisational Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Multi-culturalism is a basic
rule in India. Thus commenced the encounter encompassing Both Judaism and Christianity feature of India’s civilisational
third encounter-that between Islam all aspects of our living is came to India in the first century experience. In its practice in India,
and Hindu belief systems. taking place. This is popularly itself. Islam too commenced its The monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara
it is not atheistic in character
Islam in a predominantly Hindu known as the information and entry through the coastal towns or Bahubali at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, but a combination of religions.
of the Indian peninsula from is one of the important Jain pilgrim centers.
society became the religion of the communications revolution and Secularism and multi-culturalism
ruling elite for nearly 600 years. has resulted in rapid integration the eighth century onwards. are not in conflict. It is this
It brought to its believers a single of markets as well as trade, in the In the ninth century, when the to the north-west coast of India. openness of the India experience
God, a rigid code of worship sharing of cultural values as well Zoroastrians of Persia felt that Their descendants still live there that provides the base for the
and a way of living. Unlike as products, and in disseminating their religion was in danger from and are known as Parsis. The making of a public policy of
Buddha, Muhammad could not Lord Buddha (566-486 BC) information as well as in imparting the invading Muslims, they moved birth of Sikhism in the fifteenth harmony.
be accommodated in the Hindu training.
pantheon. Today, a new kind of knowledge Ajmer Sharif Dargah is the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti
There were, however, significant civilisational encounter began with is being produced and circulated,
attempts to find a modus vivendi the entry of the Europeans in India based on India’s own traditional
between Islam and Hinduism. It and the establishment of the East knowledge as well as scientific
meant that India had to devise India Company by the British. achievements of the world. In
ways and means by which Hindus With the spread of the English understanding this phenomenon
and Muslims could live together language and the concept of one ought to be also aware of
in a society based on different democracy and rule of law began the circumstances governing the
spiritual and social conceptions. In the fourth civilizational encounter kind of knowledge that the new
fact, Islam gradually lost its Arabia and that led to introspection in the generation of Indians is producing
and Persian identity and absorbed India society. The religious and and circulating. Young Indians
many Hindu folk traditions. social reforms of Hinduism in the are trying to reach across cultural
The creative genius of the nineteenth century were attempts divides and understand languages,
India people- both Hindus and to assimilate these new influences. scientific methodologies, histories
Muslims-found unique expression The first sign of this political and faiths other than their own.
in Sufism and Bhakti literature, in awakening was the inauguration The number of renaissance
music and painting, in the birth of of the Indian National Congress men and women in the country is
the Urdu language and enrichment in 1885 and this gradually led to on the rise. They have courage,
of the other Indian languages, and a new conception of nationhood intellect and the ability to compete
in architecture. This is popularly and struggle for independence. in the world and a significant
referred to as Ganga-Jamuni Mahatma Gandhi brought the number of these people have a
etiquette or tahjeeb. common people including women strong desire to connect with the
Christianity came to India in the freedom movement and rest of their community and make
well before it went to several through a massive non-violent a contribution towards building a
European countries. However, the movement, he succeeded in strong and just India.
In our long and uninterrupted policies and programmers based complexities of natural objects after election common people are in the literatures and arts, science At times, India’s history, its
civilisational history one thing on these new ideas. And we need and their inter-relationships and asserting their voice, changing and technology, and give primacy achievements and failings make
strikes us constantly that the boldness and a sense of purpose for harmonious living in society their representatives in a manner to democratic institutions and to an me happy; at others I feel angry.
common people of India have to implement those policies and among people of multifarious that has ensured change in approach of an inclusive and just But I always feel proud, not in a
always provided strength to the programs. Dialogue – an essential beliefs and practices. government in the states and social order, its age-old cultural narrow nationalistic sense, which
values of pluralism and tolerance. prerequisite of democracy – would The Bahudha approach not only also at the Centre. Democracy strength would continue to be in itself is significant, but in the
We are living in a period ensure that. underlines equal respect for all has really moved beyond renewed. wider sense of values that India
of great turbulence in India. There can be no one way – points of view but it also calls for – periodic elections toward ‘good’ I do also believe that like provides to her children: a simple
Terrorism, Naxalism and religion, caste, culture, or and that is significant – inculcation governance. Good governance individuals, countries too have living, family ties, tolerance for the
insurgencies, sectarian violence linguistic of being an Indian. of a habit in which one person does not occur by chance. It their destinies. India’s emergence point of view of others, a spiritual
and narrowness, the politicization Pluralism is the founding principle thinks that the other person’s point must be demanded by citizens as a significant global power is full quest and a respect for ecology.
◆
of ethnic, caste and religious for building a pan-Indian identity of view may perhaps be right also and nourished explicitly and of promise. Tomorrow’s India will The author, currently Governor of Sikkim is
ties, and lack of opportunities and need not be in conflict with underlines the same approach. consciously by the nation-state. be a country free of the scourges a distinguished scholar, thinker and public
servant. His latest book is Bahudha and the
are causing enormous distress in other identities. To accord respect Understanding the point of view of As long as Indian society and of poverty and illiteracy. Post-9/11 World (OUP: 2010).
our society. Some people even to the identity of others is a part of those with whom one profoundly polity encourage creative minds I am still learning about India.
think that the democratic system our constitutional obligation. disagrees is the first step toward
is noisy, messy and dilatory in learning to create a society which
handling these challenges. It India of the Future manages such disagreement.
is our faith that in the long run I have been a keen student of In the first decade of the twenty-
democracy alone through people’s India’s history. I have found first century, I wonder as to what
unity and determination shall inadequacies in the traditional kind of India my grand-children
prevail over terrorist forces. approach of ruler-centric narrative and generations to come thereafter
In recent years, India’s of events in understanding my will have. The emergence of India
achievements in the economic country. I have thus tried to hear as a global player in economic
domain is quite impressive. The the voices of saints and mystics, and political terms in coming
Indian middle class has a size of poets and sculptors, scientists years is visible and along with
300 million people. India’s new and engineers, farmers and that a greater awareness of India’s
economic policy has unleashed artisans. I have learnt more from cultural heritage.
creative energy of the business the common people living in our A significant feature of India’s
class; there is a new emphasis villages than others. I have also cultural attitude is that while
on efficiency, productivity found that folklore and folk tales absorbing the teachings of its
and competition. The right to are as important in understanding ancestors it has also aligned itself
information (Right to Information our nation as scientific inventions, with the global trends. India has
Act, 2005) has emerged as an economic processes and political all the ingredients of becoming a
effective instrument in the hands events. powerful nation-state: economic,
of the common people to check I imagine this approach of military and cultural strength as
corruption, fight injustice and “one truth many expressions”. well as a large body of young
make governance transparent.
We have to create and sustain an
This was best expressed in the
Rig Veda: “Ekam Sad Vipra
people. What is needed is that all
of us should try hard and move ❛❛
environment that will enable and Bahudha Vadanti”; (The truth is forward through our democratic I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible.
encourage competition, efficiency one the sages describe it variously) processes. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.
and inclusiveness. Towards this,
we need fresh ideas and new
was formulated by our rishis
both in order to understand the
Democracy is at the heart of
governance in India. Election ❜❜
Mahatma Gandhi
When we examine some significant ways in which India preserved
and transmitted its knowledge, we see that India’s oral tradition has
followed both fixed and floating patterns of transmission, in codified
and un-codified forms. While the knowledge contained in the Vedas and
its ancillary branches came to be transmitted through an established,
meticulous code of memorization, a parallel dimension of non-structured,
free transmission also existed side by side. Often these two traditions are
seen to interact, respond and support each other, because they emerge
from the large stock of the shared wealth of a collective imagination.
While the codified system of handing down Vedic corpus became
dependent on an organized system of learning through the guru-shishya
parampara, the narrative-performative tradition of recitation carried on
the dissemination of much of our indigenous knowledge. Much of India’s
myths and epics such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, tales and
fables such as Kathasaritsagara and Jataka stories, ballads, legends,
songs, and a multitude of knowledge and skill in every field were carried
on through a largely flexible mode of communication, which extends the
Vedic system of learning through guru-shisya tradition in progress (above and facing page) narrative through interpolations, conscious extensions and embedding
sub-narratives. Even if there was an early written tradition, it was
believed that “pustakeshu cha yaa vidya/parahastagatam dhanam/samaye
Transmitting knowledge: tu paripraapte/na saa vidyaa na taddhanam” (the knowledge from books
Oral memory, practice

and methods of communication
Text & Photographs: SUDHA GOPALAKRISHNAN
I
n India, oral transmission of knowledge still continues to be the most
important method by which we communicate messages, educate our
children on early lessons, learn our scriptures and texts, transmit our
stories and nurture knowledge about life and art. All cultures have found
ingenious ways to pass on their knowledge systems, through developing
formal and informal ways of communication and preservation. Most
pre-written cultures had developed systems of transmission of their
knowledge such as Homer’s poetry, or the Christian gospel spreading
by word of mouth through the apostles of Christ down to the early
Christian era. The oral tradition of West Africa was to propagate their
stories, and epics by establishing a class of people who took on the
task of memorizing and handing down that knowledge to succeeding
generations. The markers of this memory consisted of symbols, codes
and images that represented different facets of knowledge. Many
societies across the world developed elaborate mnemonic devices and
formal rituals which became part of remembering and recollecting
knowledge in domains such as tales, parables, proverbs, songs and
legends, skills pertaining to arts, healing and medicine.
and money gone to another person frame in which multiple stories is generally based on the text of the Vedas splitting them word- caught the attention of the world
are not useful, because they cannot were embedded. Tulsidas’s Ramacharitmanas. by-word, combining with hand as a model worth emulation?
come to one’s aid when needed”). A powerful instance of narration In the celebrated Ramlila of postures (mudra-s) to signify The differential abilities of oral
The mode of oral narration of of the oral tradition of story-telling Ramnagar, the whole village is appropriate sound patterns, slowly memory and writing are spelt out
stories goes back a long way in is Prabandha Koothu from transformed into a performance graduating to the next level called in the words of I-tsing, “Firstly,
India. We find that many later Kerala, which is dovetailed into arena and becomes the venue krama where the first word of the by repeatedly committing to
texts, which later came to be fixed Kutiyattam, the Sanskrit theatre. where the divine lila is played out mantra is added to the second, memory, the intellect is developed;
through the written form, existed The comic character Vidushaka, year after year during the festive the second to the third and so on, secondly, the alphabet fixes
as floating stories and versions the protagonist verbally elaborates season of Dussera. There are also until the whole verse is completed. one’s ideas. By this way, after a
in specific local milieus. These different episodes and stories several other versions of Ramlila This method enabled the student practice often days or a month,
stories have considerable freedom from the epics in Malayalam, from Chitrakoot, Agra and Delhi, to know the individual words, and a student feels his thoughts rise
of interpretation depending on the a language that was accessible which have carved their own niche also combine words in recitation like a fountain, and can commit
skill and creative imagination of to all levels of people. While in narrating the Rama story, as and the changes that occur in to memory whatever he has once
the narrator, and are open-ended narrating the story, the actor well as hundreds of neighborhood the sound that occur in the word heard. This is far from being a
and collaborative, rather than fixed spins new stories and anecdotes Ramlilas that happen in villages as a result of the combination. myth, for I myself have met such
and inflexible. Even when the into the main plot, with copious across north India. The fact that While pada and krama are in men.”
basic story remains the same, the references to contemporary there is a Ramlila ground in almost the natural order of recitation, For the preservation and
interpretation changes according situations, and the actor directs every village, town and city in there are also indirect methods transmission of oral systems
to who says it, where it is said and his attention through ridicule to India testifies to the popularity of called vikrti which follow eight As the comic character Vidushaka, the of transmission, audio/video
protagonist verbally elaborates different
how it is said. the members of the audience also. the performance of Ramlila in the increasingly complex patterns of episodes and stories from the epics in techniques of documentation
In India, there were professional Couched in the guise of relating country. memorization such as jata, mala, Malayalam are useful. However, to prevent
storytellers attached to the temples to the texts, the actor through In contrast, the preservation of sikha, rekha, dhvaja, danda, ratha this multi-faceted knowledge
who narrated stories from the the medium of humour makes large portions of the Vedic corpus and ghana. This elaborate system applications in rituals, rites, and from being erased from
Ramayana and the Mahabharata. references to topical incidents, went on for centuries through a was developed with the purpose sacrifices. memory, we must revitalize the
A class of itinerant story-tellers and the immediacy of the situation complex, highly codified method of preserving the purity of sound, Accounts from early times system from within. One way
told and retold the epics, puranas becomes highly entertaining to the of transmission. Elaborate, highly word, pronunciation, intonation, including visiting travellers in is to bring diverse aspects of
legends not merely in the temples audience. The introduction of the sophisticated and foolproof pitch and sound combinations ancient India like I-Tsing have our indigenous knowledge to
but in public spaces across the ‘Prabandhas’ written by eminent mnemonic methods were used of the verses of the Veda and to given evidence to this system of “mainstream” academics, which
country. Different texts and poets like Melpattur Narayana to instruct and memorize these facilitate the absorption of massive oral memorization of texts. In the since the colonial times has been
traditions emerged with local Bhattathiri also enlarged his compositions, which eliminated amounts of data as oral memory. late nineteenth century George marginalized as mere relics of
variations and stories and sub- repertoire. However, irrespective or decreased the danger of losing For preserving the chanting Buhler observed that a good Vedic the past. Linking indigenous
stories began to be integrated of the nucleus of the text, the oral words, syllables or accent. tradition in its utmost purity, texts oral practitioner of oral recitation knowledge effectively with
into the main plot. With the content becomes the real text in The extraordinary effort of called shiksha and pratishakhya knew massive amounts of textual education is the key to revitalize
interpretative skills of the story- Prabandha Koothu. memorization emphasized correct explain the science teaching material as memory and recall. this knowledge.
◆
tellers, even complex ideas in the Performative elements such pronunciation (akshara suddhi), the method of pronunciation of One of the most important The author has served as Director, National
Ramayana and the Mahabharata as singing and dancing are also correct duration of utterance vowels, alphabets. The siksha critiques of the rote learning Manuscripts Mission, Delhi.
became accessible to a wider popular devices to reach out to (matra suddhi), and correct texts explicate the correct system in today’s educational
audience. Apart from embellishing audiences. Folk and regional intonation of accents (svara pronunciation of vowels (sound), theory is that it does not lead to
the same story through sub- performances like Ramlila, suddhi). This oral tradition was while the pratishakhya texts focus the understanding of a subject or
narratives, another device of story Pandvani and a host of other kept incredibly fail-safe because on uniformity in utterance. The the acquisition of knowledge, but
telling that became popular in performances across India also it needed the intact safeguarding well-devised system of teaching- only to memorization, which is a
India was the stringing of several popularized these stories and of a vast magnitude of verses. learning Vedic transmission also mechanical process of repetition
stories into the same narrative excited the imagination of the There were different recitational had a functional (prayoga) aspect, and retention rather than analysis.
structure; tales and fables such as people. Ramlila, the story of the devices that helped to remember which refers to its use in ritual. What then are the merits of this
Kathasaritsagara, Panchatantra divine play of Rama, has diverse these texts. The basic step was Vedic priests recited passages system practiced in India since
and Brhadkatha provided a single representations across India and padapatha, direct recitation of from the text which had diverse time immemorial, that has now
Computer Center and Science Block Library Building
initiative of the Delhi Government right from the undergraduate level. DTU in collaboration with the
to make Delhi the knowledge The thrust areas of research at government-owned telephony
Delhi Technological University capital of India.”
DTU has also now established
DTU are biofuel and clean energy
technologies, future automobile
provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam
Limited (BSNL), electricity
the Delhi School of Management solutions, nano-scale devices distributor North Delhi Power
RASHMI SABLANIA to offer MBA programmes in and photonics, new and smart Limited (NDPL) and the
technology-related areas. materials, conducting polymers, Ministry of Communications and
Today, DTU offers academic broadband on power lines, info- Information Technology.
I
t is the Indian capital’s newest CEO of Orange Telecom, to name programmes in conventional security and network management BPL is a technology that allows
technological university but has just a few. as well as emerging areas of and socially relevant technologies. the use of existing power lines/
a history stretching back almost DTU has its genesis in the Delhi engineering and technology “We at DTU are firmly cables as a transmission medium
70 years and is already making Polytechnic that was established right from the undergraduate committed to empowering not only for energy but also for
waves globally. From developing in 1941 and was later rechristened to doctoral levels. On the one young engineers with the wings telecommunication signals. Using
a next generation unmanned aerial as Delhi College of Engineering hand it offers courses in popular of knowledge and power of this technology, virtually any
vehicle (UAV) to a broadband (DCE). Over the next 69 years, disciplines like electronics and innovation,” says Vice Chancellor information suited to be digitised
network over power lines, the the institution has made a distinct communication engineering, Sharma. can be sent over the power line,
Delhi Technological University contribution to the growth of mechanical engineering, computer DTU has a strong bio-diesel be it data, voice, video, images, or
(DTU) has given a new meaning highly qualified and skilled science engineering and electrical research group which has carried control signals.
to the concept of innovation. manpower through its highly engineering, and keeping in mind out commendable research and With this kind of technology,
It’s an institution that in rated degree and post-graduate the future requirements, it has development work in the area of the Internet can be provided to any
its previous avatar of Delhi programmes. also introduced courses such as bio-diesel reactor design, offered place where electricity is available
College of Engineering (DCE) According to Professor in nano science and technology, consultancy to the World Bank through a mere electric socket
has produced the likes of Vinod P.B. Sharma, the DTU’s founder engineering physics, microwave and has taken major development in a room that can be used as a
Dham, the father of the Pentium Vice Chancellor, “DCE as a and optical communication, digital work for neat bio-diesel generator communications port, with no new
chip who developed the Intel technological university will design and signal processing and development with YANMAR Co. cabling needed for such a task.
Pentium Chip as well as the AMD be a significant milestone to bio-informatics. Ltd.of Japan. The group has also Then, the Centre of Relevance
chip; Raj Soin, the Chairman create an academic and research One of the factors distinguishing developed algae bio-diesel reactor and Excellence in Optical Fiber
of Soin International in the US; environment to foster scientific DTU from other technological and promoted energy farming. and Optical Communications
Pramod Haque, considered as one and engineering excellence institutions is that it has always Another interesting project has emerged as a major hub for
of the world’s greatest venture together. The upgradation of DCE encouraged a spirit of innovation on broadband over power lines synergy between science and
capitalists; and Sanjeev Ahuja, the into a University is seen as a major and research among its students (BPL) has been taken up by engineering and for promotion of
international collaborations for South Africa, Australia and during the last five years. The a DCE student team has received
R&D in the area of photonic crystal Singapore. DCE robotic submarine has the Most Innovative Design
devices with the University of The DCE hybrid car designed received the Most Improved Award-2006 in an international
Glasgow and Hokkaido University. and developed by the student Design Award-2008 at San Diego Competition at Georgia organised
A strong material science team won the first place in the in an international competition by AUVSI, which was followed by
research group has established student category in the Green organized by the Association Director’s Special Award for the
collaborative R&D with the Tokyo Car competition in the US. The for Unmanned Vehicle Systems best team effort at the Unmanned
Institute of Technology. DCE Supermileage Vehicle won International (AUVSI). Aircraft Systems Competition at
One of the areas where DTU the best design award at the Similarly, the DCE Moon Maryland in July 2009.
students have brought laurels to world competition organized Buggy designed and developed by Impressed by the design,
not only the institution but also the by the SAE international at a DCE student team has received leading global security company
country is automobile solutions. Marshall, Michigan, in 2005. the Best Initial Design Award-2008 Lockheed Martin Corporation
Inter-disciplinary student teams Similarly, the DCE Formula from NASA in an international expressed interest and has agreed
under the expert guidance of Student Car won the FISITA competition organised in the US to provide a funding of Rs. 17.5
Prof. P.B. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, DTU
the faculty of the previous DCE Best Design Endeavour Award jointly by NASA and the American million ($400,000) for the
and now DTU have designed from Britain’s SAE International, Institute of Aeronautics and development of a next-generation
and developed a number of and the All Terrain Vehicle for Astronautics. collaboration with the Nuclear UAV.
new innovative products which Mini Baja, has participated and The DCE student team has Science Centre, Delhi. Most recently, the UAV claimed
have competed in international won accolades in many national also developed a liquid nitrogen- The unmanned aerial vehicle the 10th position at the Eighth
competitions in the US, Britain, and international competitions powered engine and a car in (UAV) designed and developed by Annual Student Unmanned Air
Smart Classrooms equipped with ICT facilities The Delhi School of Management offers MBA programmes in technology-related areas
university campus as well as the
job offers being made has steadily
increased over the years. In the
2007-08 academic year (July-
June), 89 companies made 761 job
offers, which implies that several
students got multiple job offers. In
2008-09, 101 organisations came
to DTU for recruitment and made
620 job offers.
For the 2009-10 academic
session, 138 companies came to
DTU and made 683 job offers. The
session for 2010-11 started only
in July but already 31 companies
have visited DTU and made 196
job offers to the final year students
of undergraduate and post-
graduate courses.
Speaking about the road
ahead for DTU, Vice Chancellor
Sharma said: “We would like to
develop DTU as a world class
DTU students designed and developed “V. Shera” (Versatile Shera), the robotic version of the highly popular mascot of centre for education, research and
the 19th Commonwealth Games to welcome the distinguished visiting delegates.
innovations in the science and
technology arena, focus on cutting
Systems Competition organised by academic institution besides the edge technologies for education
AUVSI at Maryland in June. The students. DTU, by virtue of its delivery and foster an environment
DTU team was also placed among reputation for quality education, of seamlessness between science
the top four teams in the oral research and innovation, attracts and technology.”
presentation and at 2nd position highly qualified and experienced ◆
The author is a journalist.
in journal paper presentation. The faculty for its academic
team was also awarded a cash departments. A majority of the
prize of $2,900. faculty hold doctoral degrees in
A major recent innovation of engineering and applied sciences.
DTU students is the design The competence of DTU faculty
and development of “V. Shera” is reflected by the fact that several
Left top: The hybrid car designed and
(Versatile Shera), the robotic of them are on the advisory boards developed by a team of students won the first
version of the highly popular of professional societies as well as place in the student category in the Green Car
competition in the US.
mascot of the 19th Commonwealth national and international bodies.
Middle: Students innovations – Mini Baja (All
Games. V. Shera is a functional One of the parameters that Terrain Vehicle) designed & developed by the
robot with speech and gesture determine the standing of an students of DTU won 4th position at the Baja
SAEINDIA Event in January, 2010.
capabilities like blinking eyes, institution is its placements and Left: The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
moving hands and greeting here DTU easily surpassed even its developed by DCE received the Most
Innovative Design Award, 2006 in an
everyone with a smile. own past records. The number of international competition at Georgia organised
Faculty is the core of an reputed organisations visiting the by AUVSI.
World mathematicians
at ground zero
MOHAMMED SHAFEEQ
W
hen Radha Charan early as 200 AD) as did the place
Gupta was conferred value system of representation of
the prestigious Kenneth numbers as it is commonly used
O. May Prize for the History of today.
Mathematics at the International “We had a long-standing
Congress of Mathematics at contribution. In fact gradually it
Hyderabad, it was a reaffirmation is now being established that the
of the preeminent place India Kerala School of Mathematics
occupies in the sphere. probably knew about calculus 200
Ancient India was a world years before Sir Isaac Newton.
leader in mathematics. The study Actually we are just beginning
of geometry was done during the the study of the history of ancient
Vedic period. There is also firm mathematics. Since two or three
evidence that the Pythagoras people have taken up the study,
theorem was known in India the contributions of the Kerala
by the eighth century BC. The School are becoming apparent but
concept of zero as a number there is so much to study,” says
More than 3,250 delegates from 94 countries mathematical concepts. The
originated in India (probably as Professor Rajat Tandon, Head of attended the ICM held at the Hyderabad
International Convention Centre (above) and most important results – series
delegates in conversation (right). expansion for trigonometric
The Hon’ble President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Patil with the prize winners functions – were described in
the Mathematics Department at the Sanskrit verse in a book by
University of Hyderabad. Neelakanta called Tantrasangraha.
Renowned mathematician The theorems were stated
David Mumford of Harvard without proof, but proof for the
University believes that reification series for sine, cosine and inverse
(making the subject more and more tangents were provided a century
abstract) of algebra was done by later in the work Yuktibhasa,
Brahmagupta (6-7th century AD). written in Malayalam, by
Mumford, who is studying the trigonometry and were considered Jyestadevan.
history of mathematics, was in the greatest mathematicians in the Mathematical activity more
Kozhikode (Calicut) recently to world in their times. Bhaskara also or less came to a standstill after
speak on reification of algebra at made significant contributions in the demise of the Kerala School.
a satellite conference on ancient the 12th century. A section of mathematicians
mathematics. Thanks to the Kerala School, believe that the arrival of the
According to mathematicians, India’s contributions were British brought darkness for Indian
Aryabhata (5-6th Century AD) immense during the 14th and mathematics.
and Brahmagupta also made great 15th centuries. It independently “There was little contribution
contributions to astronomy and created a number of important during the 16th century but the
17th, 18th and 19th centuries big professional mathematical Ramanujan’s contributions were organising the event but also in its
turned out to be a vacuum till audience. They included two mainly in Number Theory and academic content.
(Sreenivasa Iyengar) Ramanujan Cambridge mathematicians related areas, but starting from “The feedback we have
came on the scene and brought who had been approached by the mid-1930s, there were efforts is that it was a successful
Indian mathematics up. After that Ramanujan but who did not to move into some other areas as Congress. There were minor
there has been a steady stream of respond. well. glitches organisationally which
mathematicians,” says Tandon. According to eminent Raghunathan points out that we overcame very fast. It was
Ramanujan (1887-1920) mathematician Prof. M.S. Indian mathematicians were overcrowded. We never expected
made substantial contributions Raghunathan, this was the first at work in a broad spectrum so many people to come. There
to mathematical analysis, time an Indian work was presented of areas in all of which they were eight sessions simultaneously
number theory, infinite series and formally on a forum outside India. have made a significant impact. and it was so packed that all the
continued fractions. The work Hardy spoke on was Many are well recognised names audience could not get in,” says
According to prominent research of a higher calibre than internationally. Hyderabad university’s Tandon,
English mathematician work that had emerged from India “India has indeed become a the organising secretary for the
G.H. Hardy, Ramanujan’s talent till then. India thus announced its player of reasonable standing in Ramanujan (1887-1920) made substantial congress.
contributions to mathematical analysis, number
is in the same league as legendary ambitions of joining the big league the international mathematical theory, infinite series and continued fractions. “ICM is a unique event where
mathematicians such as Euler, in mathematics. arena. Not quite a big power yet mathematicians of all subjects
Gauss, Newton and Archimedes. but with reasonable prospects from finance to probability to
It was in 1914 that Hardy of attaining that status,” feels Though India hosted the ICM applied mathematics gather. In no
spoke on some of Ramanujan’s Raghunathan, Homi Bhabha Chair for the first time, its organisers say other subject do they have such an
An artist’s impression of Aryabhata in a statue
research at the meeting of the on the grounds of IUCAA (Inter-University
Professor at the Tata Institute of it was the second most successful event. The purpose of the congress
London Mathematical Society. Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics), Pune. Fundamental Research, Mumbai. event in its 113-year-old history is to take stock of what were the
Aryabhata (476-550 AD) was a great Indian
Ramanujan’s work was presented mathematician-astronomer and is known to
It was against this backdrop and the biggest in terms of the achievements in the last four
formally for the first time to a have invented the digit zero. that the nine-day International number of countries represented. years and what is the likely future
Congress of Mathematics (ICM India is the third Asian country direction of mathematics,” Tandon
2010) was held in Hyderabad, to host the event after Japan (1990) says.
capital of the southern Indian state and China (2002). Since IMU had invited 190
of Andhra Pradesh (Aug 19-27). It was only in 1950 that lecturers and the top people
Vedic Mathematics is the ancient system of Indian Mathematics. The most Raghunathan, who was India joined the International who spoke on the latest research
striking feature of the Vedic system is its coherence. The whole system is Chairman of the Organizing Mathematical Union (IMU), which and the lectures appealed to a
beautifully interrelated and unified. This unifying quality makes mathematics Committee, says India winning the has been holding the event once in broader audience, the Indian
bid and hosting the international four years since 1897. mathematicians hope that it
easy and enjoyable and encourages innovation. In the Vedic system difficult event is an indication of this Inaugurated by Hon’ble inspired young doctoral scholars
problems or huge sums can often be solved quickly. country’s reasonable prospects of President of India, Mrs. Pratibha and also gave an idea to other
attaining the status of a big power Patil, the ICM had a strong mathematicians as to what top
The simplicity of Vedic Mathematics means that calculations can be carried
in world mathematics. academic programme. There were grade international mathematics is
out mentally though the methods can also be written down. There are many More than 3,250 delegates 23 plenary speakers including all about.
advantages in using a flexible, mental system. One can invent one’s own methods from 94 countries attended the two Indians. Out of 165 invited ◆
Specially commissioned feature from IANS.
and this is not limited to the one correct method. This leads to more creativity. ICM, held at the Hyderabad speakers at the meet, six were
International Convention Centre Indians and there were many
Research is being carried out in many areas including the effects of learning (HICC), and which exposed others of Indian origin but settled
Vedic Maths on children; developing new, powerful but easy applications of the India’s young doctoral scholars in the US and other countries.
Vedic Sutras in geometry, calculus, computing etc. to international standards of the More than 1,200 Indians attended
subject and brought into focus the the Congress.
contributions of India in the past Thus, Indians played a
for the promotion of the science. prominent role not just in
some of the biggest projects ever
Conserving history undertaken by the institute.
“These scriptures are accorded
all the reverence that accrues to a
SHUDIP TALUKDAR living saint and are referred to as
the ‘Baba’. The followers brought
the holy books with due ceremony
A
portrait of Nobel laureate The ICI-L is a non-profit
Rabindranath Tagore dating organisation set up in 1986 under from Uttarakhand, carrying it on
back to the early 1940s The Indian National Trust For Art their heads when they stepped into
had become dull and lifeless. The and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). our premises,” said Mishra.
colours had faded with cracks and It has counterparts in Rajasthan, “The magnitude of the task
stains visible on the surface but the Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, can be gauged by the fact that the
canvas has got a new lease of life. Kerala, Orissa and New Delhi. books had a thickness of 11 cm
This has been made possible by The institute also undertakes and 13 cm respectively, with
the Indian Conservation Institute- conservation of artefacts such a combined weight of several
Lucknow (ICI-L), which claims to Indian Conservation Institute, Lucknow as stone, rock or wood carving, kilograms,” she said.
be the largest centre for restoration engravings, miniature or canvas The pages were handmade,
of manuscripts and tomes in India. Further, the paint layer was painting, which are under threat turning brittle and acidic after
The ICI-L received the 61 consolidated with the help of heat from natural and climatic factors weathering centuries of use. They
cm by 75 cm oil painting in a seal adhesive. All the cracks were – not to mention man-made were fastened with tape at many
dilapidated condition from a filled up carefully. A protective pollution. places.
private collector. Beginning with layer of varnish was applied over ICI-L Director Mamta Mishra “The conservation staff at the
its photographic documentation, the portrait, restoring it to its said the restoration of hundreds of ICI-L took six months to restore
the technical staff cleaned the original glory. Even the name of years old Adi Guru Granth and the huge tomes, beginning the task
painting with a soft brush using the painter and its commissioning Dasham Granth housed at Hemkund in December 2006. They worked
a solvent to undo the yellowing date Oct 2, 1944, became clearly Sahib in Uttarakhand – among the under strict instructions, one of
effect of varnish over the portrait. visible. holiest of Sikh books – were which was to be barefoot in the
books’ presence and never placing
Guru Gobind Singh’s turban found in a tangled heap (left) and after restoration (right) them on the floor,” added Mishra.
According to an INTACH
survey, thousands of manuscripts
written hundreds of years ago on
palm leaves or paper and housed
in temple collections, libraries and
private collections are languishing
due to neglect or indifferent
handling.
They cover a bewildering
range of subjects from astronomy,
astrology, medicine, music to
literature, history and religion.
These documents form an
Left top to bottom: The Adi Guru Granth in

a damaged condition; after its restoration and
restoration of the Dasham Granth in progress at
the ICI-L.
Restoration work being carried out at the
St. Aloysius Chapel, Mangalore (above);
a damaged painting in the Chapel (top left)
and its resorted version (left).
Nandlal Bose, B.B. Mukherjee and

Somnath Hore at Viswa Bharati,
Santiniketan, West Bengal.
The ICI-L restored 16 important
manuscripts having 3,054 pages
in Persian belonging to Meherji
Rana Library, Navasari, Gujarat.
It carried out the work at an on-site
lab it had set up for the purpose.
Besides, the institute also conducted
a detailed survey of 22 museums
in eight districts of the state.
Other projects include
conservation of a rare collection of
textile samples called the Watson
Collection at the BDL Museum in
invaluable part of our cultural and undertaken by the ICI-L is the
Mumbai, dating back to the 19th
artistic heritage and have a host conservation of the wall paintings
century.
of enemies. Presence of fungus, in an old Shiv temple at Meer
In Uttar Pradesh, the ICI-L
termites and silverfish, lack of Ghat, Varanasi. Algal growth
undertook the restoration of seven
ventilation, moisture, dust and dirt, on the temple steeple was also
large mural paintings on the walls
acidic pigments and ink, excess of cleaned.
of the Vidhan Bhavan in Lucknow.
light and high temperature being The institute undertook the ◆
The damaged version of the Bhagwad Gita
written on birch bark (right top) and the restored
some of them. restoration of the beautiful wall Specially commissioned feature from IANS.
version (right). Another notable work paintings done by master artists Photographs courtesy: ICI-L.
“We are confident of universal requirement in inclusive growth,”
Aadhaar coverage (of India’s 1.2 billion Nilekani says.
Nilekani is eminently placed to
A platform for inclusive growth population) over time,” he adds,
of the mega project with which a carry this out.
number of Indian service providers In Imagining India, he writes ‘A
VISHNU MAKHIJANI and some multinational companies big source of heartburn for those
like Microsoft have said they running banks, managing elections
would like to be involved. and regulating the stock market in
I
t’s a project on a scale never attempted before anywhere in the world The project, which will India is that the country is filled
and with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh making inclusive growth cover even children, is aimed with people who are virtually
the fulcrum of his government’s policies and activities, the need to at providing identity proof for invisible... Today, Indians can have
uniquely identify India’s 1.2 billion residents using biometric parameters a majority of residents who do a multitude of numbers with which
has gained urgency. not have any form of identity to identify ourselves, depending on
It’s precisely this that the Unique Identification Authority of India documents, facilitate better when and where we interact with
(UIDAI) is engaged in as it collects demographic and biometric data to delivery of public services, and the State... This makes zeroing
ensure that the benefits of the government’s welfare schemes reach those prevent leakages in different in on a definite identity for each
who need them the most. government schemes. citizen particularly difficult, since
“We hope to issue some 600 million unique IDs in five years,” says “We definitely think it has great each government department
Nandan Nilekani, who quit as Co-Chairman of global IT giant Infosys value, especially for the poor and works a different turf and with
Ltd. that he had helped co-found, to head the UIDAI. the marginalised, because they are different groups of people.’
the ones that are suffering today The lack of a unique number
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh at the National Launch of Aadhaar in Nandurbar District, Maharashtra on September 29, 2010
due to the lack of acknowledged Dr. Manmohan Singh presenting the
has given space to plenty of
existence by the state,” Nilekani Unique Identification Number (Aadhaar) in phantoms — in voter lists and
said in an interview. Nandurbar, Maharashtra. in below the poverty line (BPL)
The system will ensure that the schemes and holding bank
genuinely deserving alone can The UIDAI will identify accounts with multiple PANs
access various benefits. It will target groups for various flagship (personal account numbers issued
ensure that duplicates and ghosts programmes of the United by the Income Tax Department)...
in various systems are weeded Progressive Alliance government, Creating a national register of
away. including the Mahatma Gandhi citizens, assigning them a unique
Then, the government will National Rural Employment ID and linking them across a
also soon introduce legislation to Guarantee Scheme, the Sarva set of national databases, like
guarantee food security for the Shiksha Abhiyaan on universal the PAN and passport, can have
poor. Again, the poor will have elementary education, the National far-reaching effects in delivering
to be correctly identified, so that Rural Health Mission and the public services better and targeting
the non-poor do not get away by Bharat Nirman initiative aimed services more accurately...
availing the benefits meant for the at building rural infrastructure ‘Too often though, we see
poor. to implement the ambitious UID issuing smart cards as the main
Reforms in the education project. challenge of implementing such
and health sectors may also see “At this point, it will give a a system. But building these
the government offering direct unique identity number to a large intelligent little strips is the easy
assistance to families living below number of people who are poor part. It is in making the back-end
the poverty line so that the poor and marginalised, who don’t have infrastructure secure and scalable,
can avail facilities offered by the any other identity proof, who are, providing a single record keeper
private sector. Again, this will therefore, not able to access public for the whole country and
require proper identification. services. That is a very important integrating the agents who issue
Iris Camera performs recognition Iris Camera uses infrared light to illuminate the A fingerprint scanner is an electronic device
Nandan Nilekani detection of a person’s identity
by mathematical analysis
Iris without causing harm or discomfort. used to capture digital image of the fingerprint
pattern.
T
he appointment of Nandan Nilekani as head of the
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is these numbers that it gets tough... be taking prints of all 10 fingers, The task is daunting, to say
itself unique: This is the first time a private sector An IT-enabled, accessible national a photograph of the face and the least, not only because of
entrepreneur has been appointed to a government job with ID system would be nothing an image of the irises of every the scale of the project and the
the rank of a Cabinet Minister. less than revolutionary in how individual,” Nilekani explains. resulting organisational and
Born in Bangalore on June 2, 1955 Nilekani spent his we distribute state benefits and Since the exercise is aimed at operational challenges, but also
early childhood in the city, where his father was the General welfare handouts,’ Nilekani writes. giving inclusion to a large number for a number of other issues, such
Manager of Mysore and Minerva Mills. Nilekani’s book devotes one of people without an ID of any sort as how to build safeguards to
Nilekani studied at the Bishop Cotton Boys School, full chapter to the problem of and ensuring they get the benefits prevent misuse of the database and
Bangalore, and then at St. Joseph’s at Dharwar, after unique identification and the of various government schemes, address privacy and civil liberties
which he joined the Indian Institute of Technology, transformational benefits that the UIDAI proposes to collect the concerns, how to continually
Powai (Mumbai) in 1973 and graduated with a B.Tech. in would accrue if such identification data through various agencies of update it, and how to keep down
Electrical Engineering. became possible. That a technocrat the central and state governments the costs.
Graduating in 1978, he joined Mumbai-based Patni and manager par excellence as and others who, in the normal The UIDAI has drafted a law
Computer Systems, where he was interviewed by the iconic Nilekani has been thinking about course of their activities, interact governing its functioning and
N.R. Narayana Murthy. Three years later, Murthy left Patni the unique identification problem with residents. to ensure that the data collected
following a disagreement and his entire division left with for a fairly long period of time Such entities will be the remains confidential. The draft
him and thus was born Infosys. Nilekani became the Chief as is reflected by his book makes “Registrars” of the UIDAI law has been placed on the
Executive Officer of Infosys in March 2002, taking over him uniquely qualified to head the and include the departments UIDAI website for inviting public
from Murthy, and served as CEO and MD from March 2002 authority entrusted to complete the of Rural Development – for comments.
to April 2007, when he relinquished his position to Kris task. data on the beneficiaries of the Nilekani says, “In addition, we
Gopalakrishnan, to become co-chairman. He left Infosys on If Nilekani can deliver, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural have suggested an umbrella law
July 9, 2009 to take up his present position. government’s welfare programmes Employment Scheme – and Public to cover the protection of all data
In 2009, Time magazine placed Nilekani in the Time 100 will then acquire a new edge Distribution and Consumer Affairs collected in any manner.”
◆
list of the ‘World’s Most Influential People’. and many new schemes for the – for data on the recipients of the The author is a journalist.
A recipient of numerous awards, both domestic and betterment of the poor can be public distribution system. Source: IANS
international, Nilekani was conferred the Padma Bhushan, introduced. As an exercise to prepare a
India’s third highest civilian honour, in 2006. How then, will the unique ID National Population Register as
◆
scheme work? part of the ongoing census is also
“For the demographic aspect, underway, the Registrar General
we will be recording the name, of India will also be an important
date of birth, sex, address and entity for collecting demographic
name of father/mother/guardian. and biometric data for the unique
On the biometric side, we will ID project.
Aharya
in classical dances
Text: LEELA VENKATARAMAN
Photographs: DEEPAK MUDGAL
T
he aharya abhinaya, or costume and make-up of the Indian
Classical dance performer has a crucial role in enabling the
evoking of aesthetic joy or rasa in the viewer. Apart from the
purely decorative intent, this aspect is layered with psychological,
cultural, mystical and even metaphysical associations. In traditions
like Kathakali and Kuchipudi Yakshagana, where performers play
definite character roles in the dramatic theatre being presented,
costuming is designed for the character. But the solo Indian dancer
of each classical form has a getup uniform to all dancers of the
discipline, and this is tailored by conventions of regional sartorial
culture with the ornamentation contributed by jewellery made by
specialised handicraft skills common to the area.
Odissi dancer Aruna Mohanty in all her finery showing a tender moment in the abhinaya (facing page) and
in another posture – reliving the ecstasy of the beloved’s touch (below).
Bharatanatyam
Whether in the temple or the
court where the devadasi of
olden days performed, or in the
proscenium situation in which the
contemporary dancer performs, the
Bharatanatyam dancer by tradition
has always been richly turned
out. From a draped uncut saree
to the present stitched costume,
what the dancer wears has shown
changes. Today the costume
comprises a pyjama type stitched
lower garment separating the legs
with a pleated front piece which
opens out like a fan every time
the dancer assumes the demi plie
position, (the main stance of the
dance technique), with a matching
blouse. Another top piece covering
the bosom and a back piece
going round the hips to meet at
the waist in front complete the
attire. Variations of this costume
can be seen worn by individual
dancers. What used to be real
gold and precious stones in the
jewellery, is now replaced by gold
plated silver and semi precious
stones – (normally referred to
as temple jewellery). On the top
back of the head is the beautiful
‘rakodi’ a round disc set with semi
precious stones. Running along
the central hair parting is a thin
strip adorned with pearls with a
pendant hanging at the end on the
forehead. On either side of the hair
parting are two ornaments called
the Chandran (moon) and Suryan
(sun). The long braid is beautifully
decorated with flowers and with a
kunjalam (tassels) at the end and
A Kathak dancer as she finishes a pirouette with

the swirl of her top frock coat.
plentiful tied jasmines, a special been presented this braid by her
feature of south India, the home husband Krishna, and thereby
of this dance tradition. Around the hangs a tale. This plait was
dancer’s waist is the gold belt or first worn by Lord Vishnu, who
oddiyanam. Bangles and necklaces manifested in the female form of
like the kasumalai and adigai Mohini, the enchantress, in order
(choker) and earrings with jumuki to bewitch the demons and in the
and maatal, rings, mukutti (nose process distribute all the nectar
ring) and the bulakku (a ring at the churned out of the ocean to the
bottom of the nose not worn much Gods or Devas, thereby granting
today) make up the adornments them the boon of immortality.
for the dancer. The facial make-up Reassuming his natural form,
pays special attention to the Pottu he handed the braid as Krishna
or vermilion mark on the forehead (a manifestation of Vishnu) to
and eyes which are made to look Satyabhama. The braid has in it a
brighter and larger for a lot of the circular plate representing the Sun,
very significant expressional dance a corresponding plate on the other
is communicated through eye side representing the Moon, topped
movements. by a small parrot symbolizing
Nature, a hood of a serpent
Kuchipudi in the lower part representing
The Kuchipudi Yakshagana knowledge, signs representing the
form has royal characters with Bharatanatyam dancer Priya Venkataraman – three worlds or tribhuvanas, the
crowns, along with earrings called looking into the mirror (facing page) and Marie nine planets, the 27 asterisms of
Elangovan freezing in a pose after finishing a
makarakundalamulu, bhujakirti movement in a Bharatanatyam recital (above). Indian astronomy and in short a
(shoulder epaulettes) and kantha reflection of the entire universe.
haaram ( a heavy necklace). The of Kuchipudi rendered by the solo Standing hidden from view behind
female characters are draped in a dancer depicting one character in a cloth curtain held on either
heavy silk saree with gold borders. different situations, here that of side by two people, with only
The narrator or Sutradhar, a very Satyabhama the darling heroine her braid hanging outside seen
important role in the dance drama, of the Andhra Pradesh region. by the audience, the dancer as
is turned out in turban and a dhoti, Satyabhama’s act of removal of Satyabhama in Bhama Kalapan
with a rudraksha mala and tulsi her nose ring, after a long period is supposed to be throwing a
(basil) beads round his neck. of cogitation, since she regards it challenge to all present to compete
The ornaments for the solo as the symbol of her married state with her /his (Kuchipudi initially
female dancer are all made of as Krishna’s consort, becomes a was an all male form and women’s
soft and light varieties of wood. metaphor in the Kalapam for her roles were done by the males)
Earrings (kundalalu), kantha shedding her vanity and ego. enactment of the role, if anyone
haram, vaddadanamu (waist But the single most significant dares. Whether anybody ever took
band),kadiyam (anklets) and an aspect of the heroine’s turnout up the challenge is not known. But
attractive upper arm bracelet in Kuchipudi, is her specially the Kuchipudi dancer showing
called vanki are commonly worn. ornamented braid. This heavily off her braid held in front walking
The mukkera or nose ring is very decorated plait (generally pinned round the stage in a special gait
important and it forms part of the on top of the dancer’s hair), has is a very attractive sight at the
dialogue and narration in Bhama a special significance because beginning and ending of many
Kalapam, the main operatic form Satyabhama is believed to have solo items. The stitched costume is
in different parts and is a variation pattern pieces of gold fastened spread, giving the back of the head curls running down the cheek head engraving on the belt) has
in design from the Bharatanatyam on to a main band of gold round a sense of fullness. The unique by the side of the ear is another been in use for some time. Today’s
costume. the neck), the oddiyanam round carved shoal pith flowers make a feature which has become part dancer uses only silver jewellery-
the waist, are all part of what very distinctive ornament over the of the Odissi dancer’s make-up. earrings with large jhumkas,
Mohiniattam the dancer wears. The dance bun. And topping this is a tiara, Alta, the natural red dye outlining necklaces, filigreed bangles, rings
Very different from all the of the enchantress or Mohini is again of shoal pith symbolizing the the feet, the palms and the finger on almost every finger, silver
colourful getup of the dancer in often mistakenly regarded as Jagannath temple spire. tips is another decorative device bands, a large silver pin on the bun
Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, is seduction by the average, less The make-up is unique with the regarded as auspicious and serves at the back, and tika in the hair
the aesthetically simple, white and informed viewer, whereas it aims eyebrows shaped like Manmatha’s to draw attention to the hand parting with attached silver chains
gold costume of the Mohiniattam at transcending physicality of the (the Indian God of love) bow. The gestures and foot movements. running from the forehead to ears.
dancer. The white and gold Mundu body to enchant and mesmerise, eyes are accentuated with black The temple dancers used gold
veshti or two piece saree is the and the severe but aesthetic white kohl which extends far beyond jewellery with filigree work, Kathak
traditional Kerala bride’s costume. and gold costume symbolizes the the eyes in a fish shaped drawing. that Cuttack and the region The constantly pirouetting Kathak
The Mohiniattam dancer’s white idea of purity. The bindi or red vermillion mark near about is famous for. But dancer is dressed in a ghagra (a
saree with gold border called on the forehead is surrounded by on the feet only silver is used long ankle length skirt), choli
kasavu, has great under stated Odissi white painted designs, supposed for it is considered inauspicious (short blouse showing a bare
elegance. The costume which The Mahari or ancient temple to represent the sun and the moon to have the feet ornamented in midriff) or tight fitting pants
drapes beautifully is highly dancer of Orissa draped in the nine (a common representation in gold. The three tiered silver belt and a frock like top, whose flair
pleated and when the dancer is in yard saree had its length taken many dance traditions, but taking (Bengopatta- Bengo means frog, while the dancer revolves, adds
a plie (half seated position with between the legs to tuck it at the different forms). The painted black and the name derives from the frog its own visual geometry. The veil
knees turned out) the pleats look back to get the trouser effect. This
very decorative. The one colour was called the Kaniakacha. But Dreaming sweet dreams – Mohiniattam dancer Jayaprabha Menon
costume accentuates the circular the cut and tailored costume is

movement (andolika) of the torso. as much a part of the present day
The top of the ears, the nose, Odissi dancer, as it is of dancers
and the head, unlike dancers in in other classical forms. This is a
other classical dance forms, are more sophisticated version of what
completely free of ornaments. This has been worn by the Gotipuas
makes the high one sided hair top (a tradition unique to Orissa for
knot or bun encircled with a bunch the last few centuries wherein
of white Jasmine (usually paper boy dancers below their teens,
flowers today) stand out. Gold, or are trained to dance in the guise
when not affordable, silver, seeds, of women outside the Jagannath
nuts and stalks of certain seeds like temple, during special Jatras and
the elanji, tiger claws or hair and festive occasions). The texture
teeth of animals worn as amulets of the costume is silk or cotton
and ornaments are common to woven in Orissa which is famous
women folk in Kerala. These are for its tie and dye textiles, with
regarded as highly auspicious. the typical fish, rudraksha and
The jewellery has the serpent temple spire designs. The male
(naga) motif and is all in shiny dancer generally has a bare top
gold with no other stones as with a saree tied and draped like
contrast. The large earrings called a dhoti. The hairdo is special. It
toda, the traditional nagapadam is made by gathering the hair at
(cobrahead) necklace, the the back and pulling it through
elakkatali (shimmering thin leaf a large ring around which it is
(dupatta) worn over the ghagra and images in abhinaya or are tied to a long string which is
is important and ghungat andaz interpretative dance. As compared wound round the ankle several
or ways of tantalizingly covering to dancers in other traditions, the times and tied. Special rhythmic
part of the face, while stealing Kathak dancer has less jewellery tones and combinations produced
glances at the loved one, is a part on her. The tika adorns her hair by the bells with foot contact
of the dance which has come down parting and forehead. The ears through soles, heels, flat feet, toes,
from the Mughal times, when are adorned with large earrings. is a very important part of the
the woman in purdah became a Around the neck is a choker and abstract dance.
part of the culture of the North also a longer necklace. The nose
of India. As far as the male solo ring is worn by very few dancers Manipuri
dancer is concerned, the olden day today. Around the waist is a Very similar in thematic concerns
dhoti-clad, bare-chested dancer Kamarbandh. Stone embedded to the rest of India, Manipuri
has yielded place to the churidar rings and bangles are worn and from the north eastern region of
and angarkha or kurta clad dancer. alta which has taken the place of Manipur is, however, very unique
Even sixty years back, Kathaks henna of the olden days applied in technique and costuming. Male
sported very ornamental caps and on feet and hands. The ghungroos and female roles are distinctly
a long achkan draped over the (ankle bells) are common to all marked and so is the costuming. In
angarkha, which was often used Indian dancers, but in the case the traditional Rasleelas, however,
in creating different disguises of the Kathak dancers the bells the all female cast has Krishna’s
A supplicant Satyabhama at the feet of Krishna from the Kuchipudi play Parijatapaharanam (facing page) and
the Sutradhar or the narrator with Krishna and his consort Satyabhama in the same play (below).
role performed by a female dancer. Lei-parenor garlands made of tiny object put on stage is crafted elements of decoration rest. For
While the dancer as Radha is cloth are worn. A yellow coloured with a keen eye on aesthetics. the main idea here is to totally
dressed in green colour, all the silk dhoti (phaijom), and a heavily camouflage the actor under all
other Gopis are in red. Koktumbi adorned peacock feathered crown Kathakali these accoutrements. The costume
is a conical bun made from one’s (mukut), hip belt (dhara), two side Kathakali an all male, highly with the velvet blouse tied at the
own hair or from carboard and belts worn on the blouse called dramatic art form, apart from eye back and the voluminous skirt
fixed on to the hair with strands khwangnap and khwongoi are catching jewellery, has the most transform the dancer’s body
of silver (chubalei) hanging from worn by the dancer as Krishna. elaborate tradition of makeup into a larger than life circular,
its tip with sequins made into a Arm ornaments tanthak, tankha, which transforms the dancer into a hemispherical shape, with the
diamond pattern called samjithet rattan chud, anantha, sanakhuji, character, and serves to underline three hanging Uthareeyams (rows
pinned on to the centre. There is a leikri are common to both Radha the high theatrical element of the of closely bunched rope like
head band embroidered with silver and Krishna. Krishna’s brass form. The ornamental aspect alone cloth garlands, two white and one
sequins called koknam worn just earrings are called chomoi. has little significance without red, slung round the neck with
above the forehead The gorgeously Ornate decorations round the the makeup which provides two sides made to hang loose in
rich costume collectively called hands and feet and necklaces, all the base on which the other front, the decorative edges frilled
potloi comprises a lower skirt with superb workmanship are and flower-shaped with inserted
Manipuri Rasleela – Krishna in full regalia
called kumin with a stiff inner generally hired by Manipuri dancers (right) and Krishna surrendering at the feet of
mirrors and stones) exaggerates
lining of canvas and cane so as during performances. Special Radha after declaring his love for her (below). the slightest tilt of the body adding
to make it stand out. The outer necklaces like marei, heibimaphal,
surface is a satiny material with sandrembi, heikrupareng and
elaborate mirror and gold work, delicately designed earrings like
sequins with the lower edge in kukhur and marei mawong are all
an appliqué design based on a part of the dancer’s getup.
‘pre-vaishnavite motif’. Over While performing non rasa
the skirt is a gossamer thin short items like Sankirtan and Nupi
skirt called poswak worn over the Pala, the dancer wears phanek
kumin. A cone shaped decorative (sarong of striped cotton wrapped
piece crowns the head with a under the shoulder or at the
veil called maikhum draped over waist), a blouse and a transparent
head, shoulders and face. Head white scarf attached to the top of
decorations resembling sun, moon, the head called inaphi. For the
butterflies, flowers – made of gold Sankirtan the male is in a dhoti
are also used pinned on to the veil. draped in different ways and
During performance of Nritya handsome turbans are an elaborate
rasa head ornaments of brass and form of the costume. In the Pung
jari-damini at the parting of the Cholom when all the Pung players
hair, karma-phul covering the ears, who are simultaneously drummers
kurak an ornament designed like a and dancers, perform, just
butterfly worn on either side of the shrugging off the turbans made to
parting and others ornaments like fall in a neat row in front of the
samjinam and samjithet clipped on dancers becomes an essential part
to the bun are worn. Resham phurit of the dance geometry. Aside from
the dark green blouse of velvet and the costume, even the cymbals
white piece of cloth wound tightly held in the hand, decorated with
over the shoulders above the breast coloured tassels on the sides, the
called thabakyet are other features. parasols used in rasa and every
to the super human image created kurunira (forehead ornament
in the dance. Long silver nails designed in delicate silver peepal
worn on the fingers of the left hand leaf shaped discs which keep
accentuate and exaggerate the fluttering as the dancer moves)
hand gestures. The makeup which with a long veil draped over the
takes hours has a green painted head complete the costuming.
face for the royal benevolent The head gear is immensely
characters, with a white paper varied in Kathakali, and the
chutti as a special border which gorgeous workmanship of the
juts out, extending from the chin to elaborate crowns worn on the
temple on either side of the face, head while the dancer moves with
and eyes reddened with the juice this weight baffles the viewer.
of the dried ovules of the chunda The conical headgear sported by
plant. The Kati characters which certain characters is called muti
are royal and heroic but with great topped with decorative peacock
aggressive bend, have the main feathers. Hanuman wears a white
paccha (green makeup) with chutti A Kathakali Paccha character in full regalia Zamorin hat.
(facing page) and holding one end of the The dancer’s Ottanakku is
with a knife like pattern painted on Uttareeyam (above).
either side of the nose suggesting a the central ornamenting panel
moustache and a knife like pattern near chin, nose etc. These are tied over the skirt. The colourful
on the forehead painted red. The the demons with artificial canine waist ornament is pattiaranham.
chin under the chutti is painted teeth pushed in and out to express Tolpottu (shoulder blades), arm
red and a paper cap for the nose ferocity, and artificial protruding ornament (paruttikamani) and
gives a bulbous look. In addition breasts to give a vulgar crude toda hanging from the side are the
to the three uthareeyams a special look. Large flat ear ornaments ear ornaments with a second set
twisted cloth (pati aranhan) is are worn. For minukku or soft of ear decoration called chevipu
worn as a waist ornament. A fourth characters like women and sages, supported by the silver band,
uthareeyam is worn attached the face is painted light- pinkish completes the top part. Artificial
to the upper arm ornament the yellow with lips reddened and eyes hair or chamaram is attached to
paruttikamani. Above all are and eyebrows elongated. Female the headgear. The chest plate is
artificial fangs (damshtram) characters wear ankle ornaments called Koralaram. Wooden wrist
attached to the mouth, made to (tanda pattapu), and bells above bands with inlays of imitation stones,
pop out at special moments during it, and wear a cotton sari with a silver and woollen pompoms
the dance to instill fear in the coloured border with a waist band (hasta katakam), bangles (vala),
opponent. In the Kati characters and layers of wooden beads and are also worn. Birds, snakes, other
there are degrees of aggression disks covered by gold foil attached animals come under a special
and cruelty and for this the slight to a string. The long sleeved category called Thepu characters.
nuances in makeup are prevalent. blouse is of brocade (Kuppayam.) This elaborate costuming – of
The dadhi (beard) characters are Wrist bands and arm bracelets are which every little detail has evolved
very important and the beard can worn. Since males impersonate into a science of disguise – helps
be white, red or black depending female characters in traditional in creating the feel of an imaginary
on the character being portrayed. Kathakali, small breasts (different world of exaggeration. Aharya is
from what the demons have) give an essential part of the distinctive
For instance Hanuman, a very
the male body shape. A bun on one identity of each dance tradition.
important character has a white ◆
beard. The Kari character has side of the head with long braids, The author is a dance critic and was awarded
the Sangeet Natak Award this year.
black makeup with red patches katila (wooden ear ornaments),
of access that the craftsperson practitioners, the craftspeople.
Anokhi associated with this craft lacked
to see and learn about the former
Hand block printing in the 20th
century was at its lowest ebb and
Museum of hand printing highs of their tradition and the new in the 1960’s the craft showed
possibilities for its contemporary very little innovation either in
Text & Photographs: PRAMOD K.G application and innovation. the production process or within
The Anokhi Museum of Hand the range of products. It required
A
n enormous amount of interest has emerged for block printing, its Printing (AMHP) was thus started a strong commercial viability to
history, continued vitality and use in contemporary textiles. At the as an attempt to focus attention make it attractive for a market
same time the craft was at one time, at that crucial stage where it on the existent tradition of hand increasingly driven and inundated
needed an impetus on several fronts – new design directions, improved block printing. It was set up to by mill made fabrics and prints.
technology and enhanced skills to deal with the onslaught of machine depict the traditional inherited From 1970 onwards export
printed fabrics. One of the chief requirements was for the establishment wisdom of a living indigenous houses with access to newer
of a repository of information on all facets of the craft. A centre that craft in all its facets and unbroken markets led to the rapid
would disseminate information, exhibit and display the best of hand historic continuity, working development in the craft. The need
block printed textiles. towards the craft’s furtherance of the hour was to make the craft
An absence of any such facility to provide information, or show the to contemporary aspirations, viable by bringing in a new range
best of hand block printing within Jaipur, Sanganer or Bagru, except in newer design initiatives, markets, of products and colour palettes,
private collections, was a worrying fact. More worrying was the lack technical improvements, so extending the traditional to
and greater sustenance to its meet a contemporary aesthetic
lifestyle. One such company that known as an alternative role model the region. Today the Foundation
pioneered the revival of the craft for good business practices, and works in areas where sustainable
of hand block printing in Jaipur the ongoing revival of traditional intervention benefits local
was Anokhi. textile skills. communities. Its purpose is the
Anokhi is today well known Anokhi’s foresight in promotion of people’s awareness
for creating beautiful hand block understanding the need to maintain to the protection of their history,
printed products by blending extensive archives from the very material culture and traditions of
contemporary sensibilities with beginning has made the setting art and craft.
traditions of excellence. For more up of a museum dedicated to The company has worked
than 30 years its ideals have this craft possible. Setting up the incessantly to try and preserve
been those of conservation and Anokhi Foundation was the first older methods and techniques
development, through the input step in creating a platform to help whilst at the same time creating a
of design, marketing and project protect, conserve and further the market for these traditional textiles
funding. The company is well art, culture and craft traditions of in myriad forms of contemporary
usage. The opening exhibition at
the AMHP presented the story of
print innovations and revival in
the hand block printing industry
and traces the contemporary
history of the craft from 1970. The
textiles and garments displayed
are donations from the Anokhi
archives and are significant
markers of this changing face of
the craft.
‘Print Progress – Innovation &
Revival, 1970-2005’ the opening
exhibition at AMHP documents
this period of regeneration in the
hand block printing industry. The
pressures of a burgeoning export
market and the proliferation
of chemical dyes and newer
printing processes led to several
innovations as well as a revival
of traditional techniques. Design
directions made the textiles more
appealing to the varied worldwide
clientele.
This export boom which
sustained the continuance of the
craft in the region was fortuitous,
for the craft has come ‘full circle’
today with a revival of interest
and increased patronage for
hand block printed textiles by
the local populace. The future of printing industry directly or However, the last few years
block printing as a craft builds indirectly. Dyers (Rangrez) and has seen an increasing number
on a long tradition of steady and block carvers would include an of unskilled workers entering
progressive innovations. The hand additional five thousand people. the industry purely to seek new
block printers have always shown Increasing opportunities for avenues of earning. Their lack
immense ingenuity in applying work in the hand block printing of knowledge and experience in
and experimenting with newer industry, in the Jaipur region the craft, and the absence of any
technology, adapting to changing was fuelled by a buoyant export training institutes to educate them,
market realities and fashion trends. and retail market leading to a has resulted in a generation of
It is imperative to nurture this large influx of skilled migrant printers not necessarily connected
flexibility and allow the craft workers. These hereditary to the craft. Consequently, the
to consolidate and maintain its Muslim craftsmen primarily came quality of printing and technical
traditional markets, yet constantly from Farrukhabad or Gujarat, application of processes shows a
generate fresh directions and historically known as major marked deterioration.
perspectives. The basis for centres for hand block printed Traditionally, the block prints Artisans at work in the print making and block carving workshops
progress must be intrinsic to fabrics. This consequent addition of Jaipur and its surrounding
the craft itself. Support and of Muslim workers to the earlier villages were known not just for colours through a sequence of trial structure. The museum was created
recognition to established printing predominant Hindu printers their quality of printing but also and error. A fantastic new palette within this space with an emphasis
communities and their unique has evenly balanced the printer for their use of natural dyes. The of colours and endless market on ensuring that the structural
design sensibilities is essential. population across both religions. advent of commercial screen opportunities emerged from this integrity of the building was not
The hand block printing or The Chippa community of printing in the early 1960’s was with far reaching implications. compromised and no permanent
Chippa community in Jaipur, Jaipur and its neighbouring areas quick to spread across the dyeing Unfortunately, the printer’s changes are made to it. The
Sanganer and Bagru number worship Sant Namdev, the non- and printing regions of India. This lack of technical knowledge led museum’s display systems, simple
around forty thousand as per sectarian Vaishnava poet and saint brought with it new chemical to expensive and time consuming textual information and visitor
records available from the last from Maharashtra. The community colouration processes, which block experiments. Those who incurred outreach activities have made it a
Vidhan Sabha (Legislative has a very active and supportive printers were fast to adapt to their the cost were unwilling to share popular tourist attraction in Jaipur.
Assembly) elections of 2003. social structure with temples own printing styles. Despite lack the results, creating barriers in With scholars, researchers and
Of these around thirty thousand dedicated to Sant Namdev in both of training and technical input, the printing community. None students working on India’s textile
people are still involved in the Sanganer and Bagru. these printers developed the new could predict the future costs on heritage making a beeline for it.
the environment. The museum The creating of a museum
Tools used by the skilled block carvers for making blocks of various designs for printing fabrics today redresses this issue largely dedicated to the craft of hand
by helping printers with answers Chinwara traditional cotton prints of Jaipur. block printing has hugely enthused
and solutions to several of their and energised the printing
queries on how to improve on the is contributing to this move. The community. They take enormous
technical aspects of their printing museum is trying to provide a lead pride today in the visitor’s
skills and also makes them aware to these initiatives. appreciation of their craft and
of newer innovations available. The museum built for the tradition and the museum has
Present day awareness of the study of hand block printing emerged as a community centre
environmental damage done in in India is today housed in the for both the practitioners of this
the previous decades is leading Chanwar Palkiwaloan ki Haveli, craft and those who love hand
to steps to reverse these harmful in the historic city of Amber block printed textiles.
◆
effects. Printers are being adjoining Jaipur. The building The author is Managing Director of
encouraged to revert to the natural was restored to its original glory Eka Cultural Resources and Research.
using traditional building materials He set up the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing
dyeing processes of old. Current at Jaipur in 2005.
trends and popularity to extend and skills and is a fine example
the range of natural dye colours of adaptive reuse of a traditional
Sufi Kathak:
Dance of the soul!
Text: SUPARNA RAJGURU
Photographs: AMIT MEHRA
A
leading exponent of Indian classical dance, Manjari
is acclaimed globally for being the creator and only
performing artist of Sufi Kathak. She has combined
the mysticism of Sufi traditions with classical Indian dance to
create this stunning new school of performance. Thus, setting a
historical step in the field of performing arts through the creation
of an entirely new art form that is wholly original and, yet,
follows the precedents of 700 year-old mystical traditions. So
much so that Sufi Kathak is now a living tradition that integrates
the rich heritage of poetry, literature, mythology, philosophy
with spiritual and emotional thoughts. Manjari avers, “My own
quest for the inherent spirituality in dance led me to this style
and form. Something… Some force… Someone that makes me
dance.” In this eventful journey over the last decade, Manjari
has performed Sufi Kathak in more than 200 concerts all over
the world including Europe and the US, Australia, the Middle
East, South East and Central Asia at locations as prestigious as
Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi and the Sydney Opera House.
Conceptualized and crafted by
Manjari, Sufi Kathak has taken
13 years of intense work in Sufi
music and classical dance and is
representative of the great Sufi
traditions of the subcontinent.
She traveled extensively to
countries like Egypt, Kyrgyzstan,
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and
Tajikistan and worked with artists
from Iran, Turkey and Morocco
to study the music and dance
forms related with Sufi thought.
Manjari reflects, “In Sufi Kathak,
I incorporate the mystique of
Sufism… the moving meditation…
thereby blending both the Hindu
and Muslim divine traditions.”
Bred of Manjari’s knowledge and
experience, Sufi Kathak melts the
philosophical depth of Sufi poetry
with the narrative beauty and
grace of classical Indian dance to
evolve a unique dance form that
uses classical dance to narrate and
interpret Sufi poetry. She explains,
“Sufi Kathak covers the delicate from earthly romance of Hindi creation and Creator, or soul with
nuances of expressiveness… folk to the evolved Sufi imagery Spirit,” says Manjari. It is this,
alluring grace in movements… of love in Persian poetry, from a which makes Sufi Kathak the
unique abhinaya to the beloved in flesh and blood to the Dance of the Soul!
accompaniment of spiritual poetry abstract presence of the Almighty, Following the tenets of Sufi
and music such as the rhythm of from a form to formlessness.” Sufi saints who varied the language
Qawwalli…” Kathak brings out the nuances of of their poetry with the changing
Even as Manjari is renowned for Sufi music and poetry through the terrain of their travels, Sufi Kathak
her efforts in creating Sufi Kathak, language of body, which expresses uses many dialects instead of one
it has been an arduous journey for the rapturous heights of spiritual dominant language. “The poetry
her as she traversed a path hitherto ecstasy. “While in existing used in Sufi Kathak, has a history
untraveled in classical dance. classical Indian dance forms, there of always being sung, but never
But in doing so, she shaped the is a focus on a beloved in flesh and danced to. With dancing to this
emergence of a new art form based blood, in physical form, it is the poetry in Sufi Kathak, comes a
on a thought that, till now, was not abstract presence of the Almighty responsibility of the dancer to
extensively used in dance! This that becomes the focal point for interpret and portray the poetry in
led to the inception of Sufi Kathak the Sufi Kathak dancer. The dance its truest sense,” stresses Manjari.
to center solely on the concept of thus becomes a communication In her peerless journey, Manjari
the formless Almighty. Manjari of the Self to the Almighty of seamlessly blends her dance
elaborates, “My dance form spans the union that is desired between with diverse cross cultural music
in exciting collaborations. Her But for Manjari, her dream
defining efforts have enriched the is not just to nurture the dance
dance form with new dimensions form she has created but also to
such as a series of distinguishing take it forward, with an added
music. By aligning Sufi Kathak deeper involvement with the arts.
with the Sufi music of Rajasthan, She founded the Sufi Kathak
Kashmir, Qawwalli of Awadh, Foundation, a non-profit registered
poetry of Bulleh Shah of Punjab, society, to create awareness for
spiritual music of Iran and artists as Sufi Kathak and other related
different as Tim Ries (of ‘Rolling ancient performing art traditions.
Stone’), Dhaffer Yousef and Ustad The Sufi Kathak Foundation
Shujaat Hussain Khan, Manjari aims to promote spiritual dance
has created for it a wider repertoire; and music and world cultural
one which was earlier never a part unity, also initiating children and
of any classical dance traditions. orienting the youth to become
A notion she has learnt and self-employed through arts – dance
taken forward given the strong and music, and evolve a humanist
knowledge of her roots, and outlook. The society’s mission is
constant efforts to bridge the gap Indian classical dance forms. “It also to provide financial, technical
between tradition and modernity. is a misconception to say that Sufi and medical assistance to retired
Trained in classical Kathak of Kathak is a form of Kathak, or is artists as well as needy students
the Lucknow gharana by Guru Kathak learned in Sufi tradition. who are committed towards Sufi
Pandit Arjun Mishra, Manjari It is a complete dance form with music and dance.
embodies the Awadhi ethos of the its own identity and thought Sufi Kathak by Manjari
Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb comprising process,” says Manjari. The poetry Chaturvedi transcends all religions
an intermingling of Hindu and is separate, the use of language to become a link bridging God and
Muslim cultures. She subsequently and movements, musical genre the devotees; taking one far away
learnt the nuances of other and even the costume, jewelry from materialism. Tantamount
classical Indian dance forms – the and aesthetics are all specific for a with serenity, piety and divine
base being the Natya Shastra – a Sufi Kathak dancer. For instance, power, it is attracting the new
doctrine fundamental to them. An the representative color for the generation at the international
experience further honed with her Sufi Kathak costume is absolute level, dissolving barriers as an
work in Nrityagram in association black with silver or gold edgings, example of unity in diversity.
with Guru Protima Bedi and Guru depending on the poetry of the Truly a symbol of amity in times
Kumudini Lakhia. Developing mystical traditions to be followed as trying as ours, Sufi Kathak
the detailing of expressions under in the dance. Manjari elaborates, breaks manmade boundaries
Smt. Kalanidhi Narayan and Smt. “The costume color is decided of caste, creed, religion and
Priyadarshini Govind, Manjari upon through references of states nations and connects hearts
imbibed the art of abhinaya to be of mind, uses of metaphor and through poetry, music and
instructed in the use of mudras other symbolism in the poetry. dance – thus creating a universal
from the Bharatnatyam genre to Although an array of colors such communication… a prayer!
◆
enhance Sufi Kathak. as mustard yellow, green and red The author is a reputed writer.
Through more than a decade may be used – each particular to
of Manjari’s dedicated endeavors, its relevance, prime significance is
Sufi Kathak, now, has its own given to white and black because
visual entity separate from other of their purity and completeness.”
the start. Eleven of the city’s gives a very nice feeling in the art from them it was not a case
Art fest at the galleries offered their services midst of this celebration. Hence of strangers moving in unknown
Commonwealth Games 2010 and the Lalit Kala Akademi, the
official body of the government,
the decision was to take this kind
of art to everyone instead of just
space…The choice of galleries
was made by charting out a criteria
under its Chairman, became the to the connoisseurs who might be of selection. ‘The galleries had
SHUBHRA MAZUMDAR prime movers in this act. But all coming to the Games during this to be in the business for over ten
this enthusiasm could easily have period.’ years and should have held major
I
t was one thought that led to another, according to art been swamped, if this collective Rupika set out a plan of action exhibitions during that period.
historian Rupika Chawla, that led to the idea of celebrating art energy were not streamlined. that followed a meticulous step- They should also have printed
the Commonwealth Games Meet with a showing of Indian This is when Rupika Chawla by-step approach. ‘The original catalogues and publications to
contemporary art. To bring forth this idea, from concept to fruition, came into the picture as curator works were to be procured from go with their shows and been in
meant a mammoth task of selecting the right works, placing them of an Art Fest to coincide with the about a dozen galleries of the city. the art business on thoroughly
at points of interest throughout the city and then, making sure that Commonwealth Games. ‘If the These are the galleries that the city professional lines.’ But then, as
the precious works were accessible to the common citizens as well Games are to be a celebration in viewers of art have known for a the number of galleries meeting
as the numerous visitors to the Meet. The idea was a seller from a wider sense, then viewing art long time so that while selecting this criteria began to pile up on
A spectacular view of Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium during the opening ceremony of Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 The paintings in this article depict comtemporary Indian art to celebrate the Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010
Rupika’s desk, a tough decision Museum of Art. This was included cityscape. They were also given their participation and the Culture
or two had to made. ‘Like in any to get a perspective of a privately the option to make fresh art based Ministry and Lalit Kala Akademi
venture,’ she admits, ‘there has run museum with a representative on the above themes.’ have backed the proposal.’
to be exclusion. One has to limit collection.’ At the outset, displaying Again, the right spot to display
oneself and not take on more than With galleries in place, one original works of art at public these blow-ups came to occupy
what one can handle. Besides needed to map out the kind of places for the convenience of the curator in her. It led her to the
saying that, there were also art that would be suitable for the all viewers was crucial. ‘We, Ministry of Culture for assistance.
limitations of time and energy, display. The artists were given then decided to make blow-ups ‘We were very fortunate that
so a deserving few might have themes related to the event for of some of the major paintings the project was approved by the
been overlooked, even if befitting. a start. They could depict the for the show. These blow-ups Culture Ministry. It simplified
But in life there’s a selection in city of Delhi in their art, or else are now put up as hoardings and matters even further. The officials
everything,’ she admits candidly. choose an aspect of sport from thereafter they will be up for sale. made a suggestion: “Why don’t
‘The only concession that we their own perspective and depict The purpose of the sales is to you use Archeological Survey
made in the expansion of our it. ‘The galleries were free to give create a fund for artists in need. of India (ASI) sites to put up the
exhibition partners was to include us works in their stock on the The Delhi artists will have come blow-ups?” and we fell for the
a private museum, the Kiran Nadar theme of sports or related to the to benefit collectively through idea.’
Getting down to the details,
Rupika soon worked out the
ideal sizes for the blow-ups.
‘We selected three alternatives:
10x8 feet, 8x6 feet, and 5x4 feet.
The choice of sites for display
were dictated by several factors.
It should be places where the
expected footfalls were to be
the greatest. The sites had to be
protected and manned monuments
under the ASI. They had to be on
the road, for a too recessed site
would lose the point. We chose
the Subz Burj area in Nizamuddin
because it is right on the road and
not recessed like say, Humayun’s
Tomb. The selection of the area
outside Qutb Minar was because
we rightly guessed that this would
be the most visited of monuments
during the Commonwealth
Games. The entrance to the
Red Fort, similarly, proved to
be ideal because there are grills
demarcating the landmark site
and the hoardings could be
conveniently hung up at eye level.
As these hoardings are back lit, the
paintings give off a glow. That’s
also why Khan-i-Khanan’s Tomb
was included.’
Choosing the kind of painting
that would merit enlargement into
a hoarding was also a concern
Rupika had pre-empted. ‘The
works of master painters as well
as new ones were chosen to give
a proper mix of works. The works
chosen could not be very complex
in their art inputs. The images
needed to have a consistency
to them. They needed to have
a graphic quality. Since this is
a celebration event, the theme
of the paintings too, had to be
and the mini scooter and the metro
in focus, is another image that
sticks.’
Having put to rest all the nitty
gritty of the art fest, Rupika makes
chosen carefully. Of course senior light of the hard work and the
artists’ works and many of their grind behind the success of the
earlier works had to be taken. But event. ‘It was just an extension of
there are fresh works in plenty my work,’ says this art historian
and artists have enthusiastically and curator. ‘I am familiar with the
brought out art specially for the artists’ thinking and involvement.
event. After all, they are a part of my
With the works on display, one several on football and all of them as the focus of glasses filled with world. In doing this fest I was
is tempted to ask Rupika to step giving off great energy.’ mausambi (fresh lime), and in not taking on something I did
into the shoes of the visitor and The series of works that dealt the background the hazy outline not know. This is my experience;
admit her reactions. ‘Of course with the city’s architecture were of the Red Fort; very evocative. the world I interact with. I have
some of the works were brilliant to another fascination altogether. Elsewhere, the works portrayed known the artists, the galleries
put up in the LKA Gallery but not ‘The architecture of the city, the angst of tree felling, and yet and the history of the place,’ is her
convert into hoardings. Other works ranging from the high-rise style to the red colour in it did not look confident summation.
were a pleasure to see during the ◆
the kind around Red Fort, had its negative. The peacock has been The author is a noted writer on art.
time of the Games. They were attractions. Others were dealing used as a recurring theme and the
Photographs: Deepak Mudgal/Janyta.
linked with sports …boxing, with identifiable landmarks such runner group going along Jantar
gymnastics, jumping, going over as Purana Qila. And then there Mantar is another eye catching
double bars, running, taking off, were some delicious ones, such one. The giant Hanuman statue
Fashion industry
goes from niche to global
SHILPA RAINA
I
t all started on the back of a paper napkin in a Paris cafe, when
India’s top-notch designers Suneet Varma, J.J. Valaya, Rohit Bal
and Ravi Bajaj decided to integrate the Indian fashion industry
by forming a body they named the Fashion Design Council of
India (FDCI), and which is now the apex body that represents
the interests of India’s growing fashion industry which is likely
to touch 7500 million rupees by 2012 from the current level of
5250 million rupees (growth rate of 35% p.a.) because of heavy
investment in the industry, consumer focus towards designer wear
and its ready availability in the shopping malls.
Designer Ritu Beri with models during her show at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week-2010
in New Delhi (below) and models showcasing for Monisha Jaisingh of HDIL (facing page).
Ever since the formation of
FDCI in 1998, the Indian fashion
scene has grown by leaps and
bounds and has acted as a bridge
between the designers and the
markets.
Today, innovative and creative
works from our designers have not
only become popular in India, but
some of them are doing wonders
in the international market as well.
Be it Suneet Varma’s tie-up with
international luxury accessory
brand Judith Leiber, or Manish
Arora, the first Indian designer to
show at the Paris Fashion Week,
the hub of fashion, this proves
that Indian designers are definitely
going places, showcasing around
the globe and wooing people with
their textiles and creative designs.
But, if one presses the rewind
button, one would realise how
“fashion designing” as a term has
evolved from being just a mere
“tailoring” and “useless” job.
“I still remember when I had
got through a fashion school
in London, I needed money to
support my education, so while
I applied for a loan, a banker
asked me with a great sense
of amusement: ‘Why are you
wasting precious money on this
useless degree and that too when
you will end up being only a
tailor,” recollects Suneet Varma
who graduated from the London
College of Fashion way back in
1986. There were regular “taunts”
one had to hear if one aimed to be
part of this developing industry.
Designer Rohit Bal with Bollywood actor

John Abraham during his show at the
Ven Heusen India Mens Week in New Delhi.
The perseverance led to an era private clientele and head towards working together as a group and budding designers by sending Lakme Fashion Week in
of designers like Ritu Kumar, Chandni Chowk (wholesale overcoming fragmentation. them to international fashion Mumbai – and the designers used
Tarun Tahiliani, J.J. Valaya, Suneet market in Delhi’s old quarters) in The work of FDCI, which weeks,” Sethi pointed out. to showcase the best they had to
Varma, Ritu Beri, Ravi Bajaj, a rickshaw to buy material for my has as many as 300 designers as Sethi, who used to be a regular offer.
Abraham and Thakore, Rohit Bal, next garment. So the business has its members, is more than just buyer at the fashion weeks has But, under Sethi’s aegis, the
among others, who, through their picked up slowly but steadily,” organising fashion weeks to bring helmed FDCI for the past two- industry has now got three more
efforts and designs have come a said Suneet. Thus, these designers business to the designer, as FDCI and-a-half years, strategized the fashion weeks in its kitty, starting
long way in putting Indian fashion were feeling the pinch of doing President, Sunil Sethi puts it, the business of fashion by demarcating from HDIL India Couture Week in
industry on the global map. their own stuff which was not at body is meant for servicing the fashion weeks and making it Mumbai, the Pearls Infrastructure
In the early days, due to the lack all contributing to the industry’s fashion industry and designers. more organised for buyers and Delhi Couture Week and the Van
of proper channels and distribution growth. “Over the years we have begun consumers. Heusen Men’s Fashion Week, the
networks, the designers had to One fine day, in Paris, they to move from the glamorous side Previously there used to be just last two in New Delhi.
depend on private clients just to decided to get organised and to the business side of fashion. So two editions of the business-to- “When I took over, these
make ends meet. FDCI was formed with 10 while established designers are business event – Wills Lifestyle different streams of fashion shows
“I still remember, how I used to founding members, Suneet being important entities, we do try to India Fashion Week (WIFW) – in were already planned but they
make 2-3 garments, sell them to a one of them, with the aim of give opportunities to young and New Delhi and two editions of never saw the light of the day. So,
Tarun Tahiliani’s Bridal Exposition in New Delhi Showcasing J J Valaya’s creations at the Delhi Couture Week 2010
Manish Malhotra’s creations at the HDIL fashion show (facing page) and models showcasing Suneet Varma’s designs at the Delhi Couture Week 2010
I decided to take it forward,” said Designer Leena Singh of it is very celebrity driven, FDCI
Sethi. designer duo Ashima-Leena, who is doing its bit to overcome this
“These different fashion weeks is also a FDCI board member, says image.
have given the business of fashion all the designers wanted was a “For the survival of certain
a defined structure. Earlier, not platform and the council has acted properties like the couture weeks,
just designers, but consumers and as a bridge for all of them. one has to have the glamour
buyers too were confused because “When we started, the fashion quotient, but apart from that our
every designer was showcasing industry was at a nascent stage prime effort is to generate more
everything under WIFW. There and there were just 7-8 designers, business for designers and promote
was a bit of pret, a bit of diffusion, so it was manageable. But with them,” explained Sethi.
a bit of couture and a bit of men’s the years, competition has grown “I want to change the perception
wear. and hence, we needed a body like of people towards this industry
“This demarcation has helped FDCI to regulate the industry who feel it’s very flippant and not
the business by making it more and help the younger lot,” Leena a respectable industry. A lot of
organised and now consumers maintained. people feel fashion designers are
and buyers know where to head There is also a perception in known only for parties and page 3
depending on the kind of garments some quarters that the fashion events but what they don’t know is
he or she is interested in,” Sethi industry comprises mainly of how much of hard work they put
pointed out. “pseudo intellectuals” and that in their collection.
Malini Ramani show at the grand finale of Lakme Fashion Week (above) and a model walks the runway in an Ritu Kumar design (facing page)
“So, in the end if they work thousand bucks higher than what are organising them, would be
hard, they also play hard. One you get on a regular store. So, it is doing so for their own commercial
should study the life of a fashion affordable,” said Sethi. benefit and to get attention,” said
student till he becomes a young Today, studying fashion is no Sethi.
designer – it’s really a lot of blood more considered “taboo” and there “If through these shows, they
and sweat,” Sethi added. are government-promoted schools are able to generate business for
Sethi also feels FDCI has to like the National Institute of the designers, then it is good,
move beyond organising fashion Fashion Technology (NIFT) and in but unfortunately this is not
weeks and for this, they want more the private sector, schools like the happening. So it is doing no good
support from the government. Pearl Academy of Fashion (PAF). to the industry,” he added.
Top on the agenda that Sethi The other thing that has Overall, it can be said that
has, in his to-do list, is to change happened in the last two years is thanks largely to the FDCI, India’s
the perception of people towards the mushrooming of state-specific fashion industry is on a firm
buying designer clothes, as most fashion shows to enable designers footing and set for growth.
◆
people discard fashion labels by to reach out to more people, but Specially commissioned feature from IANS.
saying they are “unaffordable” and Sethi feels otherwise.
Photographs: IANS
only meant for the elite. “Initially I thought it was a
“Yes, high-end couture does good thing but later I realised I had
come for a heavy price, but misjudged the whole situation. I
fashion designers also sell street didn’t realise that standards would
fashion which comes for just a few go down so much that people who
INDIA PERSPECTIVES VOL 24 NO. 4/2010 108

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Vol 24 No.

4/2010 ISSN 0970 5074

Sun setting over a cluster of Chattris

Cover: A captivating moment in Sufi Kathak –

Lahaul Spiti glacier on way to Kunzum La

Lahaul – a summer view

Ki Gompa – the jewel of Spiti

Ever changing weather and towards Rohtang La (facing page) and

Facing page: The glorious Himalayas.

Front garden and entrance of Hotel Ramgarh.

Visitors at the central dome of the

“Our Organization, the United UN Charter. But obviously, it was

Countries which joined Pan-African e-Network in Phase II (August 16, 2010):

Participating Indian institutions in e-Network

physical does not get its full sense

Oral memory, practice

Left top to bottom: The Adi Guru Granth in

Nandlal Bose, B.B. Mukherjee and

A Kathak dancer as she finishes a pirouette with

costume accentuates the circular the cut and tailored costume is

Designer Rohit Bal with Bollywood actor

INDIA PERSPECTIVES VOL 24 NO. 4/2010 108

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