Mumbai Diary: Friday Dossier

A taste of Godrsquos Own CountryThe 2019 edition of the festival was focused on Maharashtrarsquos cultural heritageToday is your last chance to check out a unique virtual fest at Mumbairsquos Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport museum Jaya HE The museum has been hosting the third edition of the Aaghosham carnival with events that showcase the cultural diversity of the state of Kerala The festival enables audiences from across the globe to attend storytelling sessions talks and forums that explore the statersquos cultural history culinary traditions textiles industries and more ldquoWersquove been focusing on the culture social structure arts and rich heritage among other lesserknown facets of Kerala We aimed to bring a note of positivity and adventure to patrons from across the globe by providing them the opportunity to explore the indigenous culture and heritage of the state from their homesrdquo said Rekha Nair the museumrsquos director Tune into the celebrations on their social media platformsA musical journeyDid you know that Indian Ocean bassist and composer Rahul Ram was an IITian Fans of Ram can get up and close with the musician at a virtual session organised by the India Foundation for the Arts IFA along with SIFF Academy of Classical and Contemporary Arts on June 26 while contributing to a good cause Titled Hitting the High Notes proceeds from the event will help IFA in supporting artists Menaka Rodriguez head resource mobilisation and outreach said that the live conversation between executive director of IFA Arundhati Ghosh and Ram will be interspersed with music ldquoHersquoll chat about how he got into music his inspirations and how the band came together Hersquoll also talk about his engagement with social issues like the Narmada Bachao Movement and Aisi Taisi Democracyrdquo Head to IFArsquos Facebook page to book your seatCatch them youngChildren aged between five and seven years can take a real shot at exploring their musical side while learning from maestros The National Centre for the Performing Artsrsquo Symphony Orchestra of India SOI has designed an introductory music training programme called Prelude Your First Note The 10week online course shared Marat Bisengaliev music director of SOI will be taught by members of the orchestra ldquoUsing a simple small and inexpensive instrument like the recorder kids can develop coordination and fine motor and listening skills Although western classical music is the backbone of the programme theyrsquoll learn basics such as reading of notes rhythm patterns and pitch If a child decides to learn an instrument in a different genre after the programme the foundational music skills are easily transferablerdquo Bisengaliev added Log on to soimumbaicomprelude to registerSaying it with PrideLopamudra Mohanty Jim TharakanJune calls for stories of Pride and the folks at TabooDana an online platform have geared up to host a storytelling session to showcase these narratives The storyteller for their next virtual session on June 26 is Lopamudra Mohanty founder of the learning space Big Buddy World ldquoWhen the pandemic began we went virtual and started holding sessions on concepts like sexuality erotic poetry mental health and more Next week Mohanty will narrate a few LGBTQiAthemed stories Our tagline is Be Untwisted Wersquore hoping for people who might have twisted ideas or concepts to walk in and walk out with inspiring storiesrdquo said Jim Tharakan founder of TabooDana The 90minute session will be followed up with a 45minute long discussion ldquoThe session will focus on being proud of your sexual orientation and celebrating everyonersquos differences for what they arerdquo added TharakanSupport for the artistically inclinedThe past year has underlined the need for meaningful artsbased digital content aimed specifically at children And Kolkatabased nonprofit ThinkArts is inviting artistes in India to create digital work for kids to ensure they have access to quality arts content with its ThinkArts Grant 2021 Programme manager Analina Sanyal told this diarist that they are looking to zero in on five such applicants who will be offered a sum of R50000 to craft an original digital piece for young audiences ldquoThe only criteria is that it has to be at least 20 minutes long It can be nonverbal in English or in any Indian language and across any form Previously wersquove had submissions in the form of theatre clowning stopmotion audio stories puppetry etc toordquo Sanyal explained Interested folk can head to thinkartscoingranthtml to apply by June 30